In high-level FC 26 matches, when you're going up against a stubborn defense, using a Fake Shot is the perfect way to bait the defender. Most of the time, they won't even see it coming.
Controls
PS: Press ○ / □, then immediately press ×
Xbox: Press B / X, then immediately press A
Advanced Fake Shot Variations
Once you've got the basic fake shot down, you can start trying these advanced skill moves. Most of these combine the fake shot with other inputs, and they all have different use cases.
Stop & Fake Shot
Completely let go of the left stick while doing a Fake Shot.
Your player will come to a dead stop and execute a Fake Shot. This is perfect for sitting defenders down on the wing or inside the box.
Directional Fake Shot
Hold the left stick in the new direction you want to go while executing the Fake Shot.
This lets you change direction instantly right after the fake, making it super easy to blow past defenders who are aggressively chasing you down.
Open Up Fake Shot
Hold L1 (PS) / LB (Xbox) and do a Fake Shot while aiming the left stick diagonally forward.
This only requires 1-star skill moves. Your player will open up their body and take a big touch forward, which is great for opening up a shooting angle or bursting through a tight space.
Shot Cancel
Press ○ / B and immediately hold L2 + R2 (PS) / LT + RT (Xbox).
Compared to the basic Fake Shot, this completely cancels the shooting animation lock. The ball stays glued to your feet, allowing you to instantly chain into your next move. This is easily the most used variation in competitive, high-Elo divisions.
Pro Tip
For all fake shot variations (including the basic one), the button inputs need to be incredibly fast. If your fingers aren't quick enough, you'll mess up the animation and likely turn the ball over.
When should you use a Fake Shot?
The core idea behind a fake shot is to exploit the defender's anticipation, forcing them into making a bad defensive move so you can get a shot off or break through. Here are the best scenarios to pull it off:
- Your striker has carried the ball into the box, but the opponent's defense is parked. Using a fake shot here baits them into committing, giving you that split-second window to take a shot.
- Your winger is being tightly marked down the flank. If you want to cross, use a fake shot to make the defender overcommit and fly past you, then whip the ball into your teammates in the middle before they can recover.
- When your striker is 1v1 with the keeper, you can use a fake shot to make the goalkeeper dive early, leaving you with an open net for an un-savable goal.
