In FIFA 14, defend by choosing the player who can cover the next danger, jockeying to delay the ball carrier, and tackling only when you are close enough to challenge. Use teammate contain selectively while you manually protect the passing lane or space in front of goal. Button mappings vary by platform and configuration, so check your in-game controls before practicing.
Learn your defensive controls first
EA’s FIFA 14 manuals use the Classic configuration for their listed controls, but the mappings are platform-specific. On the PlayStation 4 Classic layout, the defensive inputs are:
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
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FIFA 14 - PlayStation 4 | $66.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
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FIFA 14 - Playstation 3 | $29.39 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
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FIFA 14 - Xbox One (Renewed) | $14.68 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
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FIFA 14 - Playstation 3 (Renewed) | $14.24 | Buy on Amazon |
| Action | PlayStation 4 Classic input |
|---|---|
| Manual player switch | Right stick |
| Jockey | Hold L2 |
| Contain | Hold X |
| Teammate contain | Hold R1 |
| Running jockey | Hold L2 and R2 |
| Tackle | Circle |
| Sliding tackle | Square |
These inputs are specifically for the PS4 Classic layout, not a universal FIFA 14 mapping. Check the controls menu or the manual for your platform and selected configuration before relying on them. EA’s platform manuals are available at EA’s FIFA 14 manuals page.
Defend in sequence: cover, delay, then challenge
1. Switch to the defender who can stop the next action
Do not automatically select the player nearest the ball. Use manual switching to take control of a defender who can cover the likely passing lane or get between a runner and a dangerous area. A contemporary FIFA 14 guide recommends flicking the right stick toward the desired defender and watching for the opponent’s patterns; treat that as practical advice, not a guaranteed way to intercept a pass. The specific input depends on your platform and configuration.
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2. Jockey to stay in front of the carrier
Once you have the right defender, jockey to hold your position between the attacker and the route you want to protect. EA’s coaching tip explains the purpose: “If you’re concerned about getting sucked in, press the R button to stand off the player and jockey for the ball. This holds him up and gives you more space to react to his movements.” The button in that tip belongs to EA’s PlayStation 2 manual; use the jockey input for your own platform instead.
Jockeying is for delaying and reacting, rather than immediately trying to win possession. EA distinguishes it from pressure: pressure attempts to win the ball, while jockeying holds up the attacker and buys time to respond. Avoid charging in from a distance; the 2014 guide cautions that a defender who commits too early can be moved around by the attacker.
Rank #2
- Pure Shot - Shooting has been transformed. Players have the intelligence to adjust their stride and approach angle to find the best position for hitting the back of the net. Well-hit balls feel satisfying and goals are rewarding. As well as quality strikes, players can now shoot while off balance or rushed.
- Real Ball Physics - Strike the ball with more force and finesse. Realistic ball physics now determines the trajectories of balls in game, enabling players to strike the ball with force from distance, drill low rising shots with accuracy, and blast dipping or swerving shots, just like real soccer players.
- Protect The Ball - Dominate midfield and dictate the tempo of a match. Fend-off and block defenders from the ball while dribbling at any speed. Protect the ball from opponents to control play through midfield and dictate the pace of the match. Plus, out-muscle opponents for position before receiving the ball, then turn defenders to carve out opportunities.
- Teammate Intelligence - Better decision-making delivers tighter, smarter marking and improved run tracking. Defenders recognize opportunities to provide support and win back possession. Attacking players have new ways to outsmart their opponents and break down tighter, more intelligent defenses by creating space for themselves, running along the backline and checking their pace.
- Sprint Dribble Turns - Utilize quick, explosive cuts and turns to beat defenders one-on-one while sprinting with the ball. Players can move in any direction, preserving their natural momentum and maintaining possession of the ball.
3. Use teammate contain while you cover another danger
When another defender can pressure the carrier, teammate contain lets you use that support while manually positioning your controlled player. Near the box, the 2014 guide recommends using this approach to pressure the ball while you cover a central gap, passing option or shot lane. It is an attributed tactic, not a promise that the supporting defender will force a turnover. Keep checking what your selected player is leaving open.
4. Tackle when the opportunity is close
Challenge when your defender is close enough and the attacker’s touch gives you a realistic opening. The contemporary guide advises timing a tackle as the ball is about to leave the opponent’s foot. That timing is a recommendation from the guide, not an established universal mechanic. If the attacker still has the ball under close control, continue to delay rather than lunging and risking that your defender is bypassed.
Rank #3
- Pure Shot - Players have the intelligence to adjust stride and approach angle to find best position for hitting back of net. As well as quality strikes, players can now shoot while off balance or rushed
- Real Ball Physics - Realistic ball physics now determines trajectories of balls in game, enabling players to strike ball with force from distance, drill low rising shots with accuracy, and blast dipping or swerving shots, like real footballers
- Protect The Ball - Dominate midfield and dictate the tempo of match. Fend-off and block defenders from ball while dribbling at any speed. Protect ball from opponents to control play through midfield and dictate pace of the match.
- Teammate Intelligence - Better decision-making delivers tighter, smarter marking and improved run tracking. Defenders recognize opportunities to provide support and win back possession. Attacking players have new ways to outsmart their opponents and break down tighter, more intelligent defenses by creating space for themselves, running along backline and checking their pace
- Sprint Dribble Turn - Utilize quick, explosive cuts and turns to beat defenders one-on-one while sprinting with ball.
Protect the box without opening another route
Against an attack through the middle
Use the player you control to guard the central route or likely shot lane while a teammate applies pressure, if the situation allows. Switching to the defender who can cover the next pass is more useful than chasing the ball with every player and leaving the middle exposed.
Against a wide attack
The 2014 guide recommends obstructing the attacker’s route before a cross can be delivered, while keeping the box protected. Closing down the wide player too aggressively can leave room for a pass or run elsewhere, so stay aware of the central space as you defend the flank.
Rank #4
- Pure Shot - Shooting has been transformed. Players have the intelligence to adjust their stride and approach angle to find the best position for hitting the back of the net. Well-hit balls feel satisfying and goals are rewarding. As well as quality strikes, players can now shoot while off balance or rushed.
- Real Ball Physics - Strike the ball with more force and finesse. Realistic ball physics now determines the trajectories of balls in game, enabling players to strike the ball with force from distance, drill low rising shots with accuracy, and blast dipping or swerving shots, just like real soccer players.
- Protect The Ball - Dominate midfield and dictate the tempo of a match. Fend-off and block defenders from the ball while dribbling at any speed. Protect the ball from opponents to control play through midfield and dictate the pace of the match. Plus, out-muscle opponents for position before receiving the ball, then turn defenders to carve out opportunities.
- Teammate Intelligence - Better decision-making delivers tighter, smarter marking and improved run tracking. Defenders recognize opportunities to provide support and win back possession. Attacking players have new ways to outsmart their opponents and break down tighter, more intelligent defenses by creating space for themselves, running along the backline and checking their pace.
- Sprint Dribble Turns - Utilize quick, explosive cuts and turns to beat defenders one-on-one while sprinting with the ball. Players can move in any direction, preserving their natural momentum and maintaining possession of the ball.
When an opponent threatens a through ball
The guide warns that the offside trap takes practice. Do not rely on it as a routine fix for through-ball threats; use it only if you are comfortable with the timing and can accept the space it may leave behind.
Choose pressure with its risk in mind
More pressure is not automatically safer. The contemporary guide cautions that aggressive pressure can create gaps, even though it may be useful when you are chasing the game. If you send a defender forward to close down the carrier, use your controlled player to account for the space or passing option that pressure leaves behind.
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