Welcome to your complete FIFA 23 dribbling guide. Whether you’re just learning how to move with the ball or already pulling off elastico chains in the final third, this guide has something for everyone. We’ll cover everything from the raw fundamentals to advanced skill move setups. The aim here isn’t just to help you memorize mechanics—it’s to show you how to use them fluidly, make better in-game decisions, and ultimately become more unpredictable on the pitch.
Left Stick Dribbling: Still Useful, Just Not Meta
Let’s start with the foundation—left stick dribbling. Simple, subtle, and still useful. In FIFA 22, it was lightning-quick and often enough to bypass entire defenses without using skill moves. This year, however, it’s a little more grounded. Left stick dribbling is now most effective when used to slightly adjust your positioning in the direction you’re already facing. It’s no longer a meta-breaking tactic, but it still plays a role in tight areas.
To improve here, you need repetition. There’s no shortcut—just spend time moving with the ball in different angles. And more importantly, pair your left stick control with smart sprint usage. This leads us to one of the most important dribbling principles in FIFA 23.
Sprint Management: Dribble Without Speeding
A massive part of being unpredictable is not sprinting constantly. New players often default to holding R2 or RT, sprinting into defenders and losing possession. But true mastery comes when you dribble without speed, only bursting when the defender least expects it.
Mixing sprint boosts into your movement, at random intervals, throws defenders off. Changing pace and direction at the right moment gives you a creative edge. Most important takeaway? Ease off that sprint button. Save it for when it really matters.
R1 and L1 Dribbling: The Meta Movement Mechanics
Replacing left stick dribbling in many ways this year are R1 and L1 dribbles. These are controlled by holding either R1 or L1 while moving. They allow for quick shifts in direction and refined close control.
- R1 Dribbling: Better used in the open field. It gives you slight distance from the ball but enables sharper turns and even backward motion quickly.
- L1 Dribbling: Shines in the penalty box. Think of it as a more agile, responsive form of left stick dribbling. Ideal for tight spaces and last-second shots.
If you’re not using these yet, start now. You should be dribbling with R1 or L1 almost every time you have possession, especially in congested areas.
Fake Shot and Fake Shot Stop: Simple But Effective
Next, we revisit a classic—the fake shot. Tap the shoot button and immediately cancel with X (or A on Xbox). This year, animations are smoother, and the move feels sharper.
The fake shot stop is even more useful. Do a fake shot, then completely release the left stick. You’ll freeze in place, giving you space to chain into another move. Great setups here include quick cuts or even an elastico. Simple move, big potential.
Push Dribble: Space Management With Sprint Taps
In open areas, use the push dribble by tapping the sprint button (R2) twice or three times. Two taps gives a controlled push; three sends the ball farther. It’s highly effective with fast players like Mbappé when there’s green grass ahead.
Use this to break lines or escape pressure after a successful skill combo. Mastering the exact push length gives you an edge in transitions.
Must-Learn Skill Moves: The Core Set
Now let’s look at the essential skill moves. These are the bread and butter of high-level play, the ones you absolutely must learn:
- Ball Roll: Hold the right stick left or right. Great for creating passing/shooting lanes. Easy and reliable.
- Ball Roll Scoop: Ball roll into a fake shot. Five-star move. Tricky at first, but excellent for fast directional changes and breaking ankles.
- Stepovers: Circular motion with the right stick. Makes you unpredictable in tight spots. Adds realism and versatility.
- Elastico & Reverse Elastico: Quick half-circle with the right stick (normal and reversed). Elite five-star skill moves. Game-changers in and around the box.
These moves form the spine of your attacking arsenal. They create space, draw fouls, and beat defenders cleanly. If you want consistent FUT Champs success, you need these in your toolkit.
Advanced Moves Worth Adding
Once you’ve nailed the basics, move on to these high-upside but less essential mechanics:
- R1 Elastico: An R1-modified version of the elastico. Tighter and quicker.
- Skill Cancels: Cancel mid-move with L2 + R2. Best with scoop turns. Opens up shooting or passing lanes.
- La Croqueta: Hold L1 and flick the stick left or right. Not a dueling tool anymore, but still good for quick shots or passes.
- L1 Chop: Fast tap-down-up (or up-down) with L1 held. Great for sudden shifts and shooting angles.
- Heel to Heel: L2 + fake shot combo. Underrated but smooth.
- Roulette: Full right stick circle. Stylish but more effective in open space than tight duels.
- Dummy: Hold R1 while receiving a pass to let it run by you. Extremely situational but devastating in a high-press environment.
These are not mandatory, but they expand your unpredictability and help in specific matchups or phases of play. Once you’re confident with the core skills, sprinkle these in as needed.
Practice Makes Predictable Players Vanish
With so much information, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. The best approach? Head to the Practice Arena. Use the skill move help overlay and new in-game camera to replicate real match situations.
Train basic skills first. Then slowly begin chaining them together—stepover into fake shot stop into elastico into ball roll scoop. Fluidity beats flash every time.
Eventually, it’s not about knowing 15 skill moves—it’s about using the right 3 or 4 in perfect harmony.
Final Words
Dribbling in FIFA 23 is all about tempo, misdirection, and smart mechanics. You don’t need to be flashy to be effective—you need to be unpredictable. Learn to slow down, then explode. Chain your skills with purpose. Make defenders guess, hesitate, and panic.
The more control you develop, the more dangerous you become. Whether you’re in Division Rivals or deep in FUT Champs, these tools can elevate your gameplay.
Good luck out there, and remember: being hard to read is your most powerful weapon on the pitch.
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