Mastering dribbling in FC 26 Coins is one of the most important skills for outplaying opponents and creating scoring opportunities. While passing and positioning remain vital, being able to move the ball with control, flair, and precision gives you the edge in competitive matches. EA has improved ball physics and player responsiveness in this year's edition, meaning dribbling feels smoother but also requires better timing and technique. If you want to take your gameplay to the next level, this complete dribbling tutorial will guide you through the essentials.

The Basics of Dribbling

At its core, dribbling is about keeping the ball close to your player while maintaining the ability to change direction quickly. Use the left stick to move with small, precise touches rather than sprinting. Sprint dribbling should only be used in open space, as the ball is pushed further ahead and becomes easier for defenders to steal.

Practice walking with the ball and making short directional changes. This teaches control and helps you understand your player's dribbling stats, which heavily affect responsiveness.

Strafe Dribbling for Close Control

Strafe dribbling, introduced in earlier versions and refined in FC 26, is performed by holding the L1 (PlayStation) or LB (Xbox) button while moving. This slows your movement but locks your player into tighter ball control. Strafe dribbling is excellent when facing defenders head-on, allowing you to bait them into tackles before quickly shifting direction. Use it on the wing to set up crosses or in tight midfield battles to maintain possession.

Shielding the Ball

Protecting possession is just as important as flashy dribbles. By holding L2 (PlayStation) or LT (Xbox), your player uses their body to shield the ball from defenders. Shielding is especially effective with strong players like strikers or midfielders who can hold off challenges. Combining shielding with small dribble touches lets you waste time, create passing lanes, or draw fouls in dangerous areas.

Skill Moves and Flair

Skill moves remain one of the most creative tools in FC 26. Each player has a star rating (from one to five) that determines which moves they can perform. Popular and effective skills include:

Ball Roll (Right Stick left/right):Smoothly moves the ball sideways to evade tackles.

Step Over (Right Stick rotate):Confuses defenders by faking direction changes.

Heel to Heel Flick (RS flick forward then back):Bursts past defenders with acceleration.

La Croqueta (L1 + RS left/right):A quick lateral touch, great for tight spaces.

Avoid spamming skill moves—use them strategically to surprise your opponent. A single well-timed trick is more effective than repeated flashy attempts.

Sprint Dribbling and Explosive Sprint

When you find open space, sprint dribbling becomes key. Hold R2 (PlayStation) or RT (Xbox) while moving to push the ball further ahead for speed. Be cautious—defenders can intercept if you overuse it.

FC 26 also refines the Explosive Sprint mechanic. By double-tapping the sprint button, your player bursts into a rapid acceleration. This is excellent for breaking past defensive lines after a feint or skill move. Use it sparingly, as recovery time after a failed attempt can leave you exposed.

Combining Dribbling With Passing

Effective dribbling isn't only about beating defenders one-on-one. Sometimes the smartest option is to draw a defender toward you, then quickly release the ball with a short pass or through ball. This keeps your attacks unpredictable. Think of dribbling as a way to manipulate defenders into opening space for teammates.

Practice in Skill Games

Finally, the best way to improve is by practicing. FIFA 26 Coins offers Skill Games designed for dribbling drills, from obstacle courses to precision challenges. Spending time here sharpens your close control and reflexes, making advanced moves second nature during real matches.

Dribbling in EA FC 26 is about balance:control, timing, and creativity. Learn to use close control with the left stick, master strafe dribbling, shield the ball under pressure, and apply skill moves when the moment is right. Mix in sprint dribbling and explosive bursts only when space allows, and always remember that passing is part of effective dribbling strategy. With practice, you'll glide past defenders and dominate matches like never before.