Welcome to this FIFA 23 defending tutorial. Whether you’re new to the game or an experienced player returning for another season, understanding the defensive mechanics in this year’s edition is vital. Defense isn’t just about spamming tackles; it’s about anticipation, calculated risks, and using the right tools at the right moments. Below, we’ll break down both new and classic techniques, combining strategic insights and mechanical precision to help you lock down your half with confidence.
The R1/ RB Hard Tackle: A Risky but Game-Changing Tool
Let’s kick things off with a powerful new mechanic—the R1 (or RB on Xbox) hard tackle. This is essentially a more aggressive sliding tackle with extended reach and power. The benefit? It can save goals, win last-ditch duels, and block deadly shots. This is especially effective when your opponent takes a heavy touch or during kickoff situations where control is often loose.
However, this move has a high-risk element. If you miss, you’re likely out of position, and the opponent could have a clear path to goal. Not to mention, it has a clumsy, aggressive animation that could easily earn you a booking. Use it as a last resort or a surprise tool when the ball is there to win—but never spam it. When used correctly, though, it’s flashy, fun, and lethal.
Partial Team Press: High-Pressure Situations Made Easier
Next up, we have the partial team press. Activate this by double-tapping and holding R1/RB, which prompts two additional AI players to press the ball. You’ll see blue icons above their heads indicating activation. This creates a three-man press—a brilliant way to suffocate an opponent in his own half, especially in the corners.
Be warned: this feature is somewhat unpredictable. You can’t choose which players get activated, and it can drag players out of position, making it risky to use in your own half. The best practice is to reserve it for high-press moments when you’re applying pressure in the opponent’s third. If you don’t like the selection, release the button and try again.
The Power of Second Man Press (R1/RB Hold)
While partial press is situational, the second man press remains a core part of defending. Holding R1 activates a second defender who helps pressure the opponent while you manually cover a different zone. This year, it’s stronger than ever.
The trick is to coordinate your AI press with manual control. While the AI closes in on the attacker, you should manually cut off passing lanes—especially in central areas. It’s an effective way to create double pressure and increase your interception chances. Used correctly, the AI may even win the ball for you, making your life much easier.
Focus on pressing wide with the AI while you guard the middle. The center of the pitch is often the most vulnerable area for through balls and fast combinations. Always scan the field and make right-stick switches to place yourself where you’re needed most.
The Importance of Manual Positioning: Prioritize the Inside
One recurring theme in elite defending? Control the center manually. Let the AI take care of wide threats, while you focus on the high-risk zones in the middle. The best way to do this is using right-stick switching to take control of your CDMs and center backs.
Always be one step ahead—anticipate runs, recognize gaps, and position yourself before the pass is made. If the ball’s on the wing and not threatening, don’t rush over. Instead, stay sharp in the center and prepare for the next dangerous move.
When the middle threat is gone, use L1 to quickly switch to the nearest player and close down the ball. This method of layered defense—first manually sealing off the inside, then aggressively closing in—adds a robust rhythm to your playstyle.
Fullbacks as Aggressive Assets
A high-level tactic many overlook is using your fullbacks to pressure ball holders during the opponent’s build-up. Compared to your center backs, fullbacks are less critical to your defensive structure. That makes them perfect for surprise lunges.
Watch for heavy touches from attackers—those are your cues to strike. Quickly switch to your fullback using the right stick and charge in. This works well when timed right, but if you miss, immediately retreat and recover. Don’t let a missed lunge become a fatal error.
Defending as a Team: Use Everyone
Defense isn’t a solo job. Get your attackers involved in tracking back. Midfielders, wingers, even strikers—everyone has a role to play. Don’t rely solely on your back line.
Run back, support your fullbacks, and collapse the space. Even wingers with decent work rates, like Valverde, can add tremendous value when they commit to helping out. This adds layers to your defense and overwhelms your opponent with numbers.
Combine this with R1 pressure for even more coverage. Create a web of players cutting angles and intercepting options. It’s not just about stealing the ball—it’s about making the opponent uncomfortable and forcing mistakes.
1v1 Defense: Master the Jockey (L2/LT)
In 1v1 situations, your best friend is the jockey button—L2 or LT. Forget about auto-contain; it’s too passive. The L2 jockey gives you fluid movement, tight control, and better angles when facing attackers.
Crucially, always hold L2 when changing direction. Without it, your defender turns sluggishly and opens up gaps. With it, turns are tighter, faster, and far more responsive. This becomes especially vital during recovery runs or tight duels.
Don’t just rely on L2 alone, though. Add R2 (sprint) when needed for a quick burst of speed, creating what’s called the “speed jockey.” This hybrid lets you stay mobile and aggressive without overcommitting.
The Balance: Aggression Without Recklessness
The final key is mastering the balance between aggression and patience. Being too passive gives opponents space; being too reckless opens you up. The best defenders strike in moments of weakness—a bad touch, a slow turn, a miscalculated pass.
Always scan the pitch. Read the play. Position first, strike second. Use your tools—R1 press, L2 jockey, fullback aggression—at the right times. Defense is an art form in FIFA 23, and once mastered, it turns you into a wall your opponent cannot break.
Wrap-Up
This year’s game rewards sharp minds and fast fingers. Defending isn’t a backup plan—it’s your first attack. Master the new features like the hard tackle and partial press, sharpen your old habits with the jockey and second man press, and always work as a unit.
Keep practicing, stay composed, and take control of every defensive moment. You’ll find your gameplay rising to a whole new level.
Until next time—good luck, stay sharp, and defend like a pro.
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