Having knowledge of the dribbling system in FIFA 11 is of utmost importance now due to the much improved tackling system. Higher ranked opponents will not make as many mistakes (if any) in defense, and breaking them down will take more than just playing a few 1-2’s combined with an occasional aerial through ball. In order to break down the best players you have know how to dribble. You also need to stay calm and take the right type of dribble touches based on the situation. In this thread I will give tips on dribbling in FIFA 11.

Thought Process

The most important thing when it comes to dribbling is the thought process. Sometimes over the course of a game you get into a “rhythm,” you start making passes and moves without even thinking about what the defense is doing. Although this rhythm can be helpful at times it can also be detrimental, especially if your opponent starts to pick up on your pattern of play. He may begin to cut off the passes you are accustom to making, and if you don’t calm down to stop and think you will find yourself giving away possession, and missing potential opportunities at goal. When I play I try to always have a conscious thought about what is happening on the pitch to avoid getting into a “rhythm.” With every pass I make I think about three things in this order: Space, Time, Passing/Dribbling outlets.

Space
Whenever I win the ball back or am about to receive a pass the first thing I think about is how much space there is around my player. How close is the nearest defender? Are they within tackling distance or are they a few steps away?

Time
The next thing I think about after I consciously assess the space around my player is how much time I have on the ball. In other words, how long do I have on the ball before I need to make a move to dribble or pass out of danger? Do I have enough time to turn and face up the defender? Is there enough time to perform a skill move? etc. The time you have on the ball is not always dependent on space. Defender approach has the largest influence over how much time you have. Sometimes you will have very little space but if the defenders are not sprinting in for a tackle you will actually have more time on the ball than you think. Other times you will have lots of space, but if you have defenders sprinting in for a tackle you will have less time on the ball and will have to make a decision on what you are going to do with the ball quickly.

Passing/Dribbling outlets
The final things I think about are my passing and dribbling outlets. Where are the defenders? Where are my passing options? Am I surrounded? At this stage of my thought process I am trying to find the most beneficial passing/dribbling outlet and get the ball to that area. Something interesting I have noticed is that often times when it seems like you are surrounded by defenders with no way out, you will actually have lots of time on the ball. In these situations it is important to take that time and allow the play to develop so the outlets will open up. If you learn not to panic in these situations and take your time on the ball, you will see your attack begin to really open up in ways that you could not imagine.

Techniques
Now that I have talked about the general thought process I will move on to specific dribbling techniques, discussing when to use them based on defender approach and spacing. I will explain the different techniques in order of speed, from the fastest dribbling technique (the knock-on) to the slowest dribbling technique (the ball-stop ).

The Knock-On
The knock-on is one of the most underused dribbling techniques online. Most players only use it after they have beaten a defender and are trying to accelerate away, but the knock-on is actually a very effective maneuver to use to beat defenders.

When to use it
Obviously you can use the knock-on after beating a defender to accelerate away. Also use the knock-on anytime a defender is approaching you at an angle of greater than 90 degrees. In other words the direction in which you knock the football on to should be greater than 90 degrees in relation to the angle at with the defender is approaching you. The greater the angle the better (Diagram below)



In the diagram above the arrows show the LB approaching the RM directly. Since they are moving in exactly opposite directions toward the same spot they are said to be moving at a 180 degree angle (opposite) in relation to each other (on the other hand if they were moving in the same direction toward the same spot they would be said to be moving at a 0 degree angle in relation to each other)

In this scenario you can use the knock-on to knock the ball left or right of the approaching defender (obviously you cannot keep at the 180 degree angle in relation to the defender otherwise you run right into him). As long as you don’t knock the ball to an area that is less than 90 degrees in relation to the approaching defender (broken lines) you can beat the defender. (Diagram below)



So as you may be able to deduce from this, whichever direction the defender is running to, the knock-on should be used to move the ball AGAINST that direction. So if the defender is moving to the right, knock the ball to the left. If the defender is moving upfield, knock the ball downfield etc.

You also need to make sure there is enough space in the area in which you are knocking the ball to; otherwise you will end up knocking the ball right to a defender. The knock-on can be used in tight spaces with multiple defenders around; you just need to make sure the outlet area is clear.

Sprinting
This refers to the general sprinting dribble when not using the knock-on

When to use it
-You can sprint anytime there is space in front of you toward the direction in which you are dribbling.
-Use it to also sprint away from defenders at your back or your side.

When you should not use it
-You generally should not sprint in tight spaces or if a defender is approaching you from head on (unless of course you have an outlet to knock the ball in to)
-Also do not try to sprint against a standing/jockeying defender in front. They will easily win the ball back. If you are sprinting against a jockey defender you should be sprinting away from them, not towards them.

Normal Dribble
This refers to the normal dribbling pace when you are not using any of the triggers or the right stick.

