FC 25 Defensive Approach: Controlling Line Height, Pressure, and Run Tracking

In FC 25, the introduction of Defensive Approaches offers players greater control over how their team defends when out of possession. This system combines Line Height, Pressure, and Run Tracking to allow for a more customized defensive strategy based on the style of play you want to implement.

Line Height and Defensive Control

Each Defensive Approach is directly tied to the team’s Line Height, which determines how far up the pitch your defensive line sits. A higher line places your defense closer to the opponent’s goal, while a lower line keeps your team more compact, closer to your own goal.

Line Height Values

The Line Height can be adjusted manually, with values ranging from 1 to 100.
The higher the value, the higher up the pitch your team will defend.
The lower the value, the deeper your team will sit, defending closer to their own goal.

The Four Defensive Approaches

There are four Defensive Approaches available in FC 25, each offering a different level of defensive risk and reward. Let’s take a look at how each approach impacts your team:

1. Deep Approach

The Deep Approach is a safety-first defensive style that focuses on keeping your team’s defensive line deep, near your goal. This allows your team to mark opposition players more closely and prevent runs in behind.

Line Height Values: 1 – 30
Line Height Default: 25
Run Tracking: The defensive line will drop back with opposition runs.
Pressure: None (defenders focus on positioning over pressing).

This approach is ideal when you want to prioritize defensive solidity and minimize the risk of being caught out by counter-attacks.

2. Balanced Approach

The Balanced Approach offers flexibility between defending deep and pushing up the field. Your team adjusts its line height and run tracking depending on the game situation, providing a balanced defense without excessive risks.

Line Height Values: 31 – 60
Line Height Default: 50
Run Tracking: The line adjusts flexibly to track opposition runs when necessary.
Pressure: None (defenders maintain a balanced level of engagement).

This approach is suitable for teams that want a mix of solid defense and the ability to apply pressure without over-committing.

3. High Approach

The High Approach is more aggressive, with the defensive line pushed higher up the pitch. This approach applies situational pressure on the opposition but comes with the risk of leaving space behind the defense.

Line Height Values: 61 – 90
Line Height Default: 70
Run Tracking: The defensive line rarely tracks runs, focusing more on keeping shape.
Pressure: Minimal (situational pressing depending on the phase of play).

This approach is perfect for teams looking to play with a high press and win the ball back quickly, but it can leave your defense exposed to fast counter-attacks.

4. Aggressive Approach

The Aggressive Approach is the most attacking defensive style, pushing the defensive line as high as possible while applying constant pressure to regain possession quickly. This approach is designed for teams that want to dominate their opponents by pressing high up the pitch.

Line Height Values: 91 – 100
Line Height Default: 95
Run Tracking: The line never tracks runs and steps up aggressively to catch opposition players offside.
Pressure: High pressure on heavy touches, draining extra stamina.

This approach is ideal for high-pressing teams looking to overwhelm opponents but requires players with high stamina, as the intensity can lead to fatigue.

Conclusion

FC 25 Defensive Approaches provide players with the flexibility to control how their team defends, from deep, cautious setups to high-pressing, aggressive styles. Understanding how to adjust Line Height, Run Tracking, and Pressure to suit your team’s strengths will be key to mastering defensive tactics in the game. Whether you want to sit deep and counter or apply constant pressure, these approaches allow for deeper strategic customization.