In EA FC 25, defensive pressing tactics have reached a new level of aggression and intelligence, particularly due to enhanced AI positioning and the increased effectiveness of pressing strategies like "Constant Pressure” and "Press After Possession Loss.” Players in Division Rivals, FUT Champions, and even Career Mode have started to rely heavily on high press systems to force turnovers and trap you deep in your half. But there's one move that can turn this pressure into a golden opportunity: a single, well-placed pass.

This article will break down how to counter the press in FC 25 with one pass, examining tactical setups, pass types, positioning, and timing. Whether you're looking to build play from the back or punish an opponent’s over-commitment, this guide will teach you how to shift momentum in your favor instantly.

Understanding the Press in EA FC 25

Before learning how to beat the press, you need to understand how it functions in FC 25:

AI Triggers: When you lose possession or dally on the ball near your defensive third, the AI intelligently triggers a press, closing down passing lanes while secondary players anticipate the next move.

Marking Behavior: Pressing sides use tight man-marking and staggered midfield lines to trap your fullbacks or CDMs.

Tactical Presets: Formations like 4-2-3-1, 4-4-2, and 3-5-2 are now tailored to press effectively with compact shape and wing traps.

Attempting to dribble out or use short passes under pressure often leads to immediate turnovers. That’s where the one-pass break strategy becomes vital.

The One-Pass Break Concept

The idea is simple: instead of engaging in multiple passes that risk interception, use one intelligent pass to bypass the entire pressing line. This turns a high-pressure scenario into a counter-attacking situation in seconds.

But executing this is not about random long balls — it’s about precision, awareness, and timing.

1. Use the Right Formation

Formations with deep-lying midfielders and central passing lanes work best for quick breaks. These include:

4-2-3-1 Wide: Offers a pivot between your CDMs and CAM.

4-3-2-1: Narrow with strong central passing options.

3-5-2: Gives you two strikers and a CAM for immediate central release.

Having a central overload allows one of your midfielders or attackers to slip between the lines once the press commits.

2. Identify the Trigger Point

The best time to launch your one-pass break is right after the opponent fully commits their press. This usually happens when:

A center-back is being rushed by two attackers.

Your CDM receives with their back to goal and pressure incoming.

A fullback is boxed in on the touchline.

This is the moment when your opponent’s backline is exposed, often leaving their CBs isolated or their midfield line vacated.

3. Execute the Pass: Lobbed Through Ball or Driven Pass

There are two main types of passes that consistently break the press:

Lobbed Through Ball (L1 + Triangle / LB + Y)

Perfect for releasing fast wingers or strikers when they curve their runs centrally.

Especially useful when your opponent’s fullbacks are tucked in.

Ensure your attacker is already on the move before you launch.

Driven Ground Pass (R1 + X / RB + A)

Ideal when you want to bypass 2-3 midfielders quickly.

Best used to reach a CAM or ST who has found space behind the press.

Requires excellent accuracy and vision to avoid interceptions.

Pro Tip: When using a Driven Pass, face slightly away from the marker to create the passing angle before launching.

4. Target the Central Pivot or Wide Run

Depending on your attacking structure, your one-pass should aim for one of two areas:

Central Pivot (CAM or False 9)

If you have a player like Fekir, Bernardo Silva, or Aouar in this role, they can drop into a pocket and then launch a second pass to a winger or striker.

Instruct them with a "Free Roam” or "Get Forward” player instruction.

Wide Run (Winger or Overlapping Fullback)

Especially dangerous if your opponent’s fullbacks are pressing or out of position.

Use "Get In Behind” instructions and watch for their diagonal runs.

5. Key Player Instructions & Tactics

To facilitate breaking the press with one pass, use these instructions:

CDM: "Stay Back While Attacking” + "Cover Center”

CAM: "Free Roam” + "Get Into The Box”

ST: "Stay Central” + "Get In Behind”

CM (box-to-box): "Balanced” + "Get Forward”

In your Custom Tactics, set:

Build-Up Play: Fast Build Up

Chance Creation: Direct Passing

Width: 45-55

Players in Box: 5-6

These settings ensure quick movement and options for that one killer pass.

6. Recognize the Danger of Overcommitting

While the one-pass break is powerful, spamming it can make you predictable. Mix it up with:

Backwards resets to lure out more players.

Short passes before hitting the lob.

Occasional wide switches to change press direction.

7. Practice Scenarios in Skill Games and Squad Battles

In the Skill Games, use the "Pressure Drills” to simulate aggressive pressing and test out different types of passing exits.

Squad Battles on Legendary or Ultimate difficulty offer good simulations of pressing without online latency. Use these to practice recognition and execution before taking it to FUT Champs.

Conclusion: Turn Their Strength into a Weakness

In EA FC 25, pressing is a high-risk, high-reward tactic — but it's also exploitable. With one accurate, premeditated pass, you can shred through overcommitted lines and create 2v1 or 3v2 counter-attacks instantly.

By understanding formation dynamics, mastering lobbed and driven passing, and using smart player instructions, you'll not only survive the press — you'll thrive against it.

Start treating the opponent’s press as an opportunity, not a threat. One pass is all it takes to flip the game on its head. Remember to stay tuned to MMOexp.com for all the latest news! and Buy FC 25 Coins service, check out MMOexp