FIFA 12: Tackling guide

FIFA 12 tackling guide
FIFA 12 is out now and if you’re finding it tricky to get to grips with the game’s new defensive and tackling system, you’re not alone. But you have come to the right guide.
We explain how to tackle, position yourself and defend effectively in FIFA 12, so the embarrassment of losing 8-2 to Manchester United will never be felt again (in-game at least).

Closing down space
One thing you’ll notice that’s different in FIFA 12 compared to FIFA 11 is the amount of time it takes to close down your opponents. Simply running towards an attacker will take longer and it’ll also cause them to become more aggressive by using skills and running away from you.
Take your time off the ball, slow it down and hold down the back-left shoulder button to ‘jockey’ your opponent to cut off their progress. This is especially handy when they’re attacking down the wing. Move towards them slowly until there’s a metre or so between you both. They will often turn back or pass to another player. Block their path and they’ll have nowhere to go.
Tackling
You can no longer hammer or hold the tackle button to successfully defend in FIFA 12. Don’t just dive in the minute an opponent with the ball gets near you – anticipate their movements and wait for the opportune moment to stick a foot out. You’ll really only have one or two chances so make it count. Muck up and they’ll take the ball around you and leave you feeling like an unfit Sunday League plonker.
Be careful too – you don’t want to make a haphazard tackle that brings down a player. It’s a lot easier to give away penalties in FIFA 12.
If you’re not opposite another player face-to-face but are side-on or slightly behind them, you can tap the tackle button lightly to put pressure on them. We believe the correct term is shirt-pulling. Do it discreetly and you’ll shove them off the ball. Do it too little and they won’t be affected, do it too much and you’ll give away a tackle. Practice makes perfect with this one.
Zoning
Holding the front-right shoulder button will command a computer-controlled player on your team to run to the opposition’s man who has the ball. Unlike FIFA 11, in FIFA 12 he will rarely stick out a foot himself to win the ball. Instead, you can hold the shoulder button to close down space on the player with the ball, while controlling your man with the left stick to either man-mark another player or cover vital space.
One useful technique is to use the front-right shoulder button to force one player close to the ball, then use the front-left shoulder button to quickly take control of him, before immediately hitting tackle to attempt to win the ball. Tactical Defending at its best.
Be careful of moving a player in defense too far from his defensive line. The computer will exploit this and will likely play a through ball into the space you’ve just created.
FIFA 12 Tackling Tutorial Video
Check out this useful tackling video guide:

Thinking ahead
One decent tactic is to focus on where the player is going to kick the ball next, rather than the player himself. Don’t just rush towards whoever has the ball. Stop and think – where will they play it to next? You can hold the front-right shoulder button to bring a computer character to him, while you move another player to wherever you think the ball will played. This is good way of making an interception.
Sometimes if you hold down the right shoulder button it will push an opponent right back deep into his half. If he has no-one in space to pass to, he may occasionally boot the ball out of play and you’ll get a throw in deep in the opponent’s half.
Slide tackles
Thanks to FIFA 12’s Precision Dribbling system, your opponents will use skills a lot more and control the ball in a variety of directions, making sliding tackles harder than before.
These are best used when an opponent is running fast in a straight line and knocks the ball some distance ahead of them, or when there isn’t enough time to get close for a safer tackle. If you’re parallel to a player who has the ball, slide slightly in front of him and turn into him – with any luck you’ll slide across him and take the ball with you or knock it out of play Again, anticipate the player and make your tackle count.
If all else fails…
Well and truly stuck? Why not switch on the Legacy Defending mode in FIFA 12’s system settings to go back to how tackling was in FIFA 11. You can also try switching the camera angle back to Tele to make it slightly easier to anticipate  runs and close down defenders.
But beware – you won’t be able to use the Legacy mode online so it is worth getting used to the new system in the long run.
FIFA 12: Your tackling tips
Have you got FIFA 12? Are you good at tackling? You can share your tips in the comments box below.

Dom Sacco signs for Arsenal in FIFA 12

This guide was brought to you by upcoming Arsenal star Dominic Sacco

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Stav
Stav
12 years ago

What really troubles me is that you have to learn to use the sprint button with your middle finger so that you can press RB to call a second player. Its especificaly noticable when youre sprinting back to defend a counter attack.

Anonymous
Anonymous
12 years ago

Why the hell have you done this
It is impossible to defend now
FIFA 11 defending was find and n

Anon
Anon
12 years ago

For those reverting to legacy mode, it cannot be used online, which is disappointing. I really hate this new style, maybe due to being so bad at it, after being decent on FIFA11.
I have read all the tips and persevered with it, but it’s just not happening for me. Online is now a no go area for me which may result in a trade in after I get bored of doing season mode.

