In the recent patch 1.1.1 for EA Sports FC 26, the developers have nerfed Technical Dribbling PlayStyle, which renders R1 dribbling function, favored by controller users, ineffective and may even render it obsolete in the game.
Therefore, many players are starting to look for other dribbling techniques influenced by this patch. Of course, not all players have the absolute talent to immediately find the most suitable and effective ones for themselves.
So, IGGM, your most helpful game assistant, will introduce how to continue using R1 dribbling effectively and some currently available dribbling techniques, which can make you invincible throughout the entire competition.
Please note that this is mainly for PlayStation controller users; keyboard and mouse or Xbox users can refer to the corresponding keystrokes to play.
1. R1 Dribbling
First, let’s look at the state of Technical Dribbling PlayStyle, also known as R1 Dribbling, after it was nerfed. Many players in the community have expressed that the nerf makes it feel like they’ve gone back to the boring old game, FC 25, because L1 dribbling was more effective than R1 dribbling. However, this nerfed dribbling function isn’t entirely useless.
In FUT 26, you can think of R1 dribbling as a movement technique when you want to turn, especially a lateral turn. The specific operation is to hold down R1 when you’re about to make a lateral turn, and then change the direction of the left stick. Note that this is not a light tap of R1, but rather holding it down for about one second just as the player is about to turn laterally.
This tactic also applies when you see a defender closing in on you or moving in a very narrow area like the penalty area. This set of moves makes it harder for your opponents to predict the movements of the player you are controlling, thus increasing your chances of winning and getting more FUT 26 coins. Apart from that, the R1 button has no effect on the rest of the game.
2. An R2 Button For Faster Running
Next, let’s look at other dribbling techniques available after R1 dribbling was nerfed in FC 26 1.1.1 patch. A prerequisite for good dribbling is that your player has sufficiently high running speed, such as those with Rapid PlayStyle. But do you know how to use your controllers to make them run faster? We recommend using R2 button here.
When you are dribbling your player down the wing or in the middle, release the sprint button at the right time, and when the player touches the ball again, press and hold R2 button. This will directly trigger Rapid PlayStyle, which will focus more on the acceleration during dribbling rather than just the sprint speed.
Alternatively, you can perform this type of maneuver while controlling a player with Quick Step PlayStyle, such as Nico Williams. With this dribbling strategy, he is likely to be faster than the opponent’s defenders, thus increasing the chances of scoring for the attacking players.
3. Berba Spin Moves First Touch
In FIFA 26, besides high running speed, the way players touch the ball and their tactics are equally important during dribbling. IGGM has compiled some statistics showing that many players still use the basic first touch, but according to some advanced players’ guides, to increase your chances of winning, you can use some skill moves in first touch.
This is the same purpose as using R1 dribbling technique to perform a turning motion: to make your players and team more unpredictable during the game. Of the current skill options, Berba Spin Move is the most recommended, as it allows you to easily break through any defense and change your direction of movement.
To do this, move the right stick in the direction the player is facing, then move it to the right or left of the player depending on where you want to escape to. Once you’ve escaped to a more open space, your opponent will be completely unprepared.
However, this requires a relatively high level of speed from the player with the ball. So, if you want to execute this maneuver more precisely, please buy cheap FC 26 Coins at IGGM.com to upgrade or improve the attributes of the specified player to achieve the best condition.
Furthermore, when you are running down the flank and being marked by a full-back, you can use this skill move as your first touch to easily get rid of the full-back. Of course, there are other techniques that can be used as the first touch of the ball. You can try them out yourself to find the one that suits you best.
4. L1 Button For Stopping
When dribbling in EA FC 26, you’re bound to encounter the possibility of being intercepted. Here, you need to stop immediately, release all buttons, and wait for the system to switch the player you’re controlling to the one closest to the ball. However, this method can be improved.
After you press L1 and release all the control buttons, you will find that your player will immediately stop moving and face the goal, even if you are controlling the player to move backward. In this situation, you can launch a strong counterattack when the opportunity arises, because your players’ vision is no longer limited.
Previously, if you noticed the opponent was trying to intercept, your first reaction would be to have your striker move up. However, unfortunately, your vision is limited, making it impossible to pass the ball to the striker, and the player cannot face the goal. So, in this situation, you can press L1 to turn the player to face the goal and execute a through ball. In this case, the chances of this move being executed well will greatly increase.
Furthermore, when your players come to a complete stop, it exposes the opposing players to more unpredictable tactical situations during the game. This is one of the key strategies for focusing on winning and earning more FUT 26 in-game coins. Then, use the previously recommended touch or dribbling techniques to execute subsequent passing and runs.
The above are some tips and strategies recommended by IGGM for players struggling to find the best dribbling techniques in FC 26 affected by patch 1.1.1. In summary, R1 dribbling isn’t completely unusable, but its frequency should be reduced, and other more effective methods should be used instead. Enjoy the game!
