5 tips for FIFA 18 beginners on Xbox One

4. Crossing

Luckily for the fans who enjoy lobbing or firing crosses into the box, FIFA 18  is the game for you.

FIFA‘s new, more accurate cross is quite simply overpowered. Low crosses (X+X) have received an overhaul. Double tap the ‘X’ button to launch a low, precise cross into the best positioned player on your team. Most of the time, if you have an open man on the receiving end, low crosses end up in the back of the net. However, the few times that they don’t, there’s a reason. Make sure you either have a player in stride, open in the box or making a run into the 18-yard box. Otherwise, the defenders will make quick use of the poor cross.

In cases where a low cross is not available, you have a few options if you’re stuck on the wing with no help. For one, ‘LT’ is useful, no matter where you are on the field. The left trigger assists your player in shielding the ball, making it harder for defenders to steal. However, if you’d like to change it, simply hold ‘X’ to cross the ball onto the other side of the field to an open man or lob it to the far post. Far post crosses have a higher success rate than those in the air to the near post, just saying.

On set pieces (corners or free kicks), simply just tap ‘X’ to cross the ball. There’s no need to hold down ‘X’ and fire the ball towards those waiting. Tapping ‘X’ lobs the ball into the box and gives the taller players a chance to find the back of the net. Or, in some circumstances, the defense will get a weak clearance into one of your attackers waiting on the edge of the box, opening up options to score.

Crossing is an art and it’s not for everybody. However, it’s essential to learn the basics. Capitalize on the opportunities you are given using the art of the cross.