Master Defending in FIFA Mobile: How to Improve Your Defense ; Pro Tactics, Controls & Defensive Setups

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Defence wins matches, and it's the skill of defending that can mean the difference between winning and losing. Playing competitively or just for fun, these are indispensable defensive tactics and techniques to assist you in shutting your opponent down effectively.

Key Defensive Principles

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• Remain on Your Feet: Only use sliding tackles when necessary. Sliding leaves your defender out of play, particularly if it's misplaced, leaving your goal exposed.

• Block Passing Lanes: Stand right in front of the opponent to block their dribbles and passes, causing them to make mistakes or turnovers.

• Preserve Your Back Line: Don't pull centre backs out of position. Utilise midfielders for pressure to maintain your defensive shape.

• Clear the Danger: If the ball is close to your box, don't think twice, clear it. A timely clearance can ease pressure and reset your defence.

• Use Off-Ball Control: Use off-the-ball control players to cut across runs and protect defensive shape without pulling defenders out of position.

Smart Tackling Techniques

• Front-Facing Tackles Only: Tackle only from the front or side to minimise fouls. Tackling behind is unsafe and generally punished.

• Avoid Hard Tackles: Employ standard tackles rather than hard ones to minimise foul risk.

• Double Team When Necessary: In 2v1 situations, close in on the ball carrier and tackle with authority.

• Box Awareness: Tackle only close to your penalty area when needed to prevent giving away penalties.

Goalkeeper & Special Situations

• Rushing the Goalie: Rush in from angles, don't rush straight in to harass the shooter.

• Manual Saves: Use pressure + swipe inputs to manually direct defenders and block shots.

• Backup Plans: Rushing your keeper, trailing behind a defender for a rebound or skill move in case.

• High Stakes: When holding onto a lead, a tactical foul or last-ditch tackle can be worth risking to run down the clock.

Set Piece Defence & Team Setup

• Free Kicks: Have a tall player on the post and man-handle them to clear manually.

• Throw-Ins: Mark goal-side at all times to cut off quick turns and crosses.

• Team Structure: Employ a four-defender formation. Spend on defenders with good attributes, height, and stamina awareness, spend 5–10M coins.

Advanced Tips

• Offside Trap: Employ it when your line is under siege.

• Sub Caution: Substitute yellow-carded players to preclude red cards.

• Defensive Focus Mode: Switch to defensive tactics after the 60th minute if you're ahead.

• Tech Settings: Turn auto-switch off and set graphics to optimise for improved control and smoother play.