EA Sports FC 25: Mastering Controlled Sprint

The EA Sports FC series has cemented its place as one of the most realistic and popular sports games available today. Each season, the developers enhance this authenticity by adding new skills, celebrations, and movement mechanics. This year is no exception, with EA Sports FC 25 introducing exciting updates.

Among the various offensive and defensive techniques players need to master, one essential movement that can elevate your gameplay is the Controlled Sprint. Introduced last year, it’s a crucial tool for dribbling and making sharp forward runs during an attack. Here’s a breakdown of how to use the Controlled Sprint effectively.

What is the Controlled Sprint?

The Controlled Sprint allows players to maintain high speed while offering superior control over the ball, similar to the Normal Sprint but with a significant twist. While it might not provide the same speed or acceleration, it enhances ball control and precision.

With this technique, you can keep the ball close to your feet, using your body to shield it from opponents. The added agility makes it easier to transition smoothly into forward runs or outmaneuver defenders, especially in tight spaces.

How to Use the Controlled Sprint

To execute a Controlled Sprint, hold down RB on an Xbox controller or R1 on a PlayStation controller while using the Left Stick to control your player's direction. Although your player might not always shield the ball fully during the Controlled Sprint, the risk of losing possession is much lower compared to the Normal Sprint in FC 25.

Attackers, particularly those focused on dribbling, will benefit the most from this mechanic. It enhances their ability to maneuver past defenders while keeping the ball under close control. Faster, more agile players have an even greater advantage, as they can better manage the ball and change direction swiftly.

Additionally, players with the Speed Dribbler or Fast Break PlayStyles in FC 25 can pull off incredible moves when combining Controlled Sprints with their natural speed.

Controlled Sprint vs Normal Sprint: Which is Better?

The key difference between a Controlled Sprint and a Normal Sprint lies in how much control you have over the ball. With the Normal Sprint, the ball often moves ahead with each stride, making it harder to control. As your player speeds forward, it becomes more difficult to manage the ball, increasing the chance of defenders stealing possession.

The Controlled Sprint solves this problem by allowing tighter control over the ball, making it easier to change directions and protect it. As you sprint, the ball stays closer to your player, and by holding LB/L1 while sprinting with RB/R1, you can guard the ball more effectively. This technique is particularly useful in crowded areas, allowing you to weave past multiple defenders.

However, the Normal Sprint still has its place. In situations where there’s open space in front of you—such as during a counterattack—regular sprinting is your best option. A Controlled Sprint in these moments would only slow you down, giving opponents a chance to catch up.

The key to mastering EA Sports FC 25 is learning to switch between both sprinting techniques. Use a Controlled Sprint when navigating around defenders, then switch to a Normal Sprint when you find a gap. The more you practice combining these sprints, the better you’ll become at identifying the right moment to use each one, ultimately giving you the edge on the field.

Conclusion

Understanding when to utilize the Controlled Sprint versus the Normal Sprint can transform your gameplay in EA Sports FC 25. By mastering both techniques and knowing when to apply them, you’ll be able to outmaneuver opponents and capitalize on scoring opportunities with ease. Keep practicing, stay alert for openings, and soon you’ll be sprinting your way to victory.