FIFA 23 Defending: How to defend with new blocks and tackling mechanics

Defending is an aspect of the game that often sets apart great players from the rest, and EA has introduced some new mechanics in FIFA 23.

There are changes to the blocking and tackling mechanics that offer new ways to stop your opponent.

EA has also made some tactical adjustments too, so you can set up your defence exactly as you want.

Tackling

There are two new ways to tackle in FIFA 23, as well as several changes to the tackling mechanics.

Hard Slide Tackles

Hard Slide Tackles can be performed by pressing R1 + O || RB + X.

This new tackling system is perfect when you want to challenge the attacker, and you are not worried about retaining possession.

The Hard Slide Tackle will be perfect for more urgent situations, for example, a last-man tackle.

Slide Tackling, Defensive Awareness, and Aggression Attributes play a part in how successful the outcome of the Hard Slide Tackle is.

Backheel Tackles

The new Backheel Tackles will improve the potential success of late tackle requests for high-rated defenders.

To trigger these tackles, defenders need to have high Defensive Awareness and Standing Tackle Attributes.

Additional Changes

• Tackle outcomes are intended to reward players that accurately predict the direction of a feint and other movements.
• Slide tackles are now a part of the Active Touch system with increased responsiveness, and improved tackle outcomes.
• Standing Tackles will sometimes attempt to put the defender's body in front of the attacker when winning the ball.
• A dispossessed player will no longer attempt to make an unrequested tackle after losing the ball.

Blocking

AI blocking has been a controversial topic in the FIFA community, but this season we should see a more realistic block mechanic.

Reflex Blocks

All new Reflex blocks are a new and more natural blocking system that is triggered when the defender does not have enough time for a controlled block.

These blocks will more likely lead to glancing deflections based on the recent physics improvements.

Additional Improvements

Blocks now have three distinct basic ranges.

• User-controlled player manual blocks: ~ 1.8m (6ft).
• A manual block can be requested with B || O.
• User-controlled player automatic blocks: ~ 1.4m (4.5ft).
• A.I. controlled player blocks: ~ 1m (3ft). ●

All blocks have a scaling range reduction for drastic direction changes.

• A moving player will be able to reach the full blocking distance in front of them, but the blocking distance in the opposite direction is decreased significantly.
• Player traveling speed and direction determines how much block reach is lessened in the opposite direction.

Defensive Positioning

With improvements to our AI behavior, we have made a number impactful changes to Defensive Positioning, along with a new mechanic to add to your toolbox:

Partial Team Press (PTP)

• Double tap and hold R1 || RB
• Partial Team Press sends two of your players to closely mark the opponent’s
  passing options.
• While PTP can be rewarding, it also risks potentially putting your players
  out of position if you’re not careful when using it.
• Teammates continue to mark until R1 || RB is released, the players are switched, or their Teammate Contain Stamina runs out.

Tactical Changes - Depth Tactics

We’ve set greater differentiation between both extremes of tactical depth.

• Higher Depth teams will hold the defensive line high and be quicker to push up the field when the opponent retreats.
• Lower Depth teams will sit deeper and not push up.

Defensive Awareness Quickness

• The Defensive Awareness Attribute influences how quickly defenders can get back into position if they are found outside of the zone they are intending to cover.
• Generally, higher-rated defenders will more easily recover and close down spaces.