If you want to take your FIFA 23 game to the next level, you’ve come to the right place. This guide distills five essential pro-level tips that will sharpen your gameplay and give you the upper hand in even the most competitive matches. Each tip is carefully broken down to help you understand the technique, how to execute it, and the tactical edge it brings. Let’s build your personal checklist and elevate your performance, one pro tactic at a time.

1. Master the Driven Lobbed Through Ball

Through balls have been a core tactic in FIFA for several editions now, but in FIFA 23, there’s a specific variation you absolutely must master: the driven lobbed through ball. Performed by pressing L1 + R1 + Triangle, this pass sends the ball over the top with pace and accuracy, targeting attackers running in behind. But pressing the buttons isn’t enough—timing and player movement are everything.

The critical setup involves using L1 to manually trigger a run. If you’re controlling a player like Ginola and want to feed Mbappé, you tap L1 to send him darting forward. The AI isn’t aggressive with runs by default, so without this prompt, your attackers will likely stay static. Once the run is triggered, the key is timing: play the through ball just as the runner breaks the offside line. This coordination sets up a devastating attack that defenders can rarely intercept.

Want to add another layer? Try the first-time driven lobbed through ball. By playing it on the first touch to a runner in motion, the pass gains even more power and precision. It also confuses defenders, drawing them to a decoy player like Perisic before switching to the actual target, Mbappé. This blend of deception, timing, and mechanics is deadly when executed properly.

2. Use Long Shots Effectively: Travellas and Power Shots

Long shots are back in a big way, and two standout techniques dominate the meta: the Travella and the Power Shot.

• Travella Shot: Hold L2 + Circle when shooting. Ideal for angled shots, especially with a right-footed player on the right wing or a left-footer on the left. You’re aiming for that sweet outside-of-the-foot strike that bends into the far post. These shots are shockingly effective—even with players who have low shooting stats. The key here is to let go of sprint, face diagonally toward goal, and time it with a clean touch.
• Power Shot: Press L1 + R1 + Circle. This manual shot mechanic takes longer to charge but delivers a bullet when unleashed. Use it when you have a clear line to goal and a bit of space—especially when you’re facing the goal head-on. It’s also useful when you’re running in behind and expect defenders to close you down. Pre-load the shot early to catch the keeper off guard.

In both cases, understanding spacing and angles is crucial. While Travellas shine from wide positions and are more forgiving, Power Shots require precision and planning. Done right, these techniques will have you scoring from positions that your opponent thought were safe.

3. Utilize R1 Dribbling in the Final Third

With traditional left stick dribbling severely nerfed in FIFA 23, R1 dribbling emerges as the go-to method for tight-space maneuvering. This form of controlled dribbling, activated by holding R1 while moving the left stick, allows your player to stay agile and create small pockets of space.

This is especially useful in the final third when you’re looking to slip in a striker or set up a shot. Use it to shift the defender, force them into committing, and then release the ball into space. You’re not trying to weave through an entire defense—just to create that half-yard of space that leads to a goal. Whether you’re at the wing with Cafu or dancing around the box with Perisic, this technique can be the spark that unlocks stubborn defenses.

Think of R1 dribbling as your setup tool. It doesn’t always lead directly to a goal, but it opens the lane to make the pass that does.

4. Second Man Press: Apply Smart Defensive Pressure

Defense is no longer just about positioning—it’s about multi-layered pressure. The Second Man Press, performed by holding R1 while defending, allows you to bring another player to pressure the ball while you manually mark the passing lane.

But beware—this is not a button to spam. Use it selectively and strategically. For example, if your opponent is building on the wing and preparing a through ball, use your controlled player to block the pass, while the second man press applies heat to the ball carrier. This cuts off options and forces bad passes or backward movement.

Turn on Next Player Switch Indicator in your settings. This shows you which player will be activated when you hold R1, giving you more control over your defensive setup. Watch how pro players like Ollie Leto use second man press to create a tunnel that forces the opponent into a mistake. It’s a high-IQ move that elevates your defense from reactive to proactive.

5. Use Skill Moves Wisely and Effectively

Skill moves can seem daunting, but you don’t need to chain five together to make an impact. In fact, less is more. The real power of skill moves in FIFA 23 lies in their ability to make you unpredictable—especially when used in the final third.

Start by performing skill moves while walking or stationary. This slows down the animation, making it more effective and harder to read. Use one or two moves in combination with good timing and spacing to beat a defender. For example, you might throw in a step over to freeze your opponent, then follow it up with a reverse elastico or a body feint.

Even when your strikers aren’t making great runs or your options seem limited, a couple of skill moves can open the space you need. As seen in clips with Mbappé and Ginola, a quick movement—paired with calm control—creates scoring opportunities from thin air.

If you’re serious about adding skill moves to your game, dedicate time to a few core moves. Don’t try to learn them all at once. Get comfortable with one or two, use them often, and slowly build your arsenal.