- What it is: short passes and players kept close together, to control the ball and find the gap in the defence
- Defending: a high line and a high press to win the ball back early
- Best formations: compact shapes with numbers in the middle, such as 4-3-2-1
- Weak spot: the space behind the high line, against fast counter-attacks
What is Possession Game?
Possession Game is a Team Playstyle that keeps players close to each other and uses short passes to control the ball, move the opponents around and break through the smallest gap in the defence. It holds a high defensive line, which makes it easy to take control of the match.
It asks for calm control under pressure, so it suits experienced players. It takes practice, but when it works the opponent hardly gets the ball.
How the players move
The two keys are passing at close range and defending from high up the pitch.
Red: your team · Grey: the opponents · White: the ball · Red arrows: how your players move
In attack, players gather close together, form triangles and pass in short steps. The wide midfielders stay wide to stretch the pitch, and the CMF and DMF drop to receive the ball and help move it forward. Out of possession, the back line stays high and the team presses to win the ball back high up.
Possession Game in each situation
| Situation | What the team does |
|---|---|
| Your goal kick | Plays out from the back. The CBs drop to receive and short passes move it up |
| CB on the ball | The CMF and DMF drop to receive |
| Wingers and wide midfielders | Stay wide to give width |
| Opponent’s goal kick | A high press. Forwards and midfielders push up to win it |
| Defensive line | A high line |
| Losing the ball | Players return to their positions to restore the balance |
| Winning the ball | A slow build-up. No rush, keep the ball first |
Best formations for Possession Game
Possession Game works best with compact shapes that put players close together and make it easy to keep the ball in the middle.
| Formation | Why |
|---|---|
| 4-3-2-1 | Plenty of players in the middle, ideal for close link-up play. The best fit for keeping the ball centrally and getting width from the full-backs |
| 4-2-1-3 | Two DMFs keep the ball safely and the AMF links play. Strong in central build-up |
| 4-3-3 | The wingers stay wide, so the middle is thinner and keeping the ball is harder |
The approach that works: keep the ball in the middle and get width and support from the full-backs pushing on. 4-3-3 spreads the wingers out and thins the middle, so the more compact 4-3-2-1 is easier to use.
Best managers for Possession Game
The higher a manager’s Team Playstyle Proficiency for Possession Game, the bigger the boost to the squad. The boost is at its maximum from 85. These five are among the managers with the highest Team Playstyle Proficiency for Possession Game:
| Manager | Proficiency | Boosters |
|---|---|---|
 Niko Kovač (26-27) | 90 | Ball Control +1 / Defensive Engagement +1 |
 Thomas Tuchel | 90 | Low Pass +1 / Stamina +1 |
 Cesc Fàbregas | 89 | Lofted Pass +1 / Defensive Engagement +1 |
 D. Deschamps | 89 | Speed +1 / Ball Control +1 |
 Pep Guardiola (Link-up Play) | 89 | Kicking Power +1 / Aggression +1 |
How to attack with Possession Game
- Stay calm on the ball: do not release it the moment you are pressed. Draw the opponent in first and a teammate comes free
- Move the opponents to open space: switch from side to side and use the player or the space that opens
- Form triangles at close range: always keep two or more passing options so the ball is hard to win
- Do not force it forward: rather than a through ball that will not get there, keep the ball and wait for the gap
Panic under pressure and play a loose pass, and you get hit on the break from that same spot. Shake off the press, carry the ball and create the gap.
Defending and the weak spot
Out of possession, a high back line and pressing from the front win the ball back quickly so you can keep it again. Stay compact and give the opponent no time.
The weak spot is the space behind the high line. Teams that attack fast, such as those playing Quick Counter or Long Ball Counter, can get in behind with one pass. A mistake on the ball can also lead straight to a goal, so poor control is a real risk.
If you fail to win the ball back and they get in behind, you are in trouble at once. Manage the line, get back quickly after losing the ball, and slow the attack down.
How to beat Possession Game
Against a team that keeps the ball with Possession Game, do not chase everything. Protect the middle with a compact block, pick the moments to press, and when you win the ball, counter into the wide space behind.
The space behind a high line is always there. Look to get a fast forward in behind, and attack quickly the moment they lose the ball.
Possession Game vs Quick Counter
Both use a high line, but they think about the ball the opposite way.
| Possession Game | Quick Counter |
|---|---|
| Controls the ball to break the defence down | Wins the ball high up and attacks fast |
| Takes control of the match patiently | Goes straight for goal after winning the ball |
| Needs careful control (for experienced players) | Easier to use, even for beginners |
| Builds patterns to break through | Its weapon is the speed of the counter |
If you want to take control and break teams down, choose Possession Game. If you want to win the ball and finish fast, choose Quick Counter.
FAQ
What is Possession Game in eFootball?
What is the best formation for Possession Game?
What is the weakness of Possession Game?
Summary
- Possession Game controls the ball with short passes and holds a high line.
- Pass at close range in attack; press high with a high line in defence.
- Stay calm, move the opponents and wait for the gap.
- Its weak spot is the space behind the high line — watch the counter.
- Pair it with a manager with high Team Playstyle Proficiency for Possession Game for the biggest boost.