SS REIDY
SS REIDY
12 years ago

The new defending system is crap! Iv played on legendary for years now, and it’s Pretty much impossible to tackle, i won’t be playing it online either iv just put the legacy tackling on there, the game is world class apart from the new tackling

jm
jm
12 years ago

the tactical defending is no doubt tough, but guys its not impossible. i can confirm my side, previously i was conceding 2-3 goals per match in demo legendary, now in original i played almost 10 matches and only 1 goal per match against me now.. so i am definitely getting used to it… by the way a little tip, turn off auto switch of player or just the default on auto switch (airballs only). just experiment different ways and u will master in no time.. but yes there will be a fact that u cant guaranty ur win in every… Read more »

Dekmann
Dekmann
12 years ago

Hi all. I’ve been playing FIFA 12 quite a bit since realease and I’m very frustrated with it as well. I’m being told I’ll get the hang of the tackling….I hope so, soon. Too often online I’m squaring up against guys who simply check, twist n turn and in turn make my tackling players took like lead-booted chumps. Don’t get me wrong I’m winning some tackles but the majority I’m not. I’m a decent player on FIFA 11, and never lost many goals, but now I’m leaking goals through defensive slackness like the backline of a drunken pub team. Aaarrrghhhh.… Read more »

coach
coach
12 years ago

Need a patch out for legendary for online play,give the people who have paid hard cash a choice,3 days playing online now and aint getting any better,i think iwould have more chance bringing peace to the middle east than cracking this tackling ..

coco
coco
12 years ago

A played all the series of fifa and this is by far the best one the tackling is harder but much more precise as a wrong tackle can have severe consequences and its about having the right judgement to making the right tackle not just button bashing as in prevous fifa’s.

Matt
Matt
12 years ago

Played ledgendary for years and this tackling is a joke! How can everyone online know how to charge towards you with accuracy? It seems that way anyway and also my team seems to be slow and sluggish? Help!

kevin
kevin
12 years ago

its hard as crap to get the damn ball in this game! it was easier in fifa 11 now i can hardly score more than one goal a match in professional aftet being able to beat teams 5-0 on fifa 11 in legendary!

mudders
mudders
12 years ago

Finally! Something to stop those homing missile defenders coming in at warp factor and taking the ball. No more playing noobs on line who just hold down A+B (xbox) and take the ball. Its hard, but more realistic, does need a bit more tweaking however as i think it is a shade too hard. Brave move by EA but a much needed one to add more realism, defending has been far too easy in the last few fifa’s.

Freezedawg
Freezedawg
12 years ago

Mudders +1

lassdog
lassdog
12 years ago

Fifa 12 is probably the most frustrating XBOX 360 game I have ever played. I understand that EA needed to make defending more difficult, but I am also of the understanding that videogames are meant to induce pleasure and joy (much like real football), two qualities sorely lacking in the case of Fifa 12. If you’ve played for a couple of days and you still aren’t finding it fun, at what point do you admit that life is too short to spend ‘working’ on a video game.

Jimz
Jimz
12 years ago

I find it boring. Where are the crunching derby day tackles, the multiple yellow and odd red cards of a volatile game of 2 teams up for a match? Now I seem to spend my time jockeying players, getting the ball from intecepts or rogue passes and meandering forward towards 2 banks of 4 from the defending team. Played 20 matches. Not a single card/freekick from either team, many 0 – 0 matches. Just not fun.

Dekmann
Dekmann
12 years ago

Well that’s me played about another 10 games since my last post and I’m getting the hang of the tackling a bit now. But it just doesn’t feel right. All that jockeying, tentative fear of commiting to the tackle, the missing ability to nick the ball and move quickly. EA must fix this and re-introduce the a-button tackling. The fluency of the game has died in FIFA 12. None if this noob rubbish about the a-button either, the game worked better with it.

The Guvna
The Guvna
12 years ago

Stop moaning give it a couple of weeks and you will all be tackling like John Terry. It’s the penalty kicks that need fixing if I was being picky the game is pure class if you can’t handle it don’t play online and have half a game man up and practice…….

Jack
Jack
12 years ago

Fifa have ruined this game with the crap tackling system. Fifa 11 rules. Fifa 12 sucks. If anyone wants mine they can buy it off me for £44.

