In EA FC 25, pressing is more aggressive and effective than ever. Opponents constantly deploy team press or use high-intensity tactics that can overwhelm even the most composed players. But with the right approach and one well-timed pass, you can dismantle the press, flip the momentum, and launch deadly counterattacks. Whether you're playing FUT Champions or Division Rivals, knowing how to EA FC 25 Coins break the press in one pass is a game-changer.
This guide will walk you through tactical awareness, in-game examples, ideal formations, the best types of passes to use, and player instructions to consistently beat high-pressure defenses in EA FC 25.
Understanding the Press in FC 25
In EA FC 25, pressing tactics have become more refined. The most common pressure systems players face include:
In EA FC 25, pressing tactics have become more refined. The most common pressure systems players face include:
Constant Pressure: Entire team aggressively hunts the ball.
Press After Possession Loss: Short, intense pressure for about 7 seconds after a turnover.
Team Press (D-pad command): Manually triggered pressure that spreads across the midfield and defense.
These tactics force errors by crowding passing lanes, suffocating midfield space, and rapidly closing down your ball carrier. If you hesitate or make a wrong pass, you’re likely to concede possession — or worse, a goal.
The Philosophy of Breaking the Press with One Pass
The key to breaking the press isn’t trying to dribble through it. It’s about drawing pressure and then exploiting the space left behind. That’s where the “one pass” solution comes in.
The key to breaking the press isn’t trying to dribble through it. It’s about drawing pressure and then exploiting the space left behind. That’s where the “one pass” solution comes in.
What is the one-pass break?
A deliberate bait-and-release play: you lure defenders in, then release the ball to a free player in space — often skipping entire midfield lines in the process.
Whether it’s a lofted through ball, a driven pass, or a well-placed lob, this single pass turns a suffocating press into a vulnerable backline.
Key Mechanics: Best Pass Types for the Job
Depending on the scenario, choose from the following pass types to break the press:
Depending on the scenario, choose from the following pass types to break the press:
1. Driven Pass (R1/RB + X/A)
Perfect for quickly transferring the ball to a midfielder or winger before the defense can react. Best used for ground-breaking passes to feet.
Perfect for quickly transferring the ball to a midfielder or winger before the defense can react. Best used for ground-breaking passes to feet.
2. Through Ball (Triangle/Y) or Lofted Through Ball (L1/LB + Triangle/Y)
Ideal when your striker or winger is making a run behind the defense. This pass works brilliantly if the opponent’s high defensive line is exposed.
Ideal when your striker or winger is making a run behind the defense. This pass works brilliantly if the opponent’s high defensive line is exposed.
3. Lobbed Pass (L1/LB + Square/X)
Useful to switch play or bypass a cluttered midfield. Best used when your wide players are unmarked.
Useful to switch play or bypass a cluttered midfield. Best used when your wide players are unmarked.
4. First-Time Passes
Use first-time passes to keep play moving and reduce the opponent’s window to react. Pressing players thrive on hesitation — first-touch play kills their momentum.
Use first-time passes to keep play moving and reduce the opponent’s window to react. Pressing players thrive on hesitation — first-touch play kills their momentum.
The Best Formations for Breaking the Press
Some formations are inherently better at beating the press due to their spacing and width. Here are a few to consider:
Some formations are inherently better at beating the press due to their spacing and width. Here are a few to consider:
4-2-3-1 Wide
The two CDMs provide safe outlets under pressure.
The two CDMs provide safe outlets under pressure.
Wide CAMs and fullbacks create passing angles for the escape pass.
4-3-2-1
Compact central triangle for short passes.
Compact central triangle for short passes.
The CF and LW/RW make sharp diagonal runs that punish a high line.
5-4-1 (Attacking Fullbacks)
Extra defenders give safe options, while wingbacks stretch the pitch for that perfect lobbed or driven outlet.
Player Instructions to Enable the One-Pass Break
Adjust player instructions to create the structure needed for the one-pass strategy:
Extra defenders give safe options, while wingbacks stretch the pitch for that perfect lobbed or driven outlet.
Player Instructions to Enable the One-Pass Break
Adjust player instructions to create the structure needed for the one-pass strategy:
CDMs: Stay Back While Attacking, Cover Center — safe passing outlets under pressure.
Fullbacks: Balanced or Join the Attack (if you plan to use lob passes wide).
Wingers: Get In Behind, Stay Wide — they’ll stay ready to receive a long pass the moment pressure is applied.
CAM: Free Roam — so they drift into space between lines for quick outlet passes.
Practical Scenario: Breaking the Press Step-by-Step
Let’s walk through a real scenario in Division Rivals:
Practical Scenario: Breaking the Press Step-by-Step
Let’s walk through a real scenario in Division Rivals:
Step 1: Opponent loses the ball and triggers Team Press. Your CB receives the ball under heavy pressure.
Step 2: Instead of forcing a pass into the CDM, you hold the ball briefly, inviting the opponent’s midfield to close in.
Step 3: You spot your RW peeling wide and your CAM drifting between two midfielders.
Step 4: Execute a Lofted Through Ball (L1 + Triangle) from your CB to the RW, who now has acres of space to run into.
Step 5: You’re suddenly in a 3v3 counterattack situation, all thanks to one precise escape pass.
Tips for Success: Don’t Just Pass — Anticipate
Use Player Lock (L3 + R3) to control off-ball movement. Move a player into space before triggering the pass.
Tips for Success: Don’t Just Pass — Anticipate
Use Player Lock (L3 + R3) to control off-ball movement. Move a player into space before triggering the pass.
Be unpredictable. Mix driven and lofted passes — keep your opponent guessing.
Draw in the press. Sometimes, holding the ball an extra second draws out one more pressing player, opening up space.
Use Trigger Runs (L1/LB) to force movement. Tap L1 to make a winger sprint wide just as the press collapses — ideal for the release ball.
Bonus: Build-Up Tactic Customization
Use these custom tactics to facilitate the one-pass break:
Bonus: Build-Up Tactic Customization
Use these custom tactics to facilitate the one-pass break:
Build-Up Play: Fast Build-Up or Balanced
Chance Creation: Forward Runs or Direct Passing
Width: 55–65 (spread the pitch)
Players in Box: 4–5 (to avoid being too exposed)
These settings ensure your team spreads wide enough to find the pass, while also maintaining enough bodies behind the ball to recover if needed.
Final Thoughts: One Pass Can Change the Game
Breaking the press in EA FC 25 doesn’t require spammed L1 passes or panicked clearances. With the right vision and timing, a single pass can slice open even the most aggressive pressing tactics, leading to free-flowing counterattacks and high-quality chances.
Final Thoughts: One Pass Can Change the Game
Breaking the press in EA FC 25 doesn’t require spammed L1 passes or panicked clearances. With the right vision and timing, a single pass can slice open even the most aggressive pressing tactics, leading to free-flowing counterattacks and high-quality chances.
By practicing your passing angles, adjusting your tactics, and Fut 25 Coins for sale staying calm under pressure, you’ll not only beat the press — you’ll control the game.
