What to Do When a Player Makes a Run in Behind in FIFA Online 3

When your opponent’s striker makes a darting run towards your goal, it can feel like a heart-stopping moment in FIFA Online 3. Those through balls, perfectly weighted and timed, are the stuff of FIFA nightmares. But fear not, because defending against through balls is a skill you can master. With the right techniques and a little bit of game awareness, you can shut down those dangerous runs and keep your opponent’s scoreline frustratingly low.

Understanding Your Opponent’s Strategy

Before we dive into the tactics, let’s quickly analyze why through balls are so effective. The goal is simple: to exploit the space behind your defensive line. Your opponent is looking to find that killer pass that releases their pacey striker into a one-on-one situation with your goalkeeper. Recognizing this intention is the first step to defending effectively.

A player attempting a through ball

Mastering Defensive Techniques

Now, let’s explore the techniques to counter those threatening runs:

1. Manual Defense is Your Best Friend

Don’t rely solely on the AI to do the defending for you. Manual control is key. By controlling your center-back or a defensive midfielder, you can track the runs, close down the space, and make those through balls much harder to complete.

2. Jockeying for Position

Hold down the LT/L2 button to jockey and stay between the attacker and the goal. This allows you to react to their movements and anticipate the through ball, making interceptions more likely.

3. Anticipate, Don’t Chase

One of the biggest mistakes players make is frantically chasing the striker as soon as they see the run. Don’t fall into this trap. Try to anticipate the pass and position yourself to intercept. Sometimes, it’s better to hold your position and cover the space rather than blindly following the attacker.

4. The Power of the Second Defender

Don’t be afraid to switch to a second defender if the situation calls for it. If the attacker gets past your first line of defense, having a second player in position to cover can be the difference between a conceded goal and a sigh of relief.

Tactical Approaches

Beyond individual defending skills, consider these tactical adjustments:

1. Adjust Your Defensive Depth

If you’re constantly facing dangerous through balls, it might be time to tweak your defensive line. A higher defensive line can compress the space between your defenders and midfielders, making it harder for attackers to find room to exploit.

2. Offside Trap: A High-Risk, High-Reward Tactic

The offside trap can be an effective way to catch your opponent out, but it requires precise timing and coordination from your defenders. Use it sparingly and wisely.

3. The Importance of Midfield Pressure

Your midfielders play a crucial role in preventing those defense-splitting passes in the first place. Applying pressure on the ball carrier in midfield can force rushed passes or errors, disrupting your opponent’s build-up play.

Conclusion

Defending against through balls in FIFA Online 3 is all about anticipation, timing, and a cool head. Don’t panic when you see that attacker making a run. Utilize the techniques mentioned above, adjust your tactics, and you’ll be well on your way to shutting down those dangerous attacks and securing those crucial victories.

Remember, practice makes perfect! The more you play, the better you’ll become at reading the game and reacting accordingly. Good luck out there on the virtual pitch!