When to use it
-This dribble can be used when sprinting defenders in front of you are approaching from a large enough distance. If you have enough space, you can turn and maneuver around the oncoming defender before he is able to go in for the tackle.
-The normal dribble can also be used to dribble away from defenders at your back or to your side whether they are charging in or jockeying in.
-If the defenders are sprinting at you from the back, you can easily get past them by taking a single dribble touch to the side. The sprinting defender will rush by you due to his momentum.

When you should not use it
Like the sprinting dribble do not use the normal dribble in tight spaces and do not use it to dribble towards a nearby standing/jockeying defender, (unless of course you have an outlet to knock the ball into if he attempts a tackle).

Pace Control Dribble
This refers to the dribble when using the pace control button.

When to use it
-Use the pace control dribble in tight spaces.
-Also use the pace control dribble as you dribble towards a jockeying/standing defender.
-Since the frequency of touches is greater, you can more easily maneuver and turn away if the defender suddenly goes in for a tackle.

When you should not use it
-Do not use the pace control dribble to try to maneuver around any defender who is sprinting towards you, whether they are in front, to the side, or behind you. Sprinting defenders usually win the ball back against the pace control dribble. As soon as you see a defender committing to a tackle by starting to sprint at your attacker, you should switch to the normal dribble to maneuver around him or look to use the knock.

Skill Dribble
This refers to the dribble maneuver when holding both the pace control button and sprint button

When to use it
-Use the skill dribble when faced up toward a standing/jockeying defender.
-Also an excellent technique to use to slide away from a pressuring defender coming in from the side to create a bit more space to turn (very important this maneuver)
-Can be used in tight spaces as well depending on how much time you have on the ball.

When you should not use it
-Do not use the skill dribble with back turned directly to defender sprinting in (only use if defender is on the side or in front)


Ball Shield
This refers to the dribbling maneuver where you shield the ball against an oncoming defender. The ball shield in this game is not the same as the ones in FIFA 09 and FIFA 10. No longer can you use it to “hold-up” the ball against an oncoming defender for an extended period of time, but despite that it can still be used to buy time against the defense, especially in tight spaces.

When to use it
-Use the ball shield against defenders sprinting in for a tackle that are close by.
-Use the ball shield when defenders are approaching from the sides or from directly in front. When defenders are coming in from the side you can quickly shield the ball, and then dribble in the opposite direction (which has the same effect as the stop and turn skill move).
-Do not always take a dribble touch immediately after shielding the ball. The ball shield is a great way to hold up the ball momentarily and assess how the defenders are approaching your attacker (i.e. are they sprinting in or are they jockeying). The defender's approach to your attacker will ultimately determine your next move after shielding, so pay attention to the defenders approach when shielding and try not to assume that the defense will do anything. Let the defense show their hand, and then react to it.
-The ball shield is also safe to use against jockey/standing defenders

When you should not use it
-Do not use the ball shield if a defender is sprinting towards your attacker from directly behind. I do not know why, but for some reason when defenders approach a shielding player from directly behind they usually win the ball.


Face-Up
This is the maneuver where you pivot around the ball to face the opponent’s goal when holding the trigger run button. I like this maneuver because it allows you to quickly face-up a defender without moving the ball, and because you are pivoting rather than stepping, there is not as much momentum to overcome. This allows for a rapid change of direction after the pivot.

When to use (in all cases the defender will initially be at your back)
-Use against a defender sprinting towards you if there is enough time to make the pivot. If you can make the pivot in time you will be in position to quickly blown past the incoming defender with knock-on, or simply side-step the incoming defender with the normal dribble.
-Use against a jockeying/standing defender. Since the defender is in jockeying mode he will not commit for a tackle as you pivot. Once you are turned around and facing the defender you can use the skill dribble, or even skill moves to try and get by the defender. As soon as you see the defender commit for a tackle either blown by him with a knock-on or side step him using the normal dribble.

When you should not use it
-Do not try to face-up a sprinting defender if he is too close to your attacker. Rather use the normal dribble and try to maneuver past the attacker by dribbling to the side. If the defender changes from the sprinting to the jockeying animation (which many players online do) as he approaches, you can then turn to face him up.


Ball-Stop (Very Important)
This refers to the animation that occurs when you tap either the sprint button or the trigger run button to quickly bring your dribble to a stop without any type of pivot. I like this dribbling technique because it allows me to quickly bring my dribble to a stop and assess what the defense is doing while also allowing more time for the players around me to make runs in support. It is also a good way to quickly change direction and make sharper and crisper turns when in tight spaces. The ball stop also allows you to switch into different dribbling techniques a lot cleaner than you could without it.

