Defending in FIFA 22 can be tricky, especially with the new HyperMotion technology, realistic player movements, and improved attacking AI. Many players struggle with conceding unnecessary goals because they rely too heavily on AI defending instead of mastering manual control. This guide will teach you everything you need to know to defend like a pro—from basic positioning to advanced tactics.

1. Master Defensive Positioning

The foundation of strong defending is positioning. Never rush in blindly—contain your opponent and cut passing lanes.

  • Use jockeying (L2/LT): Stay close and force attackers wide.

  • Controlled Sprint (L2 + R2 / LT + RT): Helps adjust quickly without over-committing.

  • Stay Goal-Side: Always keep your defender between the attacker and the goal.

✅ Pro Tip: Don’t switch to your center-backs too early. Control your midfielders first to intercept plays.

2. Learn the Right Time to Tackle

  • Standing Tackle (O/B or Circle): Use only when close and sure.

  • Contain and Delay: Don’t spam tackle, wait for the attacker to miscontrol.

  • Shoulder Charge (O/B when close): Use your defender’s strength to win duels.

  • Slide Tackle (Square/X): Only in desperate situations—otherwise, you’ll leave gaps.

3. Jockeying & Aggressive Jockey

  • Jockey (L2/LT): Slows down your defender and helps mirror attacker movement.

  • Aggressive Jockey (L2+R2 / LT+RT): Best for high-pressure defending in 1v1 situations.

This is the most effective way to stop skillers and fast dribblers.

4. Controlling Defensive Shape

  • Don’t Pull CBs Out of Position: Use midfielders to track runners.

  • Use Manual Player Switching (Right Stick): Much faster than auto-switch.

  • Defensive Line Depth: Adjust depending on playstyle (high press = higher risk, low block = safer).

✅ Pro Tip: On custom tactics, Defensive Width around 45–50 is balanced for both wide and central defending.

5. Using Teammate Contain (R1/RB) Wisely

Pressing teammate contain makes the AI close down the ball carrier. But:

  • Don’t overuse—it drains stamina.

  • Use to pressure while you cover passing lanes with your active defender.

6. Stop Through Balls & Counterattacks

  • Anticipate through balls by switching to defenders early.

  • Use your keeper’s sweeper keeper (Triangle/Y) when an attacker breaks through.

  • Set one CDM in custom tactics to Stay Back While Attacking for extra cover.

7. Tackling Skillers

  • Don’t dive in. Skilled dribblers want you to commit.

  • Jockey + patience is key.

  • Time your standing tackle right after they finish a skill move (slight pause).

8. Mentality & Patience

The biggest mistake casual players make: panic defending.

  • Stay calm, block space, and force your opponent into mistakes.

  • Sometimes it’s better to let them dribble wide instead of risking a tackle in the box.

9. Custom Tactics for Better Defending

  • Defensive Style: Balanced or Drop Back (for safer play).

  • Width: 45–50.

  • Depth: 40–55 depending on playstyle.

  • Instructions:

    • CDMs: Stay Back, Cut Passing Lanes.

    • Fullbacks: Stay Back (unless attacking setup).

    • Wingers: Come Back on Defense if opponent overloads wings.

10. Practice Drills (Skill Games)

FIFA 22 has defending drills in skill games—perfect for improving:

  • 1v1 defending.

  • Tackling timing.

  • Defensive positioning.

Conclusion

Defending in FIFA 22 isn’t about spamming tackles—it’s about reading the game, staying patient, and positioning smartly. By mastering jockeying, timing your tackles, and setting balanced tactics, you’ll reduce goals conceded dramatically. Once you learn to defend efficiently, every match becomes easier because you’ll frustrate your opponents and create counterattack opportunities.