Master defending in EA FC 25 FUT. Jockeying, manual defending, when to tackle, how to defend against skill moves, and stopping through balls.
Defending in EA FC 25 is harder than attacking. AI defending gets punished at higher levels, so manual defending is essential. This guide covers jockeying, tackling timing, and how to defend against common attacking patterns.
**Jockeying** (holding L2/LT) is the most important defensive skill in FUT. It keeps your defender facing the attacker, allows quick direction changes, and prevents you from committing to bad tackles.
**Why Jockeying Works** When you jockey, your defender stays between the ball and the goal. The attacker must go around you or skill past you. If they make a mistake, you can take the ball. If they try to dribble past, you can tackle.
**When to Stop Jockeying** If the attacker stops or slows down, close the distance quickly (release L2/LT and sprint). If they are about to shoot, press tackle or get your body in the way. Jockeying is for tracking movement, not for blocking shots.
**Only tackle when you are certain you will win the ball.** A mistimed tackle leaves you out of position and creates space for the attacker.
**Good Times to Tackle** - When the attacker takes a heavy touch - When the ball is between their feet during a skill move - When they turn their back to you - When they are running at full speed and the ball is slightly ahead of them
**Bad Times to Tackle** - When the attacker is facing you and dribbling slowly - When they are performing a skill move and you are not sure where the ball will go - When you are the last defender and missing the tackle creates a 1v1 with your goalkeeper
**Manual Defending** You control a defender (usually your CDM or centre-back) and track the attacker yourself. This is essential at higher levels because AI defending is predictable.
**AI Defending** You let the AI control your defenders while you focus on cutting passing lanes with your midfielders. This works in lower divisions but gets exploited by good players.
**How to Switch Between Defenders** Use the right stick to switch defenders manually. This gives you precise control over which player you control. Automatic switching (L1/LB) often selects the wrong player.
**Don't Commit Early** If an attacker starts a skill move, do not dive in. Jockey and wait. Most skill moves telegraph the direction the ball will go. Wait for the ball to appear, then tackle.
**Defend the Space, Not the Player** Instead of tracking the player with the ball, position yourself between them and the goal. Force them wide or backwards. If they have no forward passing option, they must recycle possession.
**Use Second Man Press Sparingly** Second man press (hold R1/RB) sends an AI defender to press the attacker while you control another player. Effective for cutting passing lanes but leaves gaps if the attacker beats the pressing player.
**Lower Your Defensive Depth** If your opponent spams through balls, lower your defensive depth to 35-40. Your backline sits deeper and there is less space in behind.
**Manually Track Runs** Switch to your centre-back and manually track the runner. Do not let the AI handle it. Follow the run, get goalside, and jockey.
**Use Offside Trap Sparingly** Offside trap (press D-pad up twice) pushes your backline forward to catch attackers offside. Risky because if the timing is wrong, they are through on goal.
**Don't Chase** If a pacy attacker is running at your defence, do not chase them with your slowest centre-back. Switch to a faster player (CDM, full-back) and track them from an angle.
**Force Them Wide** Position your defender to cut off the direct route to goal. Force the attacker wide where they have a harder angle to shoot.
**Use Your Goalkeeper** If the attacker is through on goal, hold Triangle/Y to bring your goalkeeper out. This narrows the angle. Only do this if you are confident or desperate.
**Corners** Move your tallest defender to the near post. Manually control them and jump (press Circle/B) to clear headers. If the corner is short, switch to the nearest player and press the crosser.
**Free Kicks** Move a player into the wall gap if the free kick is close. Press Jump (Circle/B) when the free kick is taken to block low shots. For long-range free kicks, manually control your goalkeeper and position them.
**Holding Sprint While Defending** Sprinting reduces your turning speed. Jockey instead. Only sprint when closing down space or chasing a ball.
**Pulling Defenders Out of Position** If you manually control your centre-back and drag them up the pitch, you leave a gap behind. Let AI handle the centre-backs unless absolutely necessary.
**Overusing Tackle Button** Spamming tackle makes you predictable. Good attackers will bait you into tackles and skill past. Be patient.
**Not Switching Defenders** If your opponent switches play from left to right, you need to switch defenders. Don't control one player for the entire defensive phase.
“How do I defend against skill moves in FUT?”
“Best way to stop through balls in EA FC 25?”
“What is jockeying and how do I use it?”
“How do I defend manually in FUT?”
“Best defensive depth to stop pace abuse?”
“How do I tackle without fouling in EA FC 25?”
Ask our AI advisors specific questions about defending in FUT.