FIFA 16 has been out for a number of weeks now, and while the game's popularity continues to grow, there are many gamers who will struggle with some of the changes made to the core gameplay.
FIFA 16 is the first FIFA in a very long time where it doesn't feel like pace is everything, as now the most effective players are those who have a good balance of speed and strength. No more just putting Ibarbo or Doumbia in the team and sprinting to victory, the key to success is playing to your individual player's strengths and using the news tools that the new game has provided.
Our 10 pro tips are a good start in terms of how to get better at FIFA 16:
Slow your build up play down.
You can't just look to head straight for goal after winning the ball on FIFA 16. Interceptions have been ramped up in terms of frequency, and now if you don't think carefully about each pass, there is a high chance of losing possession. Try to avoid passing while sprinting, and always look for the man in space, as other opportunities can open up from there.
Take your time.
Use the 'Driven pass' to avoid interceptions.
If you are looking to move the ball from the midfield to attack, using RB/R1 while passing will drive the ball in hard to ensure it doesn't get nicked by a defender. Keep in mind that this will make the receiver's first touch more difficult, but the standard pass will be intercepted if your man isn't totally free.
The most effective skill move is still the 'Ball roll'.
It's the most easy skill move to pull off, and most players in the game can do it, but a quick hold of the right stick either up or down will roll the ball and shift movement a foot or two to the left or right. Great for creating extra space before a pass or shot, it's also very effective against defenders who commit to tackles and keeps momentum with the dribbler. Experiment in the practice mode if you're unsure.
Use the 'Finesse shot' for finishing in the box.
RB/R1 while shooting will execute the finesse shot, which has the best chance of hitting the back of the net when you have a bit of space in the box. Also effective is shooting high for the near post, so be sure to experiment a bit and find a finish you are comfortable with.
Triple-tap crosses on the counter attack.
The triple-tap cross (simply tapping X or Square three times) has always been a staple of the FIFA player's arsenal, but it's very effective in FIFA 16 thanks to a new animation. Now, if you triple-tap while running down the wing just before getting in line with the 18 yard box, you can pull off a new curved low cross that is very effective and looks beautiful when it works.
Try using the 'Fake shot' as a first touch.
This one is a bit more advanced and will take some getting used to, but in attacking positions using a fake-shot before you receive the ball can get you a yard of space to blast past a defender or get a shot off. Players with 5-star skill moves will perform a scoop-turn which is even more effective. To do this quickly press X then A on Xbox, or Square then X on Playstation before the ball arrives at your feet, and hold the direction you want to move off in. You'll need to practice this one.
Never press the tackle button in the box.
The referees award penalties in FIFA 16 like they are being paid on commission, and if there's any contact in the box chances are you're conceding a spot-kick. Use the A/X button to jockey, and keep your player between the opponent and the goal. This will result in blocked shots, and crowding your opponent out. If you commit, you will often foul and never press tackle when behind an opponent as a shirt pull is a penalty all day long this year.
Apply a custom tactic.
We've provided what we believe to be the best FIFA 16 custom tactic right here, but you should tweak it to have your team play the way you want to play. If you've ever complained about your team feeling sluggish, it's because the default tactic doesn't suit you. It's criminal how often custom tactics are overlooked.
Never call the keeper out.
Just. Don't. Do it. Keepers in FIFA 16 love to sprint off their line as it is, so just leave them be. They will make mistakes, but if you are holding Y or Triangle the whole time you're gifting your opponents goals. A keeper that is being called out can't set themselves to save a shot, so a simple finesse is all that is needed to beat them.
Vary your goal kicks.
There are some FIFA players out there who pass the ball short from every single goal kick. This is stupid. It's not PES 4 anymore, and people try to stop you from playing out from the back. If you've got a big man up front, like Benteke or Lukaku, aim your goal kicks for them, they'll win you headers. Otherwise, use the cross button to try and pick out a free man, use the radar to see who is open, and only pass short if you've noticed that the opponent isn't trying to cut you off. Mix it up, keep them guessing.
If you've been taking a few beatings online or against your pals, give some of these tips a go, and practise more or playing against the CPU are always good places to try out new things.
