EA FC 26 Passing Guide – Master Every Passing Technique Like Kevin De Bruyne.

• Basic Passing Controls in FC 26
• Mastering Through Pass Mechanics
• The Magic of Lofted Through Passes
• The Power of the Driven Pass (Ping Pass)
• Lob Through Passes and First-Time Lobs
• The Driven Ground Cross – The Ultimate Cutback Tool
• Simplicity Still Wins Games

Passing in EA SPORTS FC 26 feels smoother, sharper, and far more realistic than anything we’ve experienced in FC 25 or FC 24. EA has clearly reworked the ball physics and responsiveness, making passing one of the most rewarding aspects of gameplay this year. You can now unlock defenses with a single pinpoint ball  just like Kevin De Bruyne at his best. In this comprehensive FC 26 passing tutorial, we’ll break down every passing mechanic, show you when to use them, and explain which ones dominate the meta right now.

Basic Passing Controls in FC 26

Let’s start with the fundamentals the standard pass. Pressing X (PlayStation) or A (Xbox) performs a regular pass, which is most effective when using players with the Tiki Taka PlayStyle. For a quicker and more driven ball, hold R1 / RB while passing to activate the Driven Pass (Ping Pass). This technique delivers a crisp, powerful ball through tight gaps and is best used with players who have the Ping Pass PlayStyle.

You can also trigger Pass and Go by holding L1 / LB before passing. This command instructs your player to immediately make a forward run after the pass perfect for creating one-twos or fast break opportunities. Meanwhile, holding L2 / LT executes a Flair Pass a stylish flick or curved ball for creative situations. And if you double-tap the pass button, you’ll perform a Lofted Pass, ideal for bypassing a congested midfield where ground passes might be intercepted.

Mastering Through Pass Mechanics

Through passes have always been a signature of playmakers and in FC 26, they’re more powerful than ever. The standard through pass (Triangle / Y) remains reliable, especially when paired with the Incisive Pass PlayStyle. To elevate your passing game, double-tap Triangle / Y to execute the Lofted Through Pass one of the most overpowered mechanics in the game this year.

The Lob Through Pass (L1 + Triangle / LB + Y) helps you chip the ball over defenders and is perfect for breaking low defensive lines. Meanwhile, holding L2 / LT when making a through ball gives you two options: a Flair Through Pass with low power or a Swerved Through Pass with more power both add realistic curve to the trajectory. And for players who love precision, R1 + Triangle / RB + Y activates Precision Passing, letting you manually aim where the ball lands.

The Magic of Lofted Through Passes

Among all passing techniques, Lofted Through Passes are arguably the best in FC 26. When performed correctly (by double-tapping the through-pass button), they lift the ball just above a defender’s reach the perfect way to feed strikers making diagonal runs. It’s especially lethal when used with players like Ødegaard or De Bruyne, who have the Incisive Pass PlayStyle+. Because the ball travels slightly off the ground, defenders struggle to intercept it, allowing your forward to break free.

In many scenarios, the Lofted Through Pass outperforms the standard through ball. For instance, when defenders stand shoulder-to-shoulder marking your striker, a lofted pass will sail between them. The ball bounces perfectly into the forward’s path for a composed finish. It’s not just visually satisfying it’s tactically effective and one of the main reasons elite players are calling this mechanic “game-changing.”

The Power of the Driven Pass (Ping Pass)

Few mechanics feel as impactful as the Driven Pass. When you hold R1 / RB and press pass, the ball rockets across the pitch like a laser beam. It’s perfect for bypassing defensive midfielders or exploiting a high line. The key benefit is speed; your opponent has far less time to react, and a single Driven Pass can completely dismantle an organized defense.

Driven Passes are also invaluable under pressure. When your opponent activates Team Press, a quick Driven Pass can get you out of trouble instantly. Pair this mechanic with a player like Toni Kroos or Rodri midfielders with the Ping Pass PlayStyle to guarantee pinpoint accuracy. Whether you’re switching play or playing vertically into your striker, the Driven Pass should be part of every serious FC 26 player’s arsenal.

Lob Through Passes and First-Time Lobs

In FC 26, Lob Through Passes feel more consistent than ever. By holding L1 / LB and pressing the through-pass button, you can float the ball over a backline with precision. This mechanic works wonders when your teammate is already making a ru you can manually trigger runs by pressing L1 / LB before passing. Time it right, and you’ll send your striker clean through on goal.

The First-Time Lob Through Pass, while not as dominant as last year, still has situational value. It’s especially effective against players using a high defensive line or offside trap. Double-tap the through-pass button while your teammate makes a forward run to pull off a perfect first-time lob. Although not as broken as in FC 25, it remains one of the cleanest ways to exploit fast transitions and punish aggressive pressing.

The Driven Ground Cross – The Ultimate Cutback Tool

When it comes to finishing off your build-up play, nothing beats the Driven Ground Cross. To perform it, hold R1 + L1 / RB + LB and double-tap the cross button. This technique delivers a fast, curving ball along the ground, often bending around defenders directly into your striker’s feet. It’s one of the most reliable cutback methods, especially in crowded boxes where traditional passes would get blocked.

This move is incredibly effective in competitive play. When executed properly, the Driven Ground Cross will create a perfect setup for one-touch finishes a vital tool for breaking down deep, compact defenses. Pair it with wingers like Vinícius Jr. or Lauren James, who possess the pace and crossing ability to make this playstyle unstoppable. In FC 26, mastering the Driven Ground Cross means mastering the art of clinical chance creation.

Simplicity Still Wins Games

While all these advanced passing mechanics make FC 26 feel richer and more technical, don’t underestimate the power of simplicity. Normal Through Passes (Triangle / Y) remain incredibly strong arguably even broken right now. Many pro players have reported that default through balls perform better than ever, thanks to improved player runs and ball tracking.

At the end of the day, learning when to use each mechanic is what separates good players from great ones. Use Driven Passes to escape pressure, Lofted Through Passes to slice defenses, and Driven Crosses for deadly cutbacks. With the right timing, vision, and execution, you’ll be threading passes like Kevin De Bruyne in no time.

We will share more updates on FC 26 in separate articles. If you found this information helpful or would like to learn more, please explore the other articles on our site.

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