Next on the list of new additions for FIFA12, Precision Dribbling. Bringing a new tier to the existing dribbling model.



[DISCLAIMER] The videos that we saw were from both the Test Bed environment and live FIFA 12 gameplay. Whilst what we saw was incredibly impressive, these videos are chosen with the express intent of demonstrating the new FIFA 12 features as simply as possible. FIFASoccerBlog will not be providing a definitive opinion on these new features until we get our hands on the game, we’re simply going to relay what we saw and what we were told.

Tighter control near the touchline – Players will now be much more aware of their surroundings (Hooray!). As an example, players in possesion near the touchline will understand that they’re there, and keep tighter control of the ball to stop it running out of play.

Sprint > Jog > Close control – Close control has been added below jogging as a way of allowing players to take smaller, more frequent touches, keeping the ball closer and keeping tighter control.

Shielding – Players can now dribble whilst shielding, meaning you can still move around the pitch whilst holding players off, rather than being rooted to the spot.

Allows more time and space – Something that seemed to be an upshot from a combination of both close control and tactical defending was attackers having more time and space on the ball. Allowing for…

More space around the area – In previous FIFAs I’ve found the final third almost a no go area especially in terms of playing slowly and trying to pick holes, with defenders pouncing on you the second you get close to the box. With close control you can find find more space in and around the area making it accesible. So now you’ll be able to play like Arsenal to your hearts content. Don’t forget to shoot though…

Maintain control in tight situations – Keeping the ball under tighter control will allow you to get out of tricky positions that would certainly have ended in to you being dispossesed in FIFA11. With the removal of auto tackling, players are going to have to work hard to get the ball off of you, creating the potential for some intense battles for possesion. We should see more options for holding the ball up before finding a window to release it and more opportunities to slice your way through defences with deft touches and smarts, rather than rainbow flicks and rabonas.

As with many of the points you will read today, they’re much easier to understand and interpret when seen rather than read about. If last year is anything to go by, then we can expect to see some publicly released test bed videos that explain how these features work and what they mean for the game overall.