In EA Sports FC 25, sprinting has always been crucial, and with the reintroduction of the controlled sprint, mastering this feature can give you a serious edge in your matches. Unlike full-speed sprinting, which can lead to losing control of the ball, controlled sprinting allows you to maintain speed while keeping precise control, ideal for navigating tight defenses and creating space for shots or passes.

In this guide, we’ll cover how to use controlled sprints effectively, the ideal situations to apply them, and which players excel with this feature.

What Is a Controlled Sprint?

A controlled sprint is a mechanic that lets players move quickly while retaining better ball control than a standard sprint. Typically, a full-speed sprint in EA Sports FC 25 causes the player to push the ball ahead, potentially losing possession if they encounter defenders. While this is effective for breaking into open spaces, it’s risky in tight quarters, especially near goal areas or crowded midfields.

Controlled sprinting offers the perfect middle ground, allowing you to accelerate without losing the tight dribbling needed in such situations. This feature shines when you need to outmaneuver opponents while still keeping up the pace.

How to Execute a Controlled Sprint

Performing a controlled sprint is straightforward:

• PlayStation: Hold down R1 while moving.
• Xbox: Hold down RB while moving.

While holding these buttons, your player moves faster than jogging but keeps much better ball control than during a full sprint. You can change direction more easily, making it a key tool for breaking through tight defenses.

Key Benefits of Controlled Sprinting

Controlled sprinting brings several tactical advantages to FC 25 gameplay, allowing you to maintain possession even in high-pressure situations. Here are a few reasons to use it:

• Retaining Possession: Controlled sprinting makes it harder for opponents to steal the ball as you maintain closer control. It’s especially useful when navigating tight spaces or areas where defenders are pressing hard.
• Better Maneuverability: Full-speed sprinting limits your ability to change direction quickly, but with controlled sprinting, you can make quick turns while still maintaining momentum.

• Enhanced Shielding: By using controlled sprint, your player can shield the ball better while still moving forward, making it more difficult for defenders to tackle you.
  

Best Situations to Use Controlled Sprints

Using controlled sprints effectively can be the difference between losing the ball or creating an attacking opportunity. Here are key situations where controlled sprinting excels:

1. Dribbling Around Defenders: When facing defenders in close proximity, controlled sprinting allows you to maintain control as you maneuver around them. It’s ideal when you need to weave through multiple defenders or escape a tight spot.

2. Attacking in the Penalty Box: Controlled sprints are particularly useful near the opponent’s goal. In the penalty box, defenders often crowd around, and maintaining control of the ball while moving quickly is critical for creating scoring chances.

3. Pressured Passing: When an opponent is closing in on you, controlled sprinting can buy you enough time and space to pass or cross without giving up possession.

4. Building Counterattacks: Controlled sprints allow for faster transitions from defense to attack, especially when the midfield is crowded. Using this tool to speed up the pace while maintaining control will help you move the ball forward without unnecessary risk.
   

Best Players for Controlled Sprinting

Not all players benefit equally from controlled sprints. To maximize its effectiveness, you’ll want players with high dribbling stats and the ability to maintain control at speed. Players who naturally excel in dribbling and speed are best suited for this feature. Here are a few examples:

• Vinícius Júnior: Known for his blistering pace and agile dribbling, Vinícius Júnior is an ideal candidate for controlled sprinting. His ability to move quickly while maintaining ball control makes him highly effective in tight spaces.

• Kylian Mbappé: With both speed and technical ability, Mbappé can burst past defenders while keeping the ball close, making controlled sprinting perfect for his style of play.

• Pedri: For midfield playmakers like Pedri, controlled sprints enable them to retain control while threading through defenders, creating passing lanes and controlling the tempo.

Players with the Speed Dribbler or Technical Dribbler traits will also see enhanced performance when using controlled sprints, as these traits amplify the ability to maintain ball control at high speed.

How to Practice Controlled Sprinting

To get the most out of controlled sprinting, spend time practicing it in the following settings:

• Skill Games: EA Sports FC 25’s skill games offer various drills where you can practice dribbling and ball control. Use these drills to get comfortable with controlled sprints in different scenarios.

• Training Matches: In lower-pressure matches or offline modes, practice using controlled sprints when approaching defenders or working your way toward the goal. Focus on maintaining control while changing direction quickly.

Conclusion

Mastering the controlled sprint mechanic in EA Sports FC 25 is crucial for improving your dribbling and possession retention, especially in high-stakes moments. With the right timing and execution, you can turn tight situations into scoring opportunities or maintain control during crucial moments of the game. Practice regularly, and you’ll find this tool becoming second nature, allowing you to outmaneuver defenders and take your game to the next level.

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