How to Defend in FIFA 20

One of the most significant changes you will notice as you enter FIFA 20 is how difficult it is to defend and how the game becomes more punitive because of player mistakes. But don't worry, we've created the FIFA 20 defend guide for you, giving you some useful defend tips.

1. Defending Basics

The first thing to go over is the basics of defending in FIFA 20. There are a few different ways of tackling and some extra button inputs to know. They are:

Platform/Input PS4 Xbox One Switch
Stand Tackle Circle B A
Slide Tackle Square X Y
Contain Hold X Hold A Hold B
Jockey Hold L2 Hold LT Hold LZ
Switch Player L1 or Right Stick LB or Right Stick L or Right Stick

2. Switch Into Defenders Only When Required

One of the easiest ways to concede goals is by switching into your defenders when you don't have to. Drawing a center back out of position opens up holes for the opposition to cut through with their forwards. Try to keep your defenders locked into position and only switch into them from your midfielders if required.

3. Choose your Best Defenders

Your defenders' OVR ratings matter greatly. Defending, pace, tackling, heading and physical are also important for a defender.

I advise you to pick 4 or 5 defenders with the best stats for your defending line, while you will choose defenders with finer tackling and heading. Pick defenders with better tackling and pacing for LB/RB.

You will also need to strengthen your midfielders that will ultimately aid your defenders. Choosing midfielders with higher defensive stats will improve your defending line.

4. Strengthen your PVP Brawls

Mastering all of the on-ground battles that you may expect yourself to face, is something that I would advise you to do.

Avoid stressing yourself even if there are more opposing attackers than friendly defenders, try narrowing down the opponent's choices by effectively utilizing your defense.

Get yourself time by disrupting the enemy's attacks. Keep to short tackles to focus on player-on-player battles during the match.

You may not want to micro-manage by trying to control all of the players in all parts of the match. Consider letting the computer manage some of the defense plays, which may even turn out to be better than yours.

5. Implement Player Instructions to Defenders


Certain instructions are vital to a team's defending. For one, setting both full-backs to Stay Back While Attacking will make your backline solid. Depending on your formation, keeping one CDM to stay back with Cover Center, Cut Passing Lanes, and Aggressive Interceptions is strong.

6. Use Formations Suited for Better Defending

It might sound straightforward, but formations are important in determining how a team defensively reacts and plays. Here is a list of strong formations for defending that also offer offensive qualities:

      4-2-3-1
      4-4-2
      4-3-3 (3) [Defend]
      4-2-2-2
      4-1-2-1-2 (2) [Narrow]

You'll notice that these formations are more prevalent because of how they work in the meta.

7. Make the most of hard tackles

In FIFA 20, you can determine the power of your tackle by holding down the standing tackle button (O/B) or slide tackle button (Square/X).

A full-power hard tackle will send your player lunging forward which can be fantastic for closing big gaps, but if you miss then your defender will be completely out of position, making it a risky technique. Instead, two bars of power appears to be the sweet spot where your tackle will still be strong enough to prevent any rebounds but retain some accuracy and positioning.

8. Winning those One-vs-One Plays


To win such one-on-one plays, you will have to confuse the opponent to make them unsure about their next move.

You can consider bringing your goalkeeper half-way towards the attacker, which may cause the attacker to shoot towards the goal.

If you haven't brought your goalie further way from the posts, you will still be able to easily stop the cheap or strong shot from entering the goal.

9. Defend Conservatively

Take your time when defending your opponent. Don't rush into challenges and avoid sliding. Don't spam the tackle button and be patient. Being too pushy can lead to your defense being cut open by a simple series of passes.

10. Composure

One of the key parts of defending is what you do after you've won the ball. Take your time and try to find a pass that will keep the ball in your possession.

Avoid passing the ball down the middle of the pitch as the opposition can easily trap you, causing you to lose possession and potentially concede a goal from the quick counter-attack whilst your players are in transition from Defence to Attack.

11. Slide Tackling

Only attempt to slide tackles when you are defending desperately and feel as though a normal tackle will not win you the ball.

NEVER slide from behind as this ALMOST CERTAINLY will result in a red card, leaving you on the back-foot for the remainder of the game.

12. Clearances

Don't try passing out from the back when under pressure – it's not worth it. You're better off clearing your lines than trying to pass the ball to a fellow teammate who is close-by.

13. Learn your Squad

Once you've built your squad the way you desire, try and perfect its utilization by practicing and figuring out where your weaknesses lie. For this, you can go offline, or play online matches that aren't ranked.

If you want to improve your defense and make sure there are no holes in your defense, please read our defense guide carefully. For more tips and tricks on FIFA 20, check here. Also, here, you will see cheap FIFA 20 Coins on sale, helping you gain an edge in the ultimate team.

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