It’s no surprise that in the world of football, many players aspire to be strikers, chasing the spotlight and accolades associated with scoring goals. With the release of REMATCH, an exciting AA game launched this year, players can experience the thrilling life of a forward. However, the reality of the game shows that not everyone can occupy the limelight at all times.
In REMATCH, players rotate positions each time a goal is scored. As a result, you can anticipate numerous instances where you’ll find yourself in a less glamorous role, such as a defender. Often, you might also have teammates who stubbornly take on striker roles despite poor positioning, necessitating a solid defensive strategy to maintain team stability and thwart opponents’ attacks.
Defending effectively is essential to securing your team’s victory. When the pressure mounts, your ability to protect your goal stands as a vital line of defense. Below, we outline valuable tips and strategic insights that will assist you in keeping your goalkeeper’s clean sheet intact.
Defender Controls
The REMATCH tutorial provides essential groundwork for becoming an effective defender. To maximize your success, focus on mastering your tackling and passing methods, as they play a crucial role in regaining ball possession and launching effective counterattacks.
Essential Tackling Techniques
There are two primary types of tackles you should familiarize yourself with:
- Slide Tackles: When out of possession, press Circle (or your controller’s equivalent) while sprinting to execute a sliding tackle, potentially freeing the ball from your opponent’s control.
- Standing Tackles: Though less dramatic, standing tackles are often more effective. Activate your defensive stance by holding L2 and press Circle to gently poke the ball away when close enough to the rival player.
Effective Passing Techniques
Once you’ve regained the ball, it’s crucial to distribute it quickly to a teammate. Here’s how to accomplish this:
- Ground Passes: Hold Square to see a directional guide at your feet for passing. Utilize the left stick to target your pass and let go of Square to send it.
- Lob Passes: For lob passes, follow the same ground pass mechanics, but hold R1 for a lifted ball that can bypass defenders.
- Clearances: Use R2 not only for shooting but also for clearing the ball when necessary, sending it far downfield to get out of a dangerous situation.
Also, don’t forget your extra effort sprint—a speed boost that can be activated by double-tapping L1. This can be invaluable in closing gaps quickly.
Tips for Playing Defender
Maintain Your Position
Positioning is critical for a defender. Your primary goal is to keep yourself between the attacking player and your goalkeeper. Avoid recklessly rushing the attacker; doing so can expose gaps in your backline.
Pay attention to angles. If the opposing striker is advancing from the left side, shift left yourself to maintain the crucial defensive alignment. It’s all about balancing the threat from the attacker while positioning yourself to make an effective tackle when the moment is right.
Stay composed, and choose your moments wisely. If you find yourself outpaced, activate your extra effort sprint to catch up and try for a slide tackle as a last resort. If your team is in an attacking position, momentarily shifting to that role can be beneficial, just remember not to leave your goalkeeper isolated.
In smaller matches, like 3v3, you may need to support the offense as well. In larger matches, defenders can afford to stay back, letting forwards press forward without hesitation. You’ll learn to gauge when to hang back and when to support the offense as the game unfolds.
Keep in mind that offside rules do not exist in REMATCH, so positioning yourself nearest to your goalkeeper during defensive plays is vital. Utilize the mini-map to keep track of opponents behind you.
Initiate Counterattacks
As a defender, spearheading a counterattack after winning the ball is often your responsibility. Avoid trying to dribble the ball yourself unless the coast is clear. Instead, look for a teammate downfield who can take advantage of your pass quickly.
If your momentum allows, decide if it’s prudent to join the attack or if you should hold back to cover against a swift counter from the opposition.
Prioritize Standing Tackles Over Slide Tackles
It’s important to emphasize that standing tackles should be your primary tackling method. Many players feel tempted to rely on slide tackles, but they carry greater risk and lower success rates.
While no penalties await in REMATCH, failed slide tackles can still leave you vulnerable. Instead, focus on positioning yourself correctly and using standing tackles to regain possession safely, allowing you to quickly transition into a counterattack.
Avoid Falling for Rainbow Kicks
While dribbling options are limited in REMATCH, beware of opponents using rainbow kicks to elude you. These moves can catch defenders off guard and lead to embarrassing moments.
If you see an opponent start to perform a rainbow kick, quickly reverse your course to intercept the ball as it sails over your head. Your positioning is key; sprint to recover the ball before the attacker can regain control. While you can attempt to obstruct their recovery, it’s often more effective to simply secure the ball yourself.
When in Doubt, Clear It Out
After winning possession, if you’re unsure how to proceed, clearing the ball to the opposite side is sometimes the best course of action. Your primary duty is to keep the area near the goal safe.
If you’re near the sideline, angle your pass downfield or execute a full R2 kick to minimize immediate threats to your goal. While the opposing team may reclaim the ball, pushing it far down the field gives your teammates a chance to recover.
In executing a thorough clearance, aim away from the opponent’s goalkeeper to increase the likelihood that your team can regain possession quickly.
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