Master the 26 technical moves: dribbles and feints explained

26 technical moves to beat a press, trigger a decisive shot, or buy time near the corner post: this guide gathers everything you need to go from a finisher to a creator. First, the novelties of EA Sports FC 26, then the basics, before opening up to advanced combinations and controller settings that make the difference. The star system, displayed under the player’s name, governs access to dribbles, feints, and elastico variants. Thus, it becomes easy to identify who can attempt what, and when.

On the virtual pitch as in training, the goal remains the same: to improve ball mastery and ball control under pressure. This reference details execution on PS5/PS4 and Xbox Series/One, the best usage zones, and concrete football tips to create the gap. A fictional winger, Mina, serves as a common thread: her choices illustrate how to turn football techniques into tactical advantages. Throughout the sections, clear dribbling tactics and a football training plan provide measurable progress.

Table des matières

EA FC 26: key markers, novelties, and star system

FC 26 introduces three major moves: Advanced Heel Flick, Drag To Chop, and Elastico Variation. These additions complete a proven catalog. Moreover, the technical move stars indicator (1 to 5) is displayed directly under the name bar, speeding up in-game decision-making. A 5★ player performs all the moves from lower tiers. Furthermore, the global release is set for September 17, 2025, with better integrated in-game tutorials and more readable contextual help panels.

In practice, Mina targets 5★ wingers to trigger elastico moves in the final third, while her 3★ midfielders control the tempo via roulettes and heel hooks. Thus, the lineup complements the move repertoire.

FC 26 basics: 1 to 2 stars for efficient control

Before fancy footwork, you must stabilize ball control. 1★ and 2★ moves are quick, safe, and open passing angles. Under pressure, Mina prefers a Ball Roll over a risky roulette. This way, she retains possession and moves up the block.

1★ essentials: safety and orientation

Goal: gain half a meter and orient the play. Use these four moves with all profiles, even goalkeepers.

Directional Nutmeg – PS: L1+R1 + RS direction. Xbox: LB+RB + RS direction. Ideal to slip the ball through the axis then accelerate.
Standing Ball Juggle – PS: hold L2 + tap R1. Xbox: hold LT + tap RB. Perfect to fix a stationary defender.
Open Up Fake Shot – PS: L1 + Square then Cross + LS diagonal. Xbox: LB + X then A + LS diagonal. Useful to disrupt the timing of the tackle.
Trickster Rainbow – RS backward then forward (PS/Xbox). Use sparingly to surprise in one-on-one situations.

Integrate them early: their risk cost is low and their spatial yield is consistent.

2★ effective: simple feints and tempo control

Level 2★ smooths out ball exits. It sequences progression better, especially against medium blocks.

Body Feint – PS: RS right/left. Xbox: RS right/left. To provoke a minor defensive shift.
Stepover – PS: RS roll forward→right/left. Xbox: same. Serves as an initiation to a hook.
Reverse Stepover – PS: RS roll right/left→forward. Xbox: same. Rhythm variant.
Ball Roll – PS: RS right/left. Xbox: same. Opens the passing angle on the strong foot.
Drag Back – PS: L1+R1 + LS down. Xbox: LB+RB + LS down. Stops an unnecessary rush abruptly.

These dribbling tactics calm the press and create short passing lanes. This is the foundation of positional play.

Intermediate 3★: creativity, rhythm, and shooting angles

Here, dribbles become acceleration levers. Mina uses them to break lines and strike quickly. In transition, a well-timed Heel Chop opens the shooting window in one touch.

6 3★ moves to master

Heel Flick – PS/Xbox: RS up then down. Short hook, ideal inside the box.
Right Roulette – PS/Xbox: RS quarter circle down→right. Gains the inside by pivoting.
Left Roulette – PS/Xbox: RS quarter circle down→left. Symmetrical variant.
Fake Left & Go Right – PS/Xbox: RS slide down left→right. Feint then opposite exit.
Fake Right & Go Left – PS/Xbox: RS slide down right→left. Same principle reversed.
Heel Chop – PS: L2 + Square then Cross + LS right/left. Xbox: LT + X then A + LS right/left. Arms the shot against the goalkeeper’s movement.

Alternated, these moves shift the opposing block by a step, often enough to free the central shooter.

Advanced 4★: constant threats, new meta

Level 4★ introduces two novelties: Advanced Heel Flick and Drag To Chop. They create a devastating lateral burst. Against intelligent defenders, you must vary the exit height and direction.

6 4★ moves to gain the advantage

Advanced Heel Flick – PS/Xbox: RS forward then backward + LS diagonal. Double rhythm change, immediate exit.
Drag To Chop – PS/Xbox: hold LT/L2 + RS roll left, down, right (or reverse). Pull then sharp cut.
Heel To Heel – PS/Xbox: RS up then down. Quick bridge over a static defender.
Stop and Turn – PS/Xbox: RS up then right/left while running. Cuts speed and reverses the axis.
Ball Roll Cut – PS: hold RS right/left + opposite LS. Xbox: same. Passing feint then cross exit.
Three Touch Roulette – PS: L2 + RS down then right/left. Xbox: LT + RS down then right/left. Controlled pivot in the mid zone.

