If you want to improve at FC 26 and truly dominate on the pitch, you’ve come to the right place. In this guide, we’ll break down how to defend, build up your attacks, and score effectively with practical, high-impact tips that work in every game. Having sufficient FC 26 Coins can also be very helpful.

Mastering Defense: The SPS Concept

The first step to becoming a strong player is understanding defense. A concept I swear by is SPS, which stands for Shape, Passes, Spaces, and Pressure. Following this priority will help you defend smartly instead of just running after the ball.

Shape: This is about maintaining your defensive formation. Whether you’re using a 4-4-1-1 or another setup, keep your defenders in their proper zones. For example, if the opponent is attacking down the right flank, use your right midfielder instead of overextending a central midfielder or fullback. Maintaining shape ensures every area of the pitch is covered and prevents dangerous gaps.

Passes & Spaces: Before you even consider applying pressure, take away passing options and control spaces. Opponents often look for open passes to progress the ball. Step into these lanes with the correct defender and block both the pass and the available space. This forces your opponent to slow down or make a mistake.

Pressure: Only after shape, passes, and spaces are accounted for should you press the ball. Pressing too early without proper positioning often leads to quick counterattacks, leaving your defense vulnerable.

Player Switching

Effective defending also relies on good player switching. The right-stick method (player-relative) or L1/LB button allows you to control the player best positioned to close gaps or block passing lanes. Practicing this against AI helps you respond quickly and maintain shape under pressure.

For example, if your fullback drifts too central or forward, switch to him immediately to restore your defensive line. Then, once the critical passes and spaces are blocked, you can apply pressure confidently—sometimes even using the second-man press (R1/RB) for added control.

Building Up Attacks: Pass, Move, and Dribble

Once you’ve mastered defense, the next step is constructing effective attacks. The two key principles here are creating movement with pass-and-go and safe, angled dribbling.

Pass-and-Go (L1/LB + Pass): Triggering runs immediately after passing keeps your players active and opens up space. This allows your wingers, strikers, and midfielders to move forward and stretch the opponent’s defense. For example, a first-touch pass to your right midfielder combined with an L1 pass-and-go initiates a forward run safely.

Angled Dribbling: Avoid dribbling straight toward defenders. Instead, take first touches at angles that maintain passing options and reduce pressure risk. This allows you to either play forward, back, or sideways, depending on what openings appear. Good dribbling angles let you react quickly if the opponent aggressively challenges you.

Combining these two—pass-and-go plus angled dribbling—creates smooth buildup play, keeping your options open while moving the ball up the field efficiently.

Attacking and Scoring: Be Bold

When attacking, there are two key rules to follow:

Do Something That Can Lead to a Goal: Many players play too safely and miss opportunities. Always make moves that, if successful, can directly lead to scoring. This could be a well-timed pass, a through ball, or taking on a defender one-on-one.

Master Powerful Finishes: Knowing how to finish in different situations dramatically increases your scoring chances.

Key Finishing Techniques

Normal Shot Across Goal: Ideal from wider positions, keeping the ball on the outer foot. Sprint into the ball, prepare your touch, and aim across the goal to beat the keeper. It can be done as a low-driven shot if the distance is longer.

Finesse Shot: Perfect for inside-the-box angles with the ball on your inner foot. Great for one-on-one situations against the keeper. Make your final touch without sprinting to maintain control and curve the ball around the goalkeeper.

Low-Driven Shot: When a defender blocks a finesse shot or the keeper rushes out, this is your best option. Keep the ball low to slide it under the keeper’s reach, significantly increasing scoring probability.

Final Tips

Always maintain shape and defensive awareness before pressing.

Use player switching strategically to cover spaces and passes.

During build-up, trigger runs with pass-and-go and dribble at safe angles.

In an attack, always take actions that can lead to goals—don’t be overly cautious.

Master your finishing techniques, choosing between normal, finesse, or low-driven shots depending on the situation.

By applying these concepts consistently, you’ll see a major improvement in both defense and attack. Remember, FC 26 isn’t just about reacting—it’s about anticipating, positioning, and making smart choices under pressure. A large quantity of cheap FC 26 Coins can also be very helpful.