In FIFA 14, the defending system changed very drastically and although it has not changed as much this year, it has definitely gotten just a bit more difficult. With acceleration and pace becoming significantly more effective on attack, it is simply more difficult to defend. However, this guide will go over some key points which will help you defend much more efficiently.
Tackling Manually
Auto-Tackling has become much less effective in FIFA 15. In previous versions of the game, your player would automatically stick a foot out if an opponent was dribbling close past. Although this still happens occasionally in FIFA 15, it happens FAR less frequently. In order to counter these changes, you’ll need to be ready to hit the tackle button yourself. This doesn’t mean that you should spam the tackle button, but just be aware that you will need to manually initiate a tackle a lot more often in order to stop speedy runs. Also understand that this is something that will come naturally with a bit more practice, so you will undoubtedly get better as you play more FIFA 15.
Containing
You should focus more on containing your opponent and ensuring he doesn’t get too close to your penalty box than sprinting as fast as you can to get to him and steal the ball handily, as that is unlikely in FIFA 15. If you jockey the players with the ball and stay with them, they will probably dribble into another defender or take a touch that allows you to take the ball from them. If you pressure well, you’ll probably also be able to take advantage of lots of poor passes. You can sort of push into your opponent as you contain him and try to shove him off the ball (controls depend on your console/system) which is another thing to focus on.
The most important thing about containing is that your focus should be on deterring movement of your opponent, but also to prevent the shot. In FIFA 15, shots can be devastating if they are not blocked. So, if you really want to defend well you must learn to contain with the intention of cutting off shots.
On Formations
Lots of formations in FIFA 15 involve a central defensive midfielder. With fast breaks being incredibly effective in this game, it is very important for you to have a big, preferrably fast CDM that can break up attacks before they get to the heart of your defense. At that point, they will have reached full speed and it is significantly more difficult to stop them. I feel that a single CDM is more effective than two men staying back as with two you will notice a big gap between them that can be exploited. Another tip we’ve received is to change your CDM’s attacking setting: Go to Team Management > Instructions, and select your CDM. Change his “Attacking Support” to “Always stay back while attacking.”
Pass Anticipation
In conjunction with containing your opponent, trying to anticipate the passes your opponent will make is probably the most useful skill you can perfect in this game, or at least in the defending part of it. FIFA 15, like other recent versions of FIFA, is very passing focused. For many players, their entire game revolves around a solid passing game. Effective defending involves considering all of the passing options and lanes available for your opponent and closing off the most dangerous of them. It sounds like a lot, but just keep it in mind when you’re trying to get used to the new game and it should become second nature. You will also want to try to “figure out” your opponent and get a good idea of what he’s going to do. Most players seem to do the same thing in every situation, so try to watch for these patterns and take advantage when you notice them again.
General Tips
1)Use the right stick to change players faster
2)Maintain a goal-side advantage over your opponents
3)Be wary of skill moves
4)Be riskier with tackles when a counter-attack is possible
5)Be ready to switch players quick and move one back for cover, especially against fast teams
6)Recognize skillful players and isolate them whenever possible
7)Be patient!