Gaming
Games
10 FIFA 20 tips to help make you a better player
Your friends won't stand a chance in your Kick Off or FUT games if you master the advice from this guide.
FIFA 20 has taken many fans of the franchise by surprise. While the gameplay is arguably more realistic than ever, it can take some time to adjust from its predecessor. Whether you're looking to win the Champions League in Career Mode, improve your win record in Ultimate Team, or even beat a friend in the new VOLTA mode, these 10 tips can help you become a better player.
1. Make the most of strafe dribbling
Strafe Dribbling gives you more control over the ball
© EA Sports
One of the headline additions for FIFA 20 is an added emphasis on one-on-one situations. Attacking players now have more options to get round defenders, thanks to the new strafe dribbling mechanic.
By holding down L1/LB, you can move around while keeping the ball under close control and if you hold down R1/RB at the same time, then you'll lock into the direction your player is facing. Strafe dribbling is especially effective when pulling the ball backwards, luring out defenders and opening up space for your forwards.
2. Perfect your timed finishing
Timed Finishing is back for FIFA 20, but has been rebalanced and is even harder to pull off. Nail the timing, though, and you'll be rewarded with much more consistent shots and will surely score more goals. It's worth spending time in practice mode or kick-off games to get used to this, especially as you can time your shots when taking a free kick.
3. Counter attack
Pace is back in FIFA 20 and better than ever, with bulky defenders (rightfully) no longer able to catch up with lightning-quick attackers in the blink of an eye. Just as with real life football, pace is a very effective tool in FIFA 20, which has made counter attacks especially lethal. Passing isn't quite as reliable as it has been in previous FIFAs, so opting for a more direct approach to attacking could be hugely beneficial as you aim to master the game.
4. Practice the new skills
FIFA 20 offers players more skill moves than ever
© EA Sports
Of course, with any new iteration of FIFA, there are new skills moves that let players show off their flair. While there are quite a few new moves to learn, the one that stands out the most is the Lateral Heel to Heel. This three-star skill move allows you to change direction quickly in a move similar to the Ronaldo Chop. To perform it, hold L1/LB and flick the right stick to one side and then the other.
There's also a stylish, four-star variant of the Roulette called the Flair Roulette, which is performed by holding L1/LB while performing the usual Roulette input of rotating the right-stick 180 degrees forward. Pick one of the new skill moves before a match and try to perform it in different situations to not only add the input to your muscle memory, but also figure out the most efficient time to use it.
5. Jockey more in defence
Another change to get used to in FIFA 20 is the fact that players can no longer rely on the AI alone to safely defend. You have to take control and outsmart your opponent to win the ball back, which is easier said than done.
You should stop relying on holding down X/A and instead look to mostly jockey with L2/LT. You can now hold down R2/RT at the same time to fast jockey, allowing your defender to cover a lot of ground and increase their chances of intercepting a pass. Otherwise, be patient and jockey until the time is right and then release both that and the sprint button to challenge for the ball.
6. Try the new types of passing
In FIFA 20, you'll have more passing options at your disposal than ever before. You can now double tap the pass (X/A) or through ball (Triangle/Y), so that the ball 'dinks' over the defender's interception, which is particularly useful for sticky situations. You can press lofted through ball (L1/LB) + (Triangle/Y) twice to perform a driven version of the looping pass.
7. Call your goalkeeper out for corners
Ederson was a big reason why Man City won the Premier League in 2018–19
© EA Sports
One of the more subtle changes to FIFA 20 is that you can now purposely ask your goalkeeper to come out and claim a cross. By tapping and then holding down Triangle/Y, your goalkeeper will rush off his line and jump to either catch or punch the incoming cross. This can be particularly useful for corners if you opponents play with a lot of width, but, of course, just like in real life, this can be a risky technique.
8. Learn how to utilise the new free kicks
Set pieces have been completely overhauled, with the new free kick system being especially exciting, albeit tricky. You now aim your shot with the left-stick and use the right-stick to add spin. Depending on how you rotate the stick, you can add dip, curve, or even knuckleball the shot. You will want to become familiar with these techniques and get used to each method of spin, especially as the faster you input the spin the more curve you will get.
9. Brush up on your penalties
As well as free kicks, penalties are now quite a lot different on FIFA 20. Aiming with the left-stick will decide the elevation of the shot, while the power will determine the trajectory; low power will result in a finessed, accurate shot, while high power will offer a strong, driven finish. Like free kicks, you can also utilise Timed Finishing from the spot -- if you're brave enough that is.
10. Get used to power tackling
You can get stuck in by charging up your tackles
© EA Sports
Defending is tough in FIFA 20. One neat trick to keep in mind is that you can now control the power of your tackle by holding down either the stand tackle (O/B), or slide tackle (Square/X) button. Fully charging your tackle will cause your defender to lunge forward, which is perfect for a surprise challenge, or ensuring that the attacker can't recover the rebound. However, take care in doing so, as if you're not careful, you could be caught out of position and give a foul away in a dangerous area.
