How to pass in EA SPORTS FC™: passing guide

Overview

Use different types of passes in EA SPORTS FC™ to keep possession, find teammates, and create chances. Learn when to use each pass type and how to practice passing in-game.

What are the controls for passing?

The controls depend on your platform and control configuration. To find your controls from the Main Menu:

1
Select Play.
2
Select Learn to Play.
3
Open Practice Arena.
4
Pause the game.
5
Select Button Help to view your controls, or Skill Moves Help to view Skill Move controls.

To find your controls from a match:

1
Pause EA SPORTS FC™.
2
Go to Settings.
3
Select Basic Controls..

EA SPORTS FC pause menus highlighting Settings and Basic Controls.

When to use basic passes

Use a ground pass to play the ball directly to a nearby teammate for short combinations and to keep possession.Aim toward your teammate and add enough power to reach them.

Use a through pass to play the ball into space ahead of a teammate making a run.Aim toward the space you want your teammate to run into. Through passes work best when there’s an open passing lane between defenders.

Use a lob pass to send the ball through the air to a teammate. You can use the same control to cross the ball from wide areas.Use more power for longer passes or switches across the pitch.When you’re near the side of the pitch, use a cross to play the ball toward teammates in or around the penalty area.

Use a lobbed through pass to send the ball over defenders and into space for a teammate making a run.Try a lobbed through pass when a defender is blocking the ground passing lane or there’s open space behind the defensive line.

Use a driven ground pass to send a faster ground pass directly toward a teammate.Driven ground passes can help you move the ball quickly through midfield, pass over longer distances, or find a teammate before a passing lane closes.The ball reaches your teammate with more speed, so consider how much space they have to receive it.

How to practice passing

Where to practice in-game

Use the Training Center and Skill Games to practice different types of passes and get used to their direction and power.To find the Training Center:

1
Open the Main Menu.
2
Select Learn to Play.
3
Open the Training Center.
4
Select Passing.

EA SPORTS FC Training Hub showing the Passing category and lessons, with Through Passes selected.

You can also practice in Kick-Off. Try making the same pass with different amounts of power, then switch between Ground, Through, Lob, and Driven passes based on your teammate’s position.

Passing tips

Choosing your pass based on your teammate’s movement and the space around them can help you keep possession and create chances.

Use a Ground pass when your teammate is nearby with a clear passing lane.
Use a Through pass when your teammate is running into open space.
Use a Lobbed through pass when you want to play the ball over a defender.
Use a Driven ground pass when you need to move the ball quickly.
Adjust your pass power based on the distance to your target.
Look for open passing lanes instead of forcing passes through defenders.

Your passing assistance settings can also affect your passes. Check your Gameplay Settings to see the assistance options available for different pass types.

How to pass in EA SPORTS FC™

Overview

Table of Contents

What are the controls for passing?

When to use basic passes

Ground pass

Through pass

Lob pass or cross

Lobbed through pass

Driven ground pass

How to practice passing

Where to practice in-game

Passing tips