• Defending Tips in FC 25: Master the Art of Solid Defense
• 1. Track the Run In-Behind the Defense
• 2. Cut Passing Lanes with Your CDM’s as Much as Possible
• 3. Jockey to Position Your Defender and Only Tackle When You Have a Clear Path to the Ball
• 4. Normalize Using Right Stick Switching for Player Selection
• 5. Use the Shoulder Challenge or Seal Out to Shove Your Opponents Off the Ball
• Conclusion

Defending Tips in FC 25: Master the Art of Solid Defense

In FC 25, solid defending is the backbone of any successful team. Whether you're playing in Ultimate Team, Career Mode, or any other game mode, defense is key to maintaining balance on the pitch and shutting down your opponent’s attacks. Mastering defending techniques not only frustrates your opponent but also gives your team the foundation to launch dangerous counter-attacks.

In this article, we’ll explore 5 essential defending tips in FC 25 that can help you keep your opponents at bay, regain possession more effectively, and set your team up for success. Let’s dive in!

1. Track the Run In-Behind the Defense

One of the most important aspects of defending in FC 25 is tracking the opponent’s runs, particularly when they are trying to get in-behind your defensive line. It’s easy to get caught up in the ball, but great defenders are always aware of off-the-ball movements.

How to do it:

- Watch the attacking player's movement: Stay alert to forwards or wingers who are trying to make runs in-behind your defenders. This often requires you to anticipate where the ball will go and position yourself accordingly.

- Use manual tracking: When you see an attacker making a run in-behind, take control of a central defender and manually adjust their position to block the run. Use your defender’s pace to make sure you’re positioned ahead of the attacker, cutting off their route to goal.

- Time your tackles: If you’re closing down a player running in-behind, use a well-timed tackle to intercept or challenge the ball before the opponent gets a chance to get into a dangerous position.

By staying alert and proactive in tracking these runs, you can minimize the chances of conceding a goal from counter-attacks or long through balls.

2. Cut Passing Lanes with Your CDM’s as Much as Possible

In FC 25, having your central defensive midfielders (CDMs) act as an extra layer of defense can make a huge difference. Instead of solely focusing on chasing the ball, CDMs should be used to cut passing lanes and intercept potential through balls.

How to do it:

- Positioning is key: Keep your CDM in the central areas of the pitch, but adjust their positioning based on where the ball is. Always try to position them between the ball and the attacker to disrupt any potential passes.

- Press and cover: When your CDM sees the ball coming toward an attacking player, have them press the player in possession while also covering potential passing lanes. This forces the opponent to either take an unnecessary shot or make a risky pass.

- Use interceptions effectively: With your CDM in a good position, try using the ‘intercept’ button to read the opponent’s pass and intercept it before it reaches its target. This can help you break up attacks before they even start.

By cutting off passing lanes, you’ll be able to deny your opponent quick transitions and regain possession in key areas of the pitch.

3. Jockey to Position Your Defender and Only Tackle When You Have a Clear Path to the Ball

Jockeying is a core defensive mechanic in FC 25 that can help you dictate the flow of an attack and position your defender effectively before attempting a tackle. The key to successful defending is to position your defender correctly and only attempt a tackle when you're in the ideal position to win the ball cleanly.

How to do it:

- Use jockeying to guide the attacker: When the ball carrier approaches your defender, use the jockey button (L2/LT) to move side-to-side and guide the attacker into a less dangerous area of the pitch.

- Keep the attacker in front of you: As you jockey, always try to maintain a defensive stance that keeps the ball carrier in front of you. This reduces their options and forces them into making a poor decision.

- Only tackle when you’re sure: Don’t rush into tackles. Timing is everything. Wait until you’re in a position where you can either intercept the ball or make a clean tackle without risking a foul or losing the ball.

By mastering jockeying, you’ll be able to delay the attacker and force them into making mistakes, allowing you to take control.

4. Normalize Using Right Stick Switching for Player Selection

When it comes to quick, reactive defending, right stick switching can be your best friend. By using the right stick to switch between players, you can instantly choose the defender best positioned to challenge the ball or block an opponent’s path.

How to do it:

- Get comfortable with right stick switching: Instead of relying solely on automatic player switching or the shoulder buttons, practice using the right stick to select the player closest to the action. This allows you to have better control over your defenders, especially in situations where you need to quickly track a player or intercept a pass.

- Use it in high-pressure situations: Right stick switching is particularly useful when the ball is rapidly changing possession or when the opponent is attacking with pace. By quickly selecting the right player, you can ensure that your defense remains organized and ready to respond.

- Mix it with manual adjustments: After selecting the defender with the right stick, use the left stick to fine-tune your positioning and ensure that you're in the right spot to block, intercept, or tackle.

This technique will help you stay one step ahead of your opponent, giving you greater control over your defensive actions.

5. Use the Shoulder Challenge or Seal Out to Shove Your Opponents Off the Ball

When you’re defending against an opponent in possession, using physicality to your advantage can be a game-changer. The shoulder challenge and seal out are two great tools in FC 25 to regain possession without necessarily needing to tackle.

How to do it:

- Shoulder challenge: This is an effective way to use your defender’s strength to push an attacker off the ball. Approach the player from behind or from the side, and use the shoulder challenge button (R1/RB) to nudge them off the ball and regain possession.

- Seal out: If you're in a more physical duel and need to block the opponent from advancing, use the seal-out mechanic (L2 + R1 / LT + RB). This will allow you to shield the ball while positioning your body in a way that prevents the attacker from getting past you.

These physical defensive techniques are particularly useful when you’re up against players with similar or superior pace, as they allow you to neutralize the threat without relying on risky tackles.

Conclusion

Defending in FC 25 requires a blend of anticipation, positioning, and timing. By mastering these 5 defense tips, you'll have a solid defensive strategy to shut down your opponent’s attacks and regain possession effectively. Whether it’s tracking runs, cutting passing lanes, jockeying to position yourself, right stick switching, or using physicality to win the ball, these techniques will help you become a much more reliable defender.

Take the time to practice these skills, and you’ll find yourself dominating the defensive third, making it difficult for your opponent to break through. Happy defending!

We will share more updates on FC 25 in separate articles. If you found this information helpful or would like to learn more, please explore the other articles on our site.

How to Build the Perfect Ultimate Team from Scratch in FC 25.

Harry Kane's Player of the Month (POTM)- SBC Player Review and Ratings