Why do I suck so hard

[WesselTT089]

I have a pretty decent team in UT. With Varane, Rudiger, Correa and Griezmann I have some pretty good untradable players that I use. But why am I losing EVERY SINGLE GAME???

I genuinely do not understand. I am not the best player, fine, but I am decent I think. But it seems like I can not defend at all. I just can't. Every single tackle is a failure, and when I do hit a tackle, or intercept a pass, the ball ends up with the opponent immediately.

Also, why can other people defend like they are pro's? Other players are glued to mine when I have possession, but when I don't, my players are just nowhere to be seen. I don't fricking get it. And why can't I pass without the ball getting blocked or intercepted 9/10 times when I try to attack? And why is my opponent always free to pass the ball where he wants without my midfielders pressing them?

I honestly do not get it. I am completely stuck. Help, give me some tips, anything.

[intoxicated]

Same here defending is dam hard

[Der Wolf]

what division are you? i won most of my games but after getting in to div 6 its pain (same problems defending feels like the players dont care about the ball when tackling)

[Serendipitous]

Depending on what controller you use Hold RB or R1 when you are tackling, so RB + B and RB + X or if you have PS controller R1 + O and R1 + square. This will greatly improve on winning the ball on tackles you won't be able to win every single one but that's fifa for you. Make sure to abuse controlled sprint with agile players, so holding RB or R1, it is absolutely broken in game also using LT + RT (R2 + L2) for agile dribbling to change directions quickly with RB(R1) dribbling is a dangerous combo. Use the new formation 4231 with the 2 CDMs and CAM with the wingers, this formation just man marks for some reason, also heard that 71 depth is glitched apparently haven't used it yet tho. If you are struggling to score just do the old fashioned down the byline and pass it in just have your tactics set as your players get in the box like 6 bars or more. Use hug sideline to evade the press so you can switch the ball easier. Also 1v1 defending use jockeying (LT + RT), and as always never lunge in, read what the other player is going to do and predict it, get your defender in the way (Varane will be op this year for it) and pass it back to your keeper to clear it or to pass to your fullbacks.

[Serendipitous]

Also use your midfielders manually to track back, always try to defend with your midfielders, never switch to your defender unless it is last resort let the AI defend for you for the most part. Also double tap RB or R1 and hold it when the other player is running down the byline, so your defenders man mark players in the box( its like second man press).

[katzenkrimis]

Actually, if you play Career Manager mode and participating in doing the 25 different drills,

One drill, four times, before every game. It'll make you a much better player. Those drills are not easy.

I do one of the five defensive drills before every game. When I first started, I sucked at them, but now I can complete most of them. Never thought I'd get so good at 'playing' the game because I watch my team's games. I find it much harder to win all of the trophies by watching the games, rather than playing them.

But those Career Mode drills will make you a better player.

[WesselTT089]

Originally posted by Der Wolf:

what division are you? i won most of my games but after getting in to div 6 its pain (same problems defending feels like the players dont care about the ball when tackling)

Just got out of Division 9. In FIFA 21 I was Division 4 within the first 2 weeks I think

[WesselTT089]

Originally posted by Serendipitous:

Depending on what controller you use Hold RB or R1 when you are tackling, so RB + B and RB + X or if you have PS controller R1 + O and R1 + square. This will greatly improve on winning the ball on tackles you won't be able to win every single one but that's fifa for you. Make sure to abuse controlled sprint with agile players, so holding RB or R1, it is absolutely broken in game also using LT + RT (R2 + L2) for agile dribbling to change directions quickly with RB(R1) dribbling is a dangerous combo. Use the new formation 4231 with the 2 CDMs and CAM with the wingers, this formation just man marks for some reason, also heard that 71 depth is glitched apparently haven't used it yet tho. If you are struggling to score just do the old fashioned down the byline and pass it in just have your tactics set as your players get in the box like 6 bars or more. Use hug sideline to evade the press so you can switch the ball easier. Also 1v1 defending use jockeying (LT + RT), and as always never lunge in, read what the other player is going to do and predict it, get your defender in the way (Varane will be op this year for it) and pass it back to your keeper to clear it or to pass to your fullbacks.

Some good tips, thank you. I will try and make less use of my CB's manually

[WesselTT089]

Originally posted by Serendipitous:

Also use your midfielders manually to track back, always try to defend with your midfielders, never switch to your defender unless it is last resort let the AI defend for you for the most part. Also double tap RB or R1 and hold it when the other player is running down the byline, so your defenders man mark players in the box( its like second man press).

