The FIFA defending system saw a complete overhaul in FIFA 12 and FIFA 13 does not seem to have any significant changes. There are a few new things you should focus on in particular, but most of the key aspects of FIFA 13 defending are carried on from the previous game In general, patiently control your opponent until you have an opportunity to make a tackle, which you must time right. Of course, this tutorial will expand these steps and explain the FIFA 13 strategic defending process in-depth.

Yes, I do take pride in making valuable guides for FIFA, but I have to admit, the Premier FIFA 13 Guide is excellent in terms of defending advice. I have a short, concise guide here, but the Premier FIFA 13 guide is seriously incredible with their defending information, they cover everything and some of their suggestions were things I've never even heard of - and they were also really helpful. If you really need help with your defensive game, I think you should consider taking a look at this guide. Also, if you'd like to try a more comprehensive review, try out my personal, unbiased review here.

 

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 13. 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.

 

Tackling

On most systems, the aforementioned button that allows you to push into your opponent has an additional function. If you hit that button when you have an opportunity to grab the ball or poke it away, your player will attempt to do so. Anticipate when the ball will be within your reach so that you can try this technique at the right time. However, containing your opponent well should eliminate reasons to attempt a tackle, so think of it as sort of a last resort.

Slide tackles are another story. If regular tackles are a last resort as mentioned above, then slide tackles should only be attempted when you are sure you will get the ball and/or you have no other options. FIFA 13 seems to have been sped up a bit, so get acclimated to dribbling speeds and how quickly players can get the ball out of their feet for a pass before you go sliding all over the field.

 

Pass Anticipation

In conjunction with containing your opponent, trying to anticipate the passes your opponent will make is incredibly useful. FIFA 13, like other recent versions of FIFA, is very passing focused. Solid 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. On the other hand, defending has changed little in FIFA 13, so if you've played previous games you should already be used to this defending strategy.

 

General Tips

• Use the right stick to change players faster
• Maintain a goal-side advantage over your opponents
• Be wary of skill moves
• Be riskier with tackles when a counter-attack is possible
• Be patient!