Mastering Ball Winning In FIFA 23 On PS5

Hey guys! Ready to level up your FIFA 23 game on the PS5? One of the most critical skills to master is ball winning. It's not just about running around wildly; it's about strategy, timing, and knowing how to pressure your opponent effectively. In this guide, we'll dive deep into the best techniques and strategies to steal the ball consistently, giving you a massive advantage on the pitch. We'll explore everything from basic tackling to advanced positioning, helping you become a defensive powerhouse. Get ready to transform your game from a defensive liability into a ball-winning machine! So, let's get into it.

Understanding the Basics: Tackling and Positioning

Alright, first things first, let's talk about the fundamentals. Ball winning starts with knowing your controls and understanding the different types of tackles. In FIFA 23 on PS5, you have a few primary options. The most common is the standing tackle (usually mapped to the 'X' button or its equivalent). This is your go-to move when you're close to the ball carrier and want a clean tackle. Timing is key here! Don't just spam the button; wait for the right moment when your player is in a good position to win the ball. Then, there’s the sliding tackle (typically mapped to the 'Square' button or its equivalent). This is a more risky move, but effective when the attacker is making a run, or if you need to stretch to get the ball. Be careful, though, as a mistimed slide can result in a foul and a potentially dangerous free kick for your opponent. Also, remember to consider your player's attributes. Stronger players with high tackling stats are more likely to win the ball in a tackle. Players with poor tackling stats might be better off jockeying and waiting for support.

Positioning is equally, if not more, important than tackling. Always try to position your defenders between the ball and the goal. This forces the attacker to make difficult passes or take low-percentage shots. Anticipate your opponent's moves. Watch their body language, the direction they are facing, and the passing lanes they are likely to utilize. By anticipating their next move, you can position your players to intercept passes or block shots before they even happen. The use of the 'R1' button (or its equivalent) on the PS5 controller to call a second defender to help you with the pressure. This can be great for containing the attacker and closing passing lanes. But, use this carefully, because it leaves other areas of the field vulnerable. So guys, positioning is all about being in the right place at the right time. Being proactive, rather than reactive.

Advanced Techniques: Jockeying, Contain, and Team Press

Now, let's level up our game with some advanced techniques, shall we? Jockeying is a great defensive tactic to use when you want to contain an attacker and delay their progress without committing to a tackle. By holding down the 'L2' button (or its equivalent) while defending, your player will get into a better defensive stance. This allows you to stay in front of the attacker, forcing them to either pass or try to dribble past you. The key is to stay patient and not get drawn into a tackle too early. Jockeying is an excellent way to force the attacker into a tight space, giving you time for your teammates to get back and help defend. Also, using jockeying and positioning correctly will give you a higher chance of winning the ball, as your players are in the optimal spot to make the tackle.

Contain is similar to jockeying, but it focuses on containing the attacker from a distance, rather than getting up close. By using the 'R1' button (or its equivalent) in conjunction with your movement stick, you can instruct your player to stay in front of the attacker and prevent them from getting past. This tactic is extremely effective when you're outnumbered or when the attacker has space to run into. Using contain and jockeying in tandem can be an extremely effective way of slowing down an attack while allowing the defense to regroup and get back into position. This helps you to maintain your defensive shape and prevent dangerous breakthroughs.

Team Press is a more aggressive defensive tactic that involves pressing the ball carrier with multiple players. This is activated by pressing the 'D-Pad' button. It's great when you want to win the ball back quickly or when you're trying to force a turnover in the opponent's half. However, team press can leave your defense exposed if not used correctly. The key is to only use team press strategically, and to always be aware of the positioning of your other defenders. If you lose possession, your defense will be highly susceptible to counter-attacks. So, choose your moments wisely and only commit to team press when it makes sense.

