FC 24 D-Pad Instructions

FUTWIZ Stokes is going to take us through how to make the most of the D-Pad instructions on EA FC 24, making the most out of your offside traps or team press could be the key to winning your next game!

Let's start off with the defensive options which you can access by pressing down on the D-Pad.

Offside Trap
The offside trap is really good to use when you are pressing high trying to win the ball back, when triggered your whole defensive line will step up to try catch the strikers out and win possession back easily with a free kick. There is also a downside to this as it can leave you really exposed at the back if you time it wrong as shown below.

Team Press
You should activate your team press again when you are pressing high up in your opponent's half trying to win the ball back, your team should now be man marking all passes around the back forcing your opponent to go long or if it works better for you winning the ball back high up to create a chance at goal.

Overload Ball Side
OBS will drag your players to the side of the pitch the ball is on and can work really effective in the press and making your defense more compact, this comes with some negatives as it can leave you extremely exposed to a big switch of the ball and your players stamina will drain at a high rate so you need to manage when you have it activated.

Striker Drop Back
A tactic you see a lot of players in the pro scene use making your striker drop back to help out covering some of the space in the midfield, essentially turning them into an extra midfielder. This is best used when you are trying to see the game out holding on to a lead. You will lose the threat of a counter attack using this option but also gain more options to hold on to the ball in midfield if you are in possession.

Moving on to the attacking options that are available with the D-Pad.

Get in Box
This option will trigger your players to make more runs into the box and create better crossing opportunities to score, you will see your midfielders push up more looking to make a run when you are holding the ball out wide. This can leave you open to counter attacks so only use this when you need a goal.

Attacking Full Backs
Attacking Full Backs is an instruction you see frequently when chasing a goal or looking for more space out wide, having your full backs overlap your wingers will often confuse your opponent leaving them wondering who to mark and leave a gap for you to run into or make the simple pass down the line. Again this will also increase the threat of being counter attacks if your full backs are up the pitch out of position.

Hug Sideline
This tactic will have an effect on how your wide players are positioned. They will stay as close to the sideline as possible making it easy for you to find that cross field pass to create space down the wings.

Extra Striker
This one doesn’t leave too much to the imagination, you will see either one of your midfielders or defenders join the attack with your striker. Can only recommend using this as a last resort as this will always lead to easy chances for your opponent if you are dispossessed in the wrong areas.