EA FC 26 Top 3 Through-Ball Techniques To Help You Break Defenses
Posted: Nov 28, 2025 Views: 74
In EA FC 26, your through balls are frequently intercepted because of defensive positioning, opponents' high pressing, and the game's AI sometimes being set to force interceptions.
Fortunately, in the developers' recent November update feedback, they explicitly stated that CPU AI will be reworked in FC 26 v1.1.3, improving its ability to track off-the-ball runs, make quick decisions, and maintain formation, while reducing the previous tendency to aggressively push forward to intercept offside players.
So, for now, external AI factors are being eliminated. To improve your through ball success rate and dominate Weekend League, you must change your passing style, especially against strong opponents. But don't worry, here we share three through ball techniques to quickly break through the opponent's defense and accurately pass to the target position. Let's take a look!
Add Curve To Your Passes
First, the technique we'll discuss is adding a curve to your through balls. This is highly effective when the opponent anticipates the through ball opportunity and intercepts the pass.
Simply put, to execute this technique, hold down L2/LT button before charging the pass. This instructs your player to add a curve to the pass, making the ball go around defenders, much like a curved shot goes around the goalkeeper.
Therefore, instead of passing a predictable straight ball, aim to get the ball around obstacles, i.e., moving attacking players. This technique is even more effective if your player has Incisive Pass Playstyle.
Furthermore, this technique works when there are defenders between the passer and the target player, as a straight pass is too risky. Curved through balls can also be very effective when attacking players are making diagonal runs into the backline, allowing you to send the ball along their running path instead of forcing it through the wall, reducing the risk of interception.
In crowded central areas, a curved pass to the flanks can create excellent opportunities that standard through balls cannot reach - a point many players overlook.
Dinked Pass
Next, we'll introduce Dinked Pass, feared by all defenders today. Simply double-click the through ball button.
At first glance, it seems no different from a regular through ball, but you won't realize the enormous difference until the very last moment when your player gently lifts the ball.
Instead of skimming across the grass like a typical through ball, giving defenders a chance to slide or intercept, the ball bounces off their legs, creating a fantastic opportunity for your attacking players to chase it down.
This Dinked Pass is especially important when the defense pushes forward aggressively, leaving space. The curved trajectory allows the ball to easily bypass sliding tackles and tackles. This pass is perfect for lobbing the ball behind full-backs or center-backs, allowing your running players to make runs.
The reason Dinked Pass is so efficient is that it doesn't fly high like a lob; it just bounces gently, which is why it reaches the attacking player's feet faster and avoids interception.
This type of pass is very effective at close range, especially inside or near the box. If you can use Dinked Pass correctly inside the box, you can create volley opportunities.
In FIFA 26, the success rate of this type of pass is extremely high, but it requires relatively high reaction and ball control stats from the player executing the pass. Therefore, if you want your through balls to be more effective, you can buy FC 26 coins to invest in suitable players. More importantly, coinciding with the Thanksgiving and Black Friday double celebration, IGGM is offering a limited-time lucky draw to reward users, giving you a 100% chance to win a large coupon and save money when buying coins!
First Time Through Balls
Finally, let's talk about the most underrated method in the through ball mechanic: First Time Through Balls. This is an excellent way to quickly break through the opponent's defense, especially effective in a three-man backline.
For this tactic to work, you need three players: one in the center, one running down the flank, and ideally a striker in the attacking third who will act as your link-up.
When you have your central player dribbling the ball, point the left stick at the winger and tap L1/LB button. This will trigger his run, and he will begin exploring the space ahead.
At this point, you need to pass the ball to your striker while observing the winger's run. However, be careful not to try to control the ball with the striker.
While the ball is still in flight, accelerate and deliver a regular pass or a lobbed pass to the winger. Before the opponent can react, you've completed the breakthrough. Timing is crucial when executing this tactic.
Additional Tips
Finally, I'd like to remind you that for these three types of through balls to work, you need to keep the receiving player actively running, because the ball will travel along their running path, not their current position. If they remain stationary, these techniques will not work.
At the same time, you can still control the ball with the player currently dribbling, but the key is to observe the runs. If the running player can safely break through the defense, you can try a through ball.
In short, successfully executing these through ball tactics requires a lot of practice in matches. You must also understand which shooting method will lead to a goal in crucial moments, which is very important in one-on-one situations with the goalkeeper.
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