Scoring wonderful goals has always been one of the best things to do in every FIFA edition, FIFA 23 inclusive. However, it is important not to overlook the defensive side of the game. Thus making this guide on how to defend in FIFA 23 timely.
Luckily for long-time FIFA players, there is not much change in the general control of FIFA 23, including the defense control, which only require a tiny bit of adjustment before you can start playing fluently.
For players who are new to FIFA, there is no need to worry! Up next will be a complete defense control guide along with some crucial defending tips that will change your game once and for all.
Defense Controls
Just like any other aspect of the game in FIFA 23, there are layers you have to cover before mastering defense in the game. There is no better way to start than understanding how each button works in a defensive scenario.
| Action | PS4 / PS5 Controls | Xbox One / Series X Controls |
| Change Player | L1 | LB |
| Manual Change Player | RS (direction) | RS (direction) |
| Icon Switching | RS | RS |
| Tackle / Push or Pull (when chasing) | O | B |
| Hard Tackle | O (press and hold) | B (press and hold) |
| Instant Hard Tackle | R1 + O | RB + B |
| Slide Tackle | Square | X |
| Quick Get Up (after a slide tackle) | Square | X |
| Clearance | O | B |
| Technical Clearance | R1 + O | RB + B |
| Contain | X (hold) | A (hold) |
| Teammate Contain | R1 (hold) | RB (hold) |
| Shield / Jockey | L2 (hold) | LT (hold) |
| Running Jockey | L2 (hold) + R2 (hold) | LT (hold) + RT (hold) |
| Shoulder Challenge / Seal-Out | B | B |
| Engage Shielding Opponent | L2 + LS (towards shielding dribbler) | LT + LS (towards shielding dribbler) |
| Pull and Hold (when chasing) | O (hold) | B (hold) |
| Rush Goalkeeper Out | Triangle | Y (press and hold) |
| Goalkeeper Cross Intercept | Triangle + Triangle (press and hold) | Y + Y (press and hold) |
Adjusting to the new control will not be hard if you are familiar with FIFA controls, but it may take you a few hours of playing the game if you are completely new to the controls. A little tip from us for beginners, get into quick matches and play progressively from amateur, beginner, to semi-professional.
Once you get the hang of the basic defensive control, you should consider exploring the tactical aspect of defending, comprised of the following:
| Action | PS4 / PS5 Controls | Xbox One / Series X Controls |
| Display Defending Tactics | Down | Down |
| Striker Drop Back | Down, Up | Down, Up |
| Team Press | Down, Right | Down, Right |
| Overload Ball Side | Down, Left | Down, Left |
| Offside Trap | Down, Down | Down, Down |
Tips for defending in FIFA 23
Now that you know the defense control essentials in FIFA 23, time will be the most important factor to eventually help you master the game. On that note, a few little tips may come a long way as you discover new defensive challenges when facing more dangerous attackers.
Speed is key
It is true that speed is not the only aspect of defending in FIFA 23, but with speed comes the ability to track back properly and catch up with pacey strikers on counterattacks. Whether you are playing quick matches or career mode, make sure to include at least one speedy defender in your line-up to cover your backline.
Click here for the fastest centre backs (CB) you can sign in FIFA 23 career mode
Click here for the fastest left backs (LB) you can sign in FIFA 23 Career mode
Timing the hard tackle
You can command the hard tackle by pressing and holding O on PS and B on Xbox. After a few times trying the hard tackle on lower-level opponents, you will notice that it is such an effective maneuver to use. However, things start to change when you face opponents who can read your timing, presenting a higher risk of foul with each hard tackle.
You will have to be careful with the hard tackle, but make sure you are not hesitant. Remember, the move is best for taking the ball off opponents with a heavy touch.
Lineup formation and tactics
You can experiment with different formations, but the best formation to defend is with 4 or 5 defenders at the back. The flank always presents promising opportunities to attack, but remember that the opponent can easily catch you on counterattacks with a pacey winger.
In any case, you can always adjust your defensive tactics by simply activating the offside trap or pushing your defensive line deeper toward your end of the field.
Play with the goalkeeper
You can always rush your goalkeeper out by pressing triangle on PS and Y on Xbox. This is one of the most overlooked aspects of defending and might just be the game-changer to your defending skills in FIFA 23.
As always, it is all about the timing. Rushing out too early will make you vulnerable to chip shots. On the other hand, rushing out too late will not close enough space to block your opponent’s shot.
That concludes our defense control guide on how to defend in FIFA 23. Make sure to give yourself time to practice and slowly progress through each difficulty level. If you’re looking to set up your defense, here is our list of the fastest defenders in FIFA 23.
In need of good centre backs? Check out our list oF the best CB in FIFA 23.
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