FIFA 18: 5 defending skills to improve your goal difference

With the new and improved FIFA out in the market, gamers set out raiding on the internet for tips and tricks regarding new skills to be learned in the video game to be compatible with the new standards in the game.

While FIFA 18 is believed to be only a soft reboot of the sporting game, defending remains to be one of the most challenging aspects of the game.

The new dynamics in the improved version have been of little help to the defenders, as the major emphasis has been laid to the offence and graphical aspects.

While defending gets tougher with every new FIFA title due to the improvements in the AI, let's have a look at how to shut the tides to your goal and improve the goal difference to make an even bigger mark with these 5 defending tactics:

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#1: Sliding tackle

Argentine Javier Mascherano is known for his last-minute sliding tackles

Sliding tackles should be used as a last resort against skill moves and possession-based passing play. However, the robust tackles are the most effective against counter-attacking football.

Taking a long time to complete their executions, sliding tackle is arguably not the most efficient way to win the ball, but amends can be made for good with proper timing and quick recovery post-slide.

Controls: Square (PlayStation) / X (XBOX)

Timing: After the opponent touches the ball for the first time

The sliding tackle execution button could be pressed again while sliding to decrease the time on the ground and to ensure that the defender gets back on his feet at the earliest.

#2: Standing tackle

Standing tackles are less vulnerable to bookings and suspensions

More efficient and less prone to suspensions, the standing tackle is very effective against possessional play and in one-on-one situations. However, the move should be avoided against counter-attacks due to a limited range of motion in these kinds of tackles.

Standing tackles are efficient due to easier regain of possession and limited rebounds of the ball. For maximum efficiency, the tackles should be implemented when the striker is nearest to the defender.

Controls: Circle (PlayStation) / B (XBOX)

Timing: When the opponent is the closest to the defender

Standing tackles should be preferred over slides while using penalized defenders to avoid a sending off unless the need for a slide is severe.

#3: Jockey movement

Jockey movement is super effective in FIFA 18

Often hailed by bloggers and experts of the game as the easiest and most efficient way to defend in the gaming franchise, jockey movement is a special kind of movement where the defenders take an observant position in front of the opposition forward.

This famous way to defend is potent against almost all kinds of oppositional play. However, it must be avoided against counter-attacks due to a reduced pace of the defenders during jockey movements.

Combined with standing tackles, jockey movement ensures effective steal of possession, and surprisingly, the defender also keeps the ball within his control, opening opportunities for hitting the opponent on the break.

Controls: L2 (PlayStation) / LT (XBOX)

Timing: When near the oppositional forward

Jockey movement and standing tackles are also the best way to defend against skill moves and graceful passes.

#4: Teammate contain

Teammate contains is effective against dribbles and skills

In efforts to make the game more realistic, EA introduced the teammate contain tactic in earlier versions of the game, and since then, the tactic has made its mark as a significant method of defending, bridging the gap between the game and the sport.

Teammate contain makes full use of EA's artificial intelligence as users are able to control two players at the time, taking over the movements of the selected defender and calling up other defenders to close out on the forwards.

Teammate contain is very difficult to master, as it may open up the flanks for the opposition wingers and full-backs, but once mastered, it can significantly improve your game.

Controls: R1 (PlayStation) / RB (XBOX)

#5: Goalkeeper advance/charge

Goalkeepers like Ter Stegen are known for their on-the-ball control and movement

A simple tactic, this move allows the user to call up the goalkeeper out of the goal in a one-on-one situation or against corners and crosses. Goalkeeper advance can be risky, however, as it may open up opportunities for the opponent to chip the ball over the keeper, and therefore must be used as a last resort.

Goalkeeper advance can also be used while in-possession during game styles of clubs similar to FC Barcelona and Bayern Munich, where the keeper is asked to stay out of the natural position to compliment the high defensive line set by the centre-backs.

Controls: Triangle (PlayStation) / Y (XBOX)