The Lofted Through Pass is one of the most valuable weapons in your attacking arsenal in EA Sports FC 26. When executed correctly, it lifts the ball over defenders who are blocking ground-level passing lanes, dropping it into space behind the backline for your runners to chase.
But here‘s the catch: Title Update v1.5.0 (March 2026) reduced the accuracy of lofted passes—including the double-tap through ball. This guide covers everything you need to know to adapt and still use this pass effectively in the current meta.
Button Inputs (Standard Controls)
Lofted Through Pass (Double-Tap)
This is the low-arcing aerial through ball that lifts the ball just over defenders’ reach.
| Platform | Input |
|---|---|
| PlayStation | Double-tap △ (Triangle) |
| Xbox / PC | Double-tap Y |
- Aim: Point the left stick toward the open space ahead of your runner before tapping.
- Power control: The first tap sets the power level; holding the second tap slightly longer sends the ball further.
Lobbed Through Pass (High Arc – Often Confused with Lofted)
This is the taller, slower lob that hangs in the air longer—ideal for beating deep defensive lines.
| Platform | Input |
|---|---|
| PlayStation | L1 + △ |
| Xbox / PC | LB + Y |
Key Difference: Lofted vs Lobbed Through Pass
| Pass Type | Input | Trajectory | Best Use Case |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lofted Through | Double-tap △ / Y | Low, fast, bouncing arc | Tight spaces, inside the box, splitting center-backs, short runs behind the line |
| Lobbed Through | L1/LB + △ / Y | High, hanging arc | Long counter-attacks, over packed midfielders, wide deep runs |
Understanding this distinction is critical—using the wrong pass in the wrong situation will kill your attack.
Step-by-Step Execution
- Trigger the run: Use L1 (LB) to send your striker or winger on a forward run.
- Aim into space: Point the left analog stick into the empty space behind the defenders—not at your player.
- Double-tap quickly: Tap Triangle / Y twice in rapid succession—the first tap sets power, and the second tap adds the lofted trajectory.
- Release at the right moment: Let the pass go just as your attacker begins breaking the defensive line to avoid offside.
Pro Tips for Consistency
Power Control
- Short tap = short loft, ideal for box entries.
- Hold the second tap longer = longer-distance lofted balls.
When to Use It
- Counter-pressure situations: Use when ground through passes keep getting intercepted by standing defenders.
- Avoid when a clear ground lane exists: A regular through pass maintains better momentum for your runner.
PlayStyle Boosts – Critical After v1.5.0
With the accuracy reduction to lofted passes in Title Update v1.5.0, PlayStyles matter more than ever:
- Incisive Pass: Boosts the accuracy of through passes overall. Players with this PlayStyle complete lofted through passes far more accurately.
- Long Ball Pass: Specifically increases the accuracy and speed of Lob and Lofted Through Passes, making them harder to intercept.
- Inventive PlayStyle: The accuracy of lofted ground and through passes using Inventive and Inventive+ was slightly increased in v1.5.0 to compensate for the global nerf.
Bottom line: If you want to spam lofted through balls consistently, use players with Long Ball Pass or Incisive Pass PlayStyles.
Weakness to Manage
Receiving players slow down slightly to trap the aerial ball. Pair this pass with fast strikers who can recover speed quickly after the touch.
Avoid Spamming
Don‘t use the lofted through pass when your runner has a clear ground lane—the regular through pass keeps momentum better and arrives faster.
Common Mistakes to Fix
| Mistake | Why It Fails | The Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Tapping too slowly | Becomes a regular ground through ball | Tap twice rapidly |
| Aiming at the player instead of space | Easy for defenders to intercept | Always aim ahead of your runner |
| Using Lobbed Through (L1+△) in tight box areas | Too high; keeper claims it easily | Use double-tap lofted for box chances |
| Spamming after v1.5.0 nerf | Inaccurate passes turn over possession | Be selective; use only when the lane is right |
Update Note
This guide is based on EA Sports FC 26 Title Update 1.6.4 (July 14, 2026).
Critical context: Title Update v1.5.0 (March 2026) reduced the accuracy of lofted passes performed by double-tapping the through pass button. While still effective, this pass type is no longer as dominant as it was at launch. Ground passing was improved in the same update, with the impact most noticeable on players with higher passing attributes.
Use lofted through passes selectively and with players who have the right PlayStyles—and you‘ll still tear defenses apart.
