Aerial Duels: The target man is key in FC 25 Coins contested headers or flick-ons, which can either create direct scoring chances or lay the ball off for oncoming teammates.
Hold-Up Play: The target man must be capable of holding off defenders and holding up the ball until support arrives, making them a critical asset for any team using Long Ball tactics.
Fast, Vertical Play Long Ball play is focused on fast, vertical play rather than patient buildup. The aim is to move the ball from defense to attack in as few passes as possible. The strategy often involves making long passes toward the final third, bypassing the midfield, and reducing the amount of time spent in possession.
Quick Transitions: Once possession is regained, the team looks to switch the ball quickly from the back to the front, launching direct attacks as soon as the opportunity arises.
Reduced Midfield Involvement: The midfield is less involved in the Long Ball system, as the focus is on getting the ball forward quickly and relying on attackers to make things happen.
Physicality and Aerial Strength In Long Ball Play Physical strength and aerial ability are crucial. Since a significant portion of the game revolves around headers, crosses, and knockdowns, having physically strong players who can challenge for aerial balls and hold off defenders is important.
Aerial Duels: Both the target man and the wingers or central attackers must be strong in the air, as many of the attacking opportunities will come from headers or second-ball situations after long passes.
Physical Attacking Players: Players with strength and stamina are essential for this style, as they need to contest long balls, shrug off defenders, and battle in physical duels.
Crossing from Wide Areas Wide areas become essential in Long Ball play. When attacking down the flanks, the goal is often to send in high, driven crosses into the box where attacking players can contest the ball in the air or look for a rebound. Full-backs and wingers play a crucial role in this aspect.
Crossing Accuracy: The ability to deliver accurate crosses into the box from wide positions is a key trait of Long Ball tactics. Wingers need to have both crossing ability and vision to pick out the right moment to deliver.
Dynamic Overlaps: Full-backs often overlap with wingers to provide additional width and crossing options, while wingers look to get the ball into the box quickly to meet the target man or other attacking players.
Minimal Possession and Quick Attacking Focus Teams using Long Ball strategies don’t typically aim to dominate possession. Instead, they focus on converting quick, long passes into fast-paced attacking opportunities. Possession is seen as a means to regain the ball and launch counter-attacks rather than a goal in itself.
Fast Breaks: The strategy emphasizes turning defense into attack in a matter of seconds. Once possession is won, it’s immediately sent forward through long passes to break the opposition’s defensive structure.
Quick Exploitation of Gaps: The objective is to exploit any defensive gaps created by the opponent’s offensive push, capitalizing on moments when they are vulnerable.
How to Use Long Ball Play Effectively in EA Sports FC 25
To fully utilize the Long Ball play style in FC 25, you need to buy FC 25 Coins make the right tactical adjustments and player selections. Here’s how you can implement it successfully.