Lee
Lee
12 years ago

Have bought every fifa since back in the day n loved almost all of them but I am not enjoying the new defending at all!

john
12 years ago

I AM FIFA MAD LIKE EVERYBODY ELSE BUT AM SO UNHAPPY AT FIFA12 WHAT ON EARTH HAVE THEY DONE.THEY HAVE TOTALLY KILLED IT FOR ME.I HAVE BEEN HUMPED AND THUMPED AND CAN”T GET A HOLD OF THE BALL.IT”S LIKE BEING A FAIRY WITH THE NUTMEGS AND GOALS FROM HALFWAY UP THE PITCH.40quid.AM BACK TO FIFA11 fof a real game

Anonymous
Anonymous
12 years ago

This FIFA is killing me… I dont like the new tackling at all..trade in I think..:(

McSean
McSean
12 years ago

Must hand it to them, the realistic element of jockeying is nice and overall the defending system isn’t all that bad, and online play to me feels like FIFA 11 anyway; additional use of jockeying but people still approach defending the same way. My concern is the AI of tactical defending, seems to be heavily buffed by EA to some rather stupid levels in terms of players keeping up with others who are blatantly faster, and the aerial challenges that I am seeing sue defenders produce against who are meant to be the world’s finest aerial threats. Maybe in a… Read more »

Alex Ashcroft
Alex Ashcroft
12 years ago

Do people press x or o to tackle on the ps3? I’ve been told to just use x! I think that they have spooky it cause you just need a fast player with decent ball control up front to win! Just turns one way then another! What’s wrong with fluent passing and not just running with the ball! Very annoying!

Alex Ashcroft
Alex Ashcroft
12 years ago

Think I’ve cracked it!!!

gimp
gimp
12 years ago

this game takes the p*ss

Shark Johnson
Shark Johnson
12 years ago

Even though I suck at the new tackling system it is a way more skillful game now. For all the people complaining you just do not like a challenge. Less complaining and more practicing the new system.

Ronald Wood
Ronald Wood
12 years ago

FIFA 12 tactical defending is hard yes but it’s a challenge stop twisting and get on with it I think those people like myself who learn to adjust will benefit from this it’s hard yes I myself was a above average player on FIFA 11 wining over 150 online trophies on ultimate team but there is a bigger issue on hand here FIFA 12 ultimate team won’t upload custom tactics that’s a major fault on ea side they need to address this now so players can play with custom tactics come on ea when developing a game you are got… Read more »

Magic Man
Magic Man
12 years ago

Started a season as Burton Albion on Professional. First game was a friendly against Tottenham, and I got spanked 6-1. It looked like my team were doing the hokey-cokey just putting random feet out to no avail. Am now 11 games into the season in Div 2 and have won 5, drawn 4 and lost 2. With games at 1-1 and 2-1 it is more realistic and just takes time to adapt. Patience is key, but once you have the idea it certainly is a better game than FIFA 11. If you want a game where you can win 12-0… Read more »

GUNDOG123
GUNDOG123
12 years ago

CANT TELL YOU JUST HOW UPSET AND DISGUSTED I AM WITH FIFA 12. WHY THE HELL DID THEY NEED TO CHANGE THE TACKLING SYSTEM ???????????? EA NEED TO BRING BACK THE A BUTTON AND FAST. LISTEN TO THE PLAYERS GUYS YOU HAVE RUINED THE BEST FOOTBALL GAME EVER

mudders
mudders
12 years ago

You are the minority. The majority think its great but aren’t moaning about it. The majority being those who are obviously beating you online.
Adapt

Anonymous
Anonymous
12 years ago

fifa 12 is so crap change it back long ball or faster player online you are dead

Dryhtscipe
Dryhtscipe
12 years ago

I actually love the new defending system. It’s more reliant on the player playing the damned game for one… I just have complete inconsistency. Some games I seem to get the defending spot on and feel nigh-on impenetrable (against skillful players)… others it’s like 11 dads at a disco.

Josh
Josh
12 years ago

I lost my first 6 games online. Then changed my controller settings and got to grips with the defending Im now on a 9 game win streak on it! I hated it last weekend but now in my opinion is well better than FIFA 11

Ed
Ed
12 years ago

Please could everyone stop being such girls. Yes, it’s harder. Yes, I suck at it. Yes, it’s so much better! If you don’t like it don’t play!

david
david
12 years ago

Actually FIFA 12 give us more control of players. I use the contain button (X on my PS3) to get close to opponent then release it and use manual direction plus sprint if needed to knock the ball off, 80% works. Need more practice to perfect the timing though.

