Dribbling has changed significantly after the latest patch in FC 26, with R1 dribbling (also known as technical dribbling) seeing major adjustments. This article covers the best dribbling mechanics currently available, including how to use R1 technical dribbling post-patch. More than four dribbling mechanics are presented that can make any player unstoppable when it comes to dribbling.
R1 Dribbling After the Patch
The R1 dribbling mechanic required a nerf, but EA has made it much less effective. Even for players with the technical play style plus, it now feels underwhelming. The gameplay is beginning to resemble FC 25 more with every patch, as older mechanics return. While R1 dribbling is now less effective, left stick dribbling and L1 dribbling remain reliable.
Currently, R1 dribbling is most useful for sideways turns or changing direction quickly. To achieve this, hold the R1 button and use the left stick to change direction, holding R1 for about a second—not just a quick tap. This produces a quicker, more fluid animation than the left stick alone, making it excellent for quickly escaping defenders or being unpredictable inside the box.
Key Tip: Hold R1 and move the left stick to turn sideways. This makes direction changes faster and sharper. This technique is very effective in tight spaces and can make players much harder to predict.
| Technique | When to Use | How to Perform |
|---|---|---|
| R1 Sideways Turn | When changing direction or under pressure | Hold R1 + left stick (hold for about 1 second, not tap) |
Maximizing Player Pace on the Wing
Achieving maximum pace is essential, especially on the wings. This method works best with players who have the rabbit or quick step play style and high pace stats. It is not a speed boost but a technique for getting the most acceleration.
The process involves letting go of the running button (R2) as the player is about to touch the ball, then holding R2 again just as the player touches the ball. This rhythm activates the rabbit play style, making pacey players nearly unstoppable, especially when running on the wing or through the middle.
This is the reason some opponents seem faster than defenders—they may be using this method with the right play styles.
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Run with player, then release R2 as they approach the ball |
| 2 | Hold R2 again as the player touches the ball |
| 3 | Repeat rhythm for maximum acceleration |
| Note | Works best with rabbit or quick step play style and high pace |
Advanced First Touch with Burba Spin
The first touch is critical. Using a skill move as the first touch, such as the Burba spin, can make any player more unpredictable and break defensive lines. The Burba spin is one of the best skill moves for first touch, allowing a quick change of direction and creating openings.
To perform the Burba spin as a first touch, flick the right stick in the direction the player is facing and then to the right or left, depending on the desired exit. This makes it difficult for defenders to predict where the ball will go, especially when exiting into open space.
This move is effective both when breaking through tight defensive lines and when escaping a marking fullback on the wing.
L1 Stop for Control and Composure
The L1 stop is a highly effective method used in every match. By pressing the L1 (PlayStation) or LB (Xbox) button and releasing all other controls, the player will stop in less than a second and face the goal. This move works even if the player was previously moving backward.
How it helps: When preparing for a counterattack or needing to play a through pass, a quick tap on L1 will turn the player toward the goal, increasing composure and the likelihood of a successful pass. The L1 stop is also useful for dribbling, allowing for a fully stopped state before executing a skill move to escape defenders or cut inside the box.
Shielding and Unpredictability
Shielding the ball is very effective, especially under pressure. Hold the L2 button to shield, which is particularly valuable with players who have the enforcer play style. When facing multiple defenders, shielding can help maintain possession.
The most crucial element of dribbling is unpredictability. Use techniques like the L1 stop, feinting backward before advancing, and mixing in skill moves. In FC 26, skill moves are more effective than in FC 25, making them a key part of breaking down defenses. Mastering just one skill move can make a significant impact.
| Action | Benefit | Best Used With |
|---|---|---|
| L2 Shield | Hold off defenders, protect possession | Enforcer play style |
| Skill Move (e.g., Burba Spin) | Break lines, create unpredictability | Any attacker |
| L1 Stop | Pause, assess, and change play direction | All players |
After the R1 dribbling nerf, its use has decreased, with a greater focus now on unpredictability, shielding, and well-timed skill moves. These techniques represent the current best ways to dribble and break through defenses in FC 26 after the latest patch.