Thanks man

[WesselTT089]

Originally posted by katzenkrimis:

Actually, if you play Career Manager mode and participating in doing the 25 different drills,

One drill, four times, before every game. It'll make you a much better player. Those drills are not easy.

I do one of the five defensive drills before every game. When I first started, I sucked at them, but now I can complete most of them. Never thought I'd get so good at 'playing' the game because I watch my team's games. I find it much harder to win all of the trophies by watching the games, rather than playing them.

But those Career Mode drills will make you a better player.

I mainly play Career Mode. Haven't touched Ultimate Team since FIFA 21. Decided to give it a go this year tho. Still have to start up Career Mode haha

[Fuzzyboots]

I feel OP's post. :( I enjoy the game and try to play my best. I have even watched some videos with tips but I just suck. It is very demotivating, I guess the game is just not for me. I'm too noob with no chance. Everybody I go against cooks me, as the kids say these days. oh well. wcyd. It is a fun game though! I just wish I could apply the lessons I learned into the game mechanically and have that translate into victories.

[WesselTT089]

Originally posted by lottiemarie:

I feel OP's post. :( I enjoy the game and try to play my best. I have even watched some videos with tips but I just suck. It is very demotivating, I guess the game is just not for me. I'm too noob with no chance. Everybody I go against cooks me, as the kids say these days. oh well. wcyd. It is a fun game though! I just wish I could apply the lessons I learned into the game mechanically and have that translate into victories.

I actually improved a bit, partially because of the help here in the comments. I am still not great, but I figured out that you literally do not have to touch your center-backs. Defend with your fullbacks and midfielders, and you have a little bit more chance of regaining possession :)

Still can't win against teams worth 2.000.000 coins though, whoops. \_O_/

[apmapplethorpe]

Just dont....... I have a half decent team too. Im not young at 56 and know my limits - Im normally mid tier at champs (when I can be bothered to play that) and sit mid divisions OK.

I made Div 6 on Thursday - since when Ive played 86 games and not own a single game..... Every strike against me hits the net like a rocket - all mine are either really weak, miss, hit the post/keeper/defender.... Most tackles just rebound to the oppositions players.

i dont mind being average, but this is demoralising.... All I want is a competitive game, bits its anywhere from 3-0 to 8-0. I think Ive scored about 10 goals in those 86 matches too... I can concede that many in a single game.

Im guessing all the youngsters abusing meta players and tactics, with lightning reflexes are still working their way up divisions. Might just stop playing for 3 or 4 weeks and let it calm down.

[WesselTT089]

Originally posted by apmapplethorpe:

Just dont....... I have a half decent team too. Im not young at 56 and know my limits - Im normally mid tier at champs (when I can be bothered to play that) and sit mid divisions OK.

I made Div 6 on Thursday - since when Ive played 86 games and not own a single game..... Every strike against me hits the net like a rocket - all mine are either really weak, miss, hit the post/keeper/defender.... Most tackles just rebound to the oppositions players.

i dont mind being average, but this is demoralising.... All I want is a competitive game, bits its anywhere from 3-0 to 8-0. I think Ive scored about 10 goals in those 86 matches too... I can concede that many in a single game.

Im guessing all the youngsters abusing meta players and tactics, with lightning reflexes are still working their way up divisions. Might just stop playing for 3 or 4 weeks and let it calm down.

My man I feel you. I got to Div 6 myself today, and played some FUT Champs Qualifiers. Apparently the people there are monstes. I got absolutely demolished by meta teams. I have a pretty solid team myself but I got flushed away 5-0. I was thinking I did okay defending-wise in Division Rivals. FUT Champs is a whole different story though. Probably will lose all 10 :)

[KAZOO]

After 2 weeks of play i can clearly tell you: this is the MOST rigged fifa of all time. Defenders running away from attackers, first 4 min i make 3-0 or other way around. I cant complete one single game without getting enraged. In 23 i felt i could handle some opponents but now its a complete sweatshow with icons just running through defence, nothing you can do. It's clearly rigged to a point you are never really in control and it's fkn ♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥. If you enjoy slot machines this is the game for you.

[Scruxx]

Originally posted by lottiemarie:

I just wish I could apply the lessons I learned into the game mechanically and have that translate into victories.

That takes a long time. Its not a game that you can learn in 2 months. I mean just look at the post from serendipitus, its so many moves you can do that were not really explained by a tutorial, its a lot of practice. Also to learn the situations, not only for attacking and defending, also the situations to know where the game engine is bad and where next the ball bounces to and things like that.

But i can tell you this "translation" takes time. It works better when you play for 2 days and then stop playing for 2 days. Then its easier for your mind to translate the new learned lessons into your mind. When you play nonstop the learning effect is low.