Losing Every FC Match to Your Cousin? 10 Things Good Players Do That You Don’t

Quick answer: stop sprinting everywhere, defend with your midfield instead of rushing your center-back, pass sideways and backwards more, learn two skill moves properly, and use tactics instead of default settings.

Every friend group has that one player who always wins. Usually they’re not faster with their thumbs — they’re smarter. Here’s what they do.

Attack

1. Stop holding sprint. Jogging keeps the ball close and your options open. Sprint into space, not into defenders.
2. Pass backwards. Recycling possession pulls defenders out of shape.
3. Use the whole pitch. Switch play to the weak side when the defense crowds the ball.
4. Master two skill moves. Two you can do perfectly beat ten you can’t.
5. Shoot early and low from the edge of the box when the keeper is set.

Defense

6. Don’t pull your center-back out. Control a midfielder to close space; keep your defensive line intact.
7. Jockey, don’t lunge. Wait for a heavy touch, then tackle.
8. Cover passing lanes instead of chasing the ball carrier.

Settings and setup

9. Adjust tactics — width, depth and player instructions matter.
10. Fix your gear. A worn stick ruins precise passing. If your controller drifts, try these fixes, and keep a charged spare.

Upgrade the setup: controllers and headsets.