Combined with a deep run, these moves pierce the line and extend the offensive sequence.

Elite 5★: elastico and variants to break duels

Among 5★ players, technical expressiveness becomes a psychological advantage. The standard elastico, its reverse, and the Elastico Variation violently shift the ball carrier’s center of gravity. Exploit the micro-latency of sliding tackles to get past.

5 decisive 5★ moves

Elastico – PS/Xbox: RS roll down from right→left. Explosive hook inside.
Reverse Elastico – PS/Xbox: RS roll down from left→right. Surprising weak foot exit.
Advanced Rainbow – PS/Xbox: RS down, hold up, then up. Ideal to lob an aggressive tackle.
Hocus Pocus – PS/Xbox: RS down→left then back right. Flickering space creation.
Elastico Variation – PS/Xbox: L2/LT + RS right, down, left (or reverse). Controlled version for dense zones.

Use them mainly near the box: the shooting threat forces the defensive line to step back.

Combos and dribbling tactics by zone on the pitch

The decision depends on context. On the right wing, Mina chains Stepover → Ball Roll Cut → low cross. In the center, Roulette → Heel Chop frees the shot at 16 meters. Thus, each corridor has its optimal combo.

Low press break: Drag Back → Body Feint → secure vertical pass.
Right channel: Advanced Heel Flick → Stop and Turn → strong cross to the near post.
Zone 14: Fake Left & Go Right → Heel To Heel → diagonal shot.
Isolated one-on-one: Elastico Variation → diagonal acceleration → back pass.
Counterattack: Lane Change (4★) → Ball Roll Cut → deep run.

Associating a combo with a zone reduces hesitation and increases execution speed in match.

Controller, camera settings, and football training routines

A good move poorly configured loses its impact. First, set right stick sensitivity to medium: the input window remains lenient. Next, choose a Tele Broadcast or Wide Coop camera to read corridors earlier. Finally, map sprint to R2/RT and avoid pressing acceleration during a move, or you risk canceling it.

In training, work in short sets: 6 repetitions per side, then rest. Also, alternate contact surfaces to improve ball mastery off and under pressure. Consistency builds automation.

Pro tip: trigger a move on the last step before ball contact. The defender reads the body, not your controller.

7-day program: from isolated technique to real play

The plan below turns repetition into useful automation. It stays short but intensive to anchor motor cues.

Day 1: 1★ — Directional Nutmeg and Ball Roll in corridors. 6 x 30 seconds per side.
Day 2: 2★ — Stepover and Reverse Stepover in cone slalom. Add end of sequence pass.
Day 3: 3★ — Heel Chop and Roulettes on turns. Finish with a strong foot shot.
Day 4: 4★ — Advanced Heel Flick and Ball Roll Cut in 1v1. Work on acceleration timing.
Day 5: 5★ — Elastico and Variation in 16-20 m zone. Goal: create a clean shot.
Day 6: Small-sided 4v4 — combos by zones. Count ball losses.
Day 7: Full match — qualitative goal: 6 useful moves, 0 forced moves.

Measure the rate of “useful” moves: only those creating space, shot, or assist count.

Checklist of the 26 football techniques to know

Keep this list as a quick reference. It covers from 1★ to 5★, for a complete and pragmatic arsenal.

Directional Nutmeg (1★)
Standing Ball Juggle (1★)
Open Up Fake Shot (1★)
Trickster Rainbow (1★)
Body Feint (2★)
Stepover (2★)
Reverse Stepover (2★)
Ball Roll (2★)
Drag Back (2★)
Heel Flick (3★)
Right Roulette (3★)
Left Roulette (3★)
Fake Left & Go Right (3★)
Fake Right & Go Left (3★)
Heel Chop (3★)
Advanced Heel Flick (4★)
Drag To Chop (4★)
Heel To Heel (4★)
Stop and Turn (4★)
Ball Roll Cut (4★)
Three Touch Roulette (4★)
Elastico (5★)
Reverse Elastico (5★)
Advanced Rainbow (5★)
Hocus Pocus (5★)
Elastico Variation (5★)

Stack the automatisms: few moves, but well chosen, suffice to raise the playing level.

How do I know if my player can perform a given move?

Check the star icon under the name bar during a match. 1★ to 5★ indicate the available tiers of technical moves. A 5★ player has access to all moves, including those from lower levels.

When should I use elastico rather than a roulette?

Near the box, elastico creates an immediate shooting angle. Roulette is safer in the middle to change direction without exposing the ball. Choose based on space and defensive density.

Why don’t my moves come out consistently?

The most common cause is timing. Enter the command just before contact with the ball. Also reduce pressure on R2/RT during the animation and stabilize right stick sensitivity on medium.

Which camera settings favor dribbling?

Tele Broadcast or Coop with moderate zoom offer a better reading angle. You see pressure lines earlier and prepare the move exit towards free space.

How many moves should I really learn?

Five to eight suffice to progress significantly: Ball Roll, Drag Back, Stepover, Heel Chop, Stop and Turn, Elastico, and one 4★ variant. The rest is built afterward according to your style.