Mastering the Art of Interception and Blocking

So, it's not all about tackling! Interception is a crucial element of defensive prowess. It's the art of anticipating a pass and getting to the ball first. A player's positioning is key here; you want to be in the passing lanes between the ball and the receiver. A player's stats such as 'Interceptions' and 'Vision' will heavily impact the likelihood of a successful interception. Pay attention to the way the opponent is facing, their passing tendencies, and the angles of their teammates' runs. By anticipating their passes, you can position your players to intercept the ball and launch quick counter-attacks. This is a subtle yet incredibly effective technique that can disrupt the opponent's passing game and create scoring opportunities.

Blocking shots and passes is another way to prevent your opponent from scoring. When the attacker is preparing to shoot or pass, position one of your defenders in the direct line of the shot. If you time your block correctly, your player will extend a leg or arm, deflecting the shot away from the goal or intercepting the pass. This is more of an art than a science, as it relies on timing and anticipation. Consider the shooter's shooting stats, such as finishing or shot power, and then adjust your positioning accordingly. Blocking can be the difference between a goal conceded and a successful defensive play. Moreover, by knowing the opponent's preferred foot, you can better position your player to block the shot.

Player Attributes and Tactics: Customizing Your Approach

Alright, let's talk about the nitty-gritty: player attributes. Every player in FIFA 23 has a set of attributes that affect their performance. When it comes to ball winning, the most important attributes are tackling, interceptions, marking, aggression, and strength. Players with high tackling stats will be more successful at winning tackles, while those with high interception stats will excel at cutting off passes. Also, players with high aggression and strength will be more effective at winning 50/50 balls and challenging for possession. When choosing your defensive players, look for players with high ratings in these areas. You will notice a huge difference when going from weaker players, to stronger players. Stronger players tend to win the ball more often. Selecting the right players with the correct stats is extremely important when it comes to defending, so don't overlook it!

Tactics play a huge role in your defensive effectiveness. FIFA 23 allows you to customize your defensive tactics to suit your playing style and the game situation. You can set your defensive style to pressure on heavy touch, press after possession loss, or even constant pressure. You can adjust your defensive width and depth to control the space your team covers. Experiment with different tactics to find the ones that work best for you. Some people like to play a more defensive style and like to park the bus, which involves having a deep defensive line, with many players behind the ball. Some may prefer to press high up the field and win the ball back more often. By tweaking these settings, you can tailor your team's defensive behavior to your liking.

Practice, Practice, Practice: Drills and Tips for Improvement

Now, here's the deal, the road to becoming a defensive master is paved with practice! You've got to put in the hours to master these techniques. So, what are some drills and tips to improve your ball winning skills? Start by practicing the basic tackles. Go into the practice arena and try tackling the ball from different angles and positions. Focus on timing and positioning. Then, work on your jockeying and contain skills. Move your defender side to side and try to contain the attacker without committing to a tackle. The more you do it, the easier it will become. Once you feel comfortable, incorporate team press into your training. Practice pressing the ball with multiple players and try to force turnovers in different areas of the pitch.

Watch replays of your games to analyze your defensive performance. Pay attention to the mistakes you made, such as mistimed tackles or poor positioning. Identify areas where you need to improve and work on those specifically. You may find that you give up goals from crosses, or make silly passes in dangerous areas of the pitch. This is why replays are so useful, as you can see what is going wrong! Another tip is to play against different opponents with varying playing styles. This will challenge you to adapt and learn new strategies. Playing against opponents who are better than you will force you to sharpen your skills. Also, it’s a good idea to watch professional FIFA players. Learn from their defensive tactics and strategies. See how they position their players, anticipate passes, and win the ball back. Learn from the best!

Conclusion: Dominate Your Defense in FIFA 23

And there you have it, guys! We've covered the key techniques, strategies, and tips to help you master ball winning in FIFA 23 on the PS5. By understanding the basics, mastering advanced techniques, and utilizing the right player attributes and tactics, you'll be well on your way to becoming a defensive powerhouse. Remember, practice is key, so get out there, experiment with different strategies, and fine-tune your approach. With dedication and perseverance, you'll be able to consistently win the ball, shut down your opponents, and dominate the pitch. So go out there and show them what you've learned! Good luck, and have fun playing FIFA 23! Do you have any questions? Let me know! Peace out!