Anonymous
Anonymous
12 years ago

not more realistic at all since when do 90% of dribbles end in success, football is a passing game not a dribbling game, this is utter dross!

tyrrell
tyrrell
12 years ago

Game is shocking, for first time ever I may switch to pro evo. Later fifa u dogsh*te tackling and passing Richard of a game

Carl
Carl
12 years ago

Tyrrell mate, no need to slate it off because it’s harder than holding down A+B. Just cos you are dogsh*te it doesn’t mean the game is

Berba
Berba
12 years ago

Worst Fifa Game Ever!! The Tactical Defending is a Joke!! I am spending as much time as I can to get to grips with it and I cant and its driving me insane!!! I love Fifa11 and was reasonably good at it and Im rubbish to say the least at Fifa12 because of this stupid Tactical Defending, why the hell did they not leave it alone the way it was!!! As for ye guys that like it, hats off to ye but some of us like to sit down and play the occassional game of Fifa here and there and… Read more »

Jeremy Bassett
Jeremy Bassett
12 years ago

What the he’ll have u knobs done to FIFA?? The new defense system sucks a fat one. If it ain’t broke don’t fix it you tools!!! I know where my copy of FIFA 12 is going… Out to the concrete floor to be smashed with a hammer. Whoever thought up this crap defensive system should be firstly beaten with sticks and then sacked from EA. Please please seriously fix this crap for 13… Leave game play alone and just concentrate on graphics and celebration upgrades you wankers!!!
JB

mudders
mudders
12 years ago

Good lord.
Adapt!
Best FIFA yet.
Check out this for starters. http://www.youtube.com/watch?gl=GB&hl=en-GB&client=mv-google&v=talBIzfcvIA
And learn that football is not a mad rush to dive in and tackle.

Inked up al
Inked up al
12 years ago

This game is fantastic… But, like many others I am struggling with the whole defending part of it. It’s a nice idea and if they nailed it, which they haven’t quite, it would be the ultimate football game. I started on world class but decided to drop down to pro to get used to the new gameplay but I’m nowhere near ready to step up. Defending is far too difficult. Don’t get me wrong glad they’ve gotten rid of the homing missile style tackling but this is too much. Getting the ball wether it’s against Man U or Doncaster is… Read more »

Fifa 12 niga
Fifa 12 niga
12 years ago

sup ma homies yer dat fifa 12 game is of da hook yea!! but i can beat all of ya nigga’s out there

Lassdog
Lassdog
12 years ago

I just think they’ve moved from a good balance between fantasy and realism (ie Fifa 11) toward a kind of ‘hyper realism’ that is remarkably boring. I’ve had the game for over a week and I’m sick to death of ‘practicing.’ On professional difficulty the CPU generally keeps the ball for 60% of the match and has passing stats of 95% accuracy. That is neither realistic nor enjoyable. I repeatedly find myself taking out Fifa 12 to reinsert Gears of War 3. More than likely gonna sell it with my XBOX 360 so I can upgrade to the new slim… Read more »

Amz
Amz
12 years ago

Always been a pro evo fan, got fifa 11 last year for jokes to prove pro players can sh*t all over fifa players and i was rite, got fifa 12 this year because i liked fifa 11 (but still love pro..i get both now) but this fifa is sh*t, its not just about the defending..that i can get to grips with, its the movement, in pro u can string passes together and the passes go where u want them to, it doesnt feel like that in fifa, it feels too sluggish, and scoring has always been too easy in fifa…neway… Read more »

Prar
Prar
12 years ago

Listen guys although its difficult for everyone to adapt this new tactical defending but i mean we all are masters of fifa 11 and we can beat any legendry team at any time at any level we have completely mastered the attacking skills and now is the time to nourish our defending skills i mean holding down just a button or 2 isnt defending it should be more realistic like attacking.so in the end its wrapped up that till fifa 11 every body considerd himself to be the best at it but guys the real test is fifa 12 if… Read more »

BIG Dman
BIG Dman
12 years ago

It’s hard yes and for geeks it’s brilliant but for us who have life’s away from our sofa and want to play it now and then its been ruined! Where’s the derby day tackles gone. To much respect to the opposition I feel. Get in there and kick em is what I say. It really has turned into a fat, lazy, still live at my mums, no mates apart from my Internet bums who are sat at there mums with there headsets on tugging away at how they now have no problem beating mere mortals like us normal folk who… Read more »

dbeck4rmd23
dbeck4rmd23
12 years ago

FIFA 12 is the best fifa out yet and people that cannot get the hang of the tackling unfortunately for you will have to deal. Why would you want to be able to get every ball??

mudders
mudders
12 years ago

Another good guide on how to get to grips with defending.
http://www.youtube.com/user/BLAMEYOURANYdotCOM#p/c/647783F445871C0E/0/EECfGuWE-PU

drCFC
drCFC
12 years ago

looks like coming bk to pro evo