How to Protect & Shield the Ball in FIFA 23

by Lordtoto01 / FIFA 23, Game Guides / 09 May 2022

Shielding is quite underrated. Few players truly understand how effective shielding can be in the right situation. Players usually use the move to create space, sometimes to defend the ball and sometimes to score a goal. It’s a flexible move, and this guide will discuss how you can use it to its fullest potential.

HOW TO PROTECT & SHIELD THE BALL IN FIFA 23

While you’re attacking, press and hold L2 on PS4 & PS5 and LT on Xbox One & Series XIS to shield the ball from the opponent. In case you’re making a through pass, hold L2/LT and R2/RT to prevent the opponent from overtaking you.

HOW TO USE SHIELDING TO YOUR ADVANTAGE IN FIFA 23

High strength makes for better shielding – When two players are contesting for the ball, pressing L2/LT might make your player seize control of the ball and start shielding it. It’s safer than using a tackle, but you’d have to be stronger than the opponent to pull it off.

Use shielding to escape tough encounters – Shielding is also the perfect move to counter tackles. If you see an opponent rocketing towards you, use shielding against them. The move gives you the freedom to escape with the ball away from all that pressure.

Counter shielding opponents – Shielding is a great move, but you should also know how to counter it if the opponent uses it against you. To engage a shielding opponent in FIFA 23 press L2/LT and the Left Stick towards the shielding direction.

Shrugging off the defender – During sprinting or dribbling, simply press/hold the L2/LT button. Your player will prevent the defender from intercepting the ball. You don’t have to keep holding the shield. Simply tapping it a few times will make your player shrug off the defender as you’re approaching the goal.

Stall the opponent until you have better options – When the attacker is right on your player and there aren’t any teammates nearby, don’t panic and press the shield button. Simply keep blocking the ball until someone is close enough for a pass, or you can take the shot.

Gain advantage in head battles – When you press the shield button during a header, your player will try to tussle off the opponent. It gives you a slight advantage since stronger and taller players holding L2/LT have a greater chance of winning aerial battles.

Despite all its advantages, shielding is not a foolproof strategy. Experienced and stronger players can steal the ball even if you’re careful. Furthermore, using shields too often can also lead to fouls. So instead of aggressively shielding all the time, use it to touch/tap the ball and swat it away from the opponent’s control instead.

And if you want to learn more tricks, we have a bunch of FIFA 23 guides that can help you out.

Lordtoto01

I’ve loved games ever since I was a child. I like playing them and sharing my feelings with other like-minded individuals. I started off writing as a hobby, and a few years later, my love for games is still as lively as ever and I intend to spread it throughout the gaming community.
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