When to use
-This is an excellent technique to use in tight spaces especially when it seems like you are surrounded with no outlets. Often times when you bring the ball to a stop and consciously assess what the defenders are actually doing you realize that although you have very little space you actually have lots of time on the ball because the defenders are not actively going in for a tackle. Rather they are just surrounding you and trying to cut off passing lanes. If you are able to remain calm in these types of situations you will eventually force a defender to commit to a tackle, and when he does, an outlet will usually open up to either dribble or pass into. IF YOU LEARN TO STAY CALM EVEN IN THE TIGHT AREAS WITH SPACE CLOSED DOWN, YOUR ATTACK WILL REALLY OPEN UP. THE KEY IS TO FORCE THE DEFENDERS TO COMMIT TO A TACKLE BEFORE YOU COMMIT TO A DRIBBLE. Too often players panic in the tight areas,take dribble touches when they don't really need to, and end up running into defenders ultimately giving the ball away. Don't give the ball away, make them come and get it. As far as I am concerned it is much better to stop your dribble and force the defender to come towards you and make a tackle, than it is to run into the defender and give the ball away.

When you should not use it
-Obviously if you see a defender sprinting at you committed to making a tackle you should maneuver away from him. BUT AGAIN MAKE SURE HE IS COMMITTED TO MAKING THE TACKLE BEFORE YOU TAKE YOUR DRIBBLE TOUCH


In Conclusion
As you may have been able to deduce, dribbling in this game (and attack in general) is determined by what the defense is giving you. The way you take on a pressuring defender is different from the way you take on a jockeying defender. An important skill to have is being able to discern between when a defender is committing to a tackle, when they are just jockeying to stay in front, and when they are moving to cut off a passing/dribbling lane. If you can distinguish between those three movements and follow the advice I have given above, your ability to retain possession in attacking areas will increase, and your attack will undoubtedly improve.

I only looked at the pics.
Nice.

Made some changes on the skill dribble section. May as well bump the thread as well.

Thanks thought the Knock On tip was the most helpful.

Nice guide man

People are still crying about defending being too easy so I will bump this.

I read most of it in detail and its great but you didnt make it clear how to actually perform these moves.

Like the ball shield and face up.

10/10 apart from that!!

I'll read this in the evening when I've got some time. Looks nice!

I read it and think this is good thread.

I give it 8/10 because you haven't explained how to do these stuff to people, have to explain how to do it.

I didn't get the 'Pivot' thing much.
Is it used by holdingL1-trugger run button (in PS3 normal controls)?

I love the knock on to get past defenders.

What if the opponent is running at you to steal the ball but he is holding LT. So he is jocking at the same time he wants to steal the ball. Should you use a normal dribble or the pace control to get by him?

Money Sauce wrote:What if the opponent is running at you to steal the ball but he is holding LT. So he is jocking at the same time he wants to steal the ball. Should you use a normal dribble or the pace control to get by him?

Generally I use the normal dribble when I see my opponent using jockey press.

In terms of space you should make sure that you are close enough to the defender before making your move. If you try to make your move too early the defender will be able to react and recover before you can get by him.

In terms of the positioning a defender can position himself in relation to you in three ways: head-on, at an angle, or side by side.

Head-on approach


In the above diagram the LCB is approaching the RS head-on using the jockey-press. In this scenario if the LCB was actually moving in towards you rather than standing his ground, as you approach him using the normal dribble you would be able to knock the ball-on slightly to the left or to the right to get by him. Again you would have to make sure you were close enough to him before making your move.

Now if the LCB eventually slows down and stands his ground before you are close enough to knock the ball on by him, this is where advanced skill moves (i.e Elastico or Matthews feint) are needed to beat a defender. The simple skill moves like the regular body feint typically don't work against a jockeying defender. You need to use the advanced skill moves.

At an angle


In the above diagram the LCB is approaching the RS at an angle using the jockey. Now if your opponent is simply holding the jockey+press buttons you could use a well timed knock-on to beat the LCB either down the sideline or towards the inside. But if the LCB were to stand his ground before you got close enough to use the knock-on you would have to use an advanced skill move to get by. As the LCB gets close you could either roll the right stick from the left position to right position counterclockwise to perform a Matthews feint to beat the LCB to the inside (right), or you could roll the right stick from the right position to the left position to perform an elastico (or Matthews feint if player has less than 5* skill) to beat the defender to the to the outside (left). This applies to the other side of the field as well except reversed.

Side by Side


In the above diagram the LCB would be running jockeying along the side of the RS who is dribbling down the sideline with the ball. In my opinion it is actually very easy to beat defenders in this scenario using the heel-to-heel flick which is not even an advanced skill move. The initial kickback with the heel freezes the defender as he anticipates a cruyff turn, but instead of turning your attacker just kicks the ball forward again with his other heel and continues down toward the byline, perhaps creating just enough space necessary for a cross. You could also use the rabona fake in this scenario to stop and turn back upfield. I believe the ball roll left and cut right (ball roll right and cut left on opposite side of field) would also work to beat the jockeying defender to the inside rather than down the touchline.

Good guide.

beautiful, hopefully this will be a sticky with some further improvements. Thanks bud

make videos !

edit: you say for Example make heel to heel trick.. wow and how i make them ???