FIFA 23: How To Defend Like Pro [Tips & Tricks]

FIFA 23 is the last in line to the historical franchise that inspired many football fans. The fast-paced gameplay is what makes it so unique, and the action feels certainly more powerful this season. However, most players lack defensive skills that make them fairly weak. Therefore, we have created a guide that will show you how to defend in FIFA 23 and also has some great defending tips for you to get started.  

Our guide today will focus on how to defend in FIFA 23 and some of the best defending tips that will help you become a defensive monster.

Defending is a core part of your gameplay and matches. Without defending will not be able to progress much in the game, and you will be prone to the strategies and attacks of your opponent team.

Especially when you are playing in the multiplayer mode, you will need all the difference you can get, as your offensive skills alone will not be enough.

Assembling The Best Squad 

It is no doubt that the team matters the most when it comes to any game. When you are setting up your team, make sure that you choose the best defenders that are available in your club, especially for your Starting 11. Also, make sure that you analyze their ratings carefully instead of picking random players.

Here are some tips:

1. Choose Defenders Wisely: Pay attention to defensive attributes such as pace, tackling, physicality, and heading when selecting defenders. These traits determine defensive skills.
2. Center Backs (CB): Prioritize defenders with high ratings for positions like CB. Look for strong tackling and heading abilities.
3. Fullbacks (RB/LB): Fullbacks should have good tackling skills. Speed and pace are essential for them.
4. Strong Midfielders: Midfielders play a key role in supporting defenders. Select midfielders with high defense traits.
5. Defensive Midfielders (CDM): Consider including CDMs in your starting 11 to strengthen your early-game defense.

Team Formation 

Another crucial part of your gameplay is definitely team formation. Managing your defense requires proper strategy and careful analysis of your team members. There’s no doubt that the number of defenders you have on your team matters a lot.

Here are some defensive formations to consider:

1. 4-1-3-2: This formation offers a solid defensive setup with one CDM and four defenders. It’s versatile and allows you to switch to offense when needed.
2. 5-3-2: With five defenders and three midfielders, this formation provides a strong defensive line.
3. 4-3-1-2: This formation offers balance with four defenders, three midfielders, and two forwards. It’s flexible for both defense and attack.
4. 4-2-3-1: This formation includes two CDMs, making it sturdy in the midfield and defense.

Choose a formation that suits your playing style and comfort level. Experiment with different formations to find the one that works best for your defensive strategy.

Switching Players, The Right Way 

Using the right stick player switching has made it a lot easier for the players. Furthermore, it will also help you out a lot when you’re defending. It is important to note some players tend to struggle a lot with players switching, whether it is Elite Level or Division Ten. 

1. Access Controller Settings: Head to your game’s controller settings.
2. Adjust Right Analog Stick: Configure the Right Analog Stick for player switching.
3. Visual Indicator: With this feature enabled, you’ll have a visual reference indicating the player you’ll switch to.
4. Choose Your Preference: The visual indicator can be tailored to your preference, whether ball-specific or player-specific.

Take advantage of this setting to enhance your player-switching and defensive capabilities. It provides a clear visual cue, making it easier to select the right defender in the heat of the game.

Use Hard Slide Tackles And Backheel Tackles 

If you are caught in a situation where there is no open window of sending the ball out, then you can use the hard sliding tackles. Defensive awareness plays a huge role in it.

Furthermore, if your player does not have high ratings in defensive attributes, then there are possibilities of committing a foul in the game. On the other hand, back heel tackle has been introduced, which would also help you in situations like these. 

Keep Your Pace 

The next tip will be to prioritize your pace as much as possible. Keep in mind that the Running Jockey has been nerfed badly this season. Therefore, the attackers will be more dangerous, especially when running. Also, you will have three types of acceleration that include explosive, lengthy, and controlled for some specific players.

While control is just no other type of acceleration vigilante, you can get acceleration at a great distance. Furthermore, in explosive, you will get a boost of acceleration at the start, which can be quite beneficial for you. Depending upon their starts, the players will get a specific acceleration type. 

Manage Your Defense 

In FIFA 23, the defense will be manually focused for the season.

1. Prioritize Goalkeeper: Utilize your goalkeeper actively to bolster your defense and obstruct attackers.
2. Leverage CDMs and CMs: Make extensive use of your Central Defensive Midfielders (CDMs) and Central Midfielders (CMs) for defensive duties.
3. Minimize Back Line Reliance: Reduce dependence on your defensive back line, especially if it lacks strength.

Maintaining a strong defensive presence with your goalkeeper and midfielders is key to thwarting opponent attacks effectively and preventing your defense from being easily breached.

Using Partial Team Press 

A popular strategy in football is pressing. Therefore, there has been a new mechanism introduced called Partial Team Press. Whenever you are chasing the ball or the opponent player, selecting the option of partial team press will allow you to get two defenders and mark the passing options of the attacker.

In order to perform the PTP on Xbox, you will need to press the R1 button twice. However, on the PlayStation controller, you will need to press the RB button. It is undoubtedly an important strategy that can help you block the passing options of the opponent with the ball.

Wrap Up

With this, we conclude our guide on how to defend in FIFA 23, as well as some of the best tips for defending in the game. Hopefully, after reading our guide,, you will become a pro in defense and will be able to handle any situation that comes your way skillfully.

If you have any queries regarding our article,, leave them down in the comment section below,, and we will get back to you as soon as possible.