The LT button is the secret?!?

[SpHSpH]

Is the LT button the secret to success in FIFA09?

Upon my move from Semi-Pro to Professional, I kept getting frustrated about my inability to maintain possession of the ball. It was very challenging to do anything when it seemed as if the CPU could take the ball off my foot anytime it wished.

I know the EA code ... "thou must not use the sprint button" ... from other EA games. I know that whenever your player is sprinting it becomes impossible to change his direction or do anything (pass / shoot / cross / etc). So I was consciously trying to only run at "regular pace". But even then I could not maneuver about the CPU defense.

So now I hold LT almost every time a CPU defender gets near me, and I just continue to hold it down. And it seems as if I am finally able to move around AND maintain some possession (never fear - a "cheap" steal will still happen - it just happens a little later).

So - is this the secret - am I supposed to play 90% of the game while holding LT?

And on defense as well? Always hold LT?

I find it inconvenient to hold LT and work the left thumb-stick - but if this allows me to actually have the ball at my feet - I think that I can get used to it.

Can anyone agree with me? Is this what I should be thinking about while I am playing?

Thanks!

[Pared]

I wouldn't say 90% of the time, just when you want to beat a defender with a move.

It's not completely necessary either; You can beat your man with a few feints, the Right Stick ball kick and cross fakes.

It's the only way to trigger skill moves however. I find a much higher success rate of beating a man by either facing them up and going a direction different than where they are coming from or shielding the ball with R2, then going around.

Keep working at it though. Spend a few games just practicing moves and not worrying about scoring... just try different things.

[SpHSpH]

OK - shielding - how is this best used?

I know that if I hold RT while *not* moving the left-thumbstick.

But then what? Can I fight off a CPU defense guy? How?

And I eventually need to move with the ball again ...

[Pared]

I use it to give me enough time to make a decision where to go. Run up, shield the ball, let the defender come near, then change direction or use and advanced skill. You can also initiate a give and go (L1+pass) and you'll find more separation than a regular pass. Just lead them on the pass back to empty space.

[taiketsu]

If you've ever dribbled a soccer ball, you would know that it's easier to maintain control of the ball when you have it closer to your feet. That is what the LT does. Apparently, having the ball closer to your feet also requires slower movement, but also allows for a quicker change in direction with the ball.
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[Salhus]

I'm in the same boat as you, SpHSpH

[wepeeler]

Quote: Originally Posted by SpHSpH

OK - shielding - how is this best used? I know that if I hold RT while *not* moving the left-thumbstick. But then what? Can I fight off a CPU defense guy? How? And I eventually need to move with the ball again ...

Try sprinting and then letting go of the left stick. When your player begins to shield, look at where the defender ends up and burst to a new direction. I use this quite often and it works like a charm. Especially online

Just don't overdue it. And be sure to do it quickly. The problem with shielding is that it's not meant to be overused. Use it to gain space and then break into a sprint to beat the defender...

[southernbelle]

Quote: Originally Posted by wepeeler

The problem with shielding is that it's not meant to be overused. Use it to gain space and then break into a sprint to beat the defender...

i think this is a quality tip here that really works if used effectively. best part about fifa 2009 is that there isnt one tactic on the controls that gives you an edge... its a little bit of L2, some shielding, tactical use of the sprint button (think about tapping sprint as opposed to holding it down, unless you are in a break away), some skill moves at times (sad to say these are not needed, just pretty), and the knock on stick... its a very nuanced game, to be sure.