Learning how to play FIFA can feel overwhelming at first. The popular football simulation has millions of players worldwide, and many of them have years of experience. But here’s the good news: every pro started as a beginner. This guide breaks down the essential skills, controls, and strategies that new players need to compete. Whether someone just picked up their first controller or wants to sharpen their game, these fundamentals will build a solid foundation. From basic button combinations to advanced defensive tactics, this article covers everything a newcomer needs to start winning matches.
Key Takeaways
- Learning how to FIFA starts with mastering basic controls—practice passing, shooting, and defensive inputs in skill games before jumping into competitive matches.
- Avoid constant sprinting; use it in bursts to preserve stamina and maintain better ball control during gameplay.
- Defense wins games—use jockeying (L2/LT) to contain attackers instead of rushing with tackles that leave gaps.
- Build attacks patiently by mixing short passes, through balls, and skill moves rather than rushing toward goal.
- Start with one balanced formation like 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1 and learn it deeply before experimenting with other tactics.
- Watch professional FIFA players and review your own gameplay recordings to identify mistakes and improve faster.
Understanding the Basic Controls
FIFA games use a control scheme that stays consistent across PlayStation, Xbox, and PC. Players should spend time learning these inputs before jumping into competitive matches.
The left stick controls player movement. The right stick performs skill moves once players develop their abilities. On PlayStation, X passes the ball, Circle shoots, Square executes a lob pass, and Triangle plays a through ball. Xbox users will find A, B, X, and Y serve the same functions respectively.
Sprinting requires holding R2 (PlayStation) or RT (Xbox) while moving. New players often make the mistake of sprinting constantly. This drains stamina and makes ball control harder. Smart players sprint in bursts, when they have open space ahead.
Defensive controls matter just as much. Pressing L2/LT activates jockey mode, which keeps defenders facing the attacker. Combined with X/A for standing tackles or Circle/B for sliding tackles, these moves form the defensive toolkit.
Players who want to know how to FIFA effectively should practice these controls in the skill games section. The training modes teach timing and precision without the pressure of a real match. Spending 20-30 minutes here pays off significantly during actual gameplay.
Mastering Offensive Gameplay
Scoring goals requires more than just shooting. Understanding how to FIFA on offense means learning when to pass, when to dribble, and when to take shots.
Passing creates opportunities. Short passes (X/A) move the ball quickly between players. Through balls (Triangle/Y) send the ball into space for a running teammate. The key is reading the defense. If defenders sit deep, short passes work better. If they push high, through balls can expose gaps behind them.
Shooting mechanics reward timing and positioning. Players should aim for the far corner when facing the goalkeeper one-on-one. Finesse shots (R1+Circle or RB+B) curl the ball around keepers, these work best from angles outside the box. Power shots suit closer range attempts.
Skill moves add unpredictability. The ball roll (right stick left or right) helps players sidestep defenders. The fake shot (shoot then pass quickly) stops forward momentum and freezes opponents. These simple moves create space without requiring complex inputs.
Crossing offers another attacking option. Press Square/X to send the ball into the box from wide positions. Aim for tall strikers with good heading stats. Early crosses (L1+Square or LB+X) arrive faster and catch defenses off guard.
Patience matters on offense. Rushing leads to turnovers. Good FIFA players build attacks methodically, moving the ball until a clear chance appears.
Building a Strong Defense
Defense wins championships, this applies to FIFA too. Many beginners focus entirely on scoring while ignoring their back line. This approach leads to frustrating losses.
Jockeying (L2/LT) keeps defenders between the attacker and the goal. Players should resist the urge to immerse with tackles. Instead, they should contain the opponent and wait for mistakes. Rushing forward leaves gaps that skilled attackers exploit.
Team pressing has its place but requires caution. Holding R1/RB calls a second defender to help. Overusing this pulls players out of position. Smart FIFA players use it sparingly, mainly in the opponent’s half.
Switching between defenders manually improves control. The L1/LB button switches to the nearest player. Using the right stick allows selection of specific defenders. Manual switching prevents the AI from making poor decisions.
Sliding tackles carry risk. A missed slide leaves the defender on the ground while the attacker runs past. Standing tackles (Circle/B when close) offer a safer alternative. Save slides for desperate situations or when the timing is perfect.
Positioning matters more than aggression. Defenders should track runs, cover passing lanes, and stay goal-side of attackers. Players learning how to FIFA defensively should watch their replays. This reveals patterns and mistakes to correct.
Exploring Game Modes
FIFA offers several game modes that cater to different play styles. Each mode helps players develop skills while providing unique experiences.
Kick-Off mode lets players jump straight into matches. It’s perfect for learning controls and testing formations. Friends can play locally, making it ideal for casual sessions.
Career Mode puts players in charge of a club or national team. They handle transfers, training, and match tactics across multiple seasons. This mode teaches squad management and long-term strategy. It also provides low-pressure matches against AI opponents.
Ultimate Team (FUT) combines football with card collecting. Players build squads by earning or purchasing player cards. This competitive mode features online matches and weekly challenges. The learning curve is steeper here since opponents range from beginners to experts.
Volta Football offers street-style matches. Smaller teams and enclosed pitches emphasize skill moves and individual play. It’s a fun break from traditional 11v11 football.
Online Seasons lets players compete against others using real club rosters. This mode matches players based on skill level, creating fair competition. Those wondering how to FIFA against real opponents should start here.
Pro Clubs allows players to create a custom footballer and team up with friends. Each person controls one player, requiring genuine teamwork and communication.
Tips for Improving Your Skills
Improvement in FIFA comes from focused practice and smart habits. These tips accelerate the learning process.
Play the skill games regularly. They teach specific mechanics without match pressure. The bronze challenges cover basics while gold challenges push advanced skills. Completing them builds muscle memory.
Watch professional FIFA players on YouTube or Twitch. They demonstrate techniques that tutorials can’t fully explain. Pay attention to their positioning, passing patterns, and defensive setups.
Learn one formation deeply before trying others. The 4-3-3 and 4-2-3-1 offer balanced options for beginners. Understanding how players move within a system matters more than constantly switching tactics.
Use custom tactics to adjust team behavior. These settings control defensive depth, attacking width, and player runs. Small adjustments can fix recurring problems, like defenders sitting too deep or strikers making poor runs.
Record gameplay and review mistakes. Most consoles have built-in recording features. Watching replays reveals habits that need correction. Maybe defenders rush too often, or shots come from bad angles.
Stay calm during matches. Frustration leads to poor decisions, reckless tackles, rushed shots, and predictable passes. Take a breath after conceding goals. Comebacks happen regularly in FIFA.
Those serious about mastering how to FIFA should practice consistently. Even 30 minutes daily produces noticeable improvement within weeks.