How to dive goalkeeper fifa 23

Understanding the importance of goalkeeper dives

In the fast-paced world of FIFA 23, the goalkeeper is often the last line of defense, and their ability to make crucial saves can determine the outcome of a match. One of the most vital actions a goalkeeper can perform is the dive. A well-timed and accurate dive can turn a certain goal into a spectacular save, frustrating opponents and boosting team morale. This guide will break down exactly how to dive effectively as a goalkeeper in FIFA 23, ensuring you can command your penalty area and deny your rivals.

Understanding the nuances of diving isn't just about pressing a button; it's about anticipating the shot, recognizing the angle, and executing the dive with precision. Many novice players struggle with conceding preventable goals, often due to mistimed or improperly directed dives. Mastering this skill is fundamental to improving your defensive performance and becoming a more formidable opponent.

Basic diving controls in fifa 23

The fundamental controls for diving in FIFA 23 are relatively straightforward, but mastering their application is where the challenge lies. For PlayStation controllers, the primary dive buttons are the left analog stick combined with the L1 or R1 buttons, and the right analog stick for directional control. On Xbox controllers, these correspond to the left analog stick with LB or RB, and the right analog stick for direction.

Here's a breakdown:

• Standard Dive (Left/Right): To dive left, hold the left analog stick to the left and press L1 (or LB). To dive right, hold the left analog stick to the right and press L1 (or LB). This is your most common dive, used for shots aimed in general directions.
• Low Dive: To perform a low dive, which is crucial for shots near the ground, use the same directional inputs but press R1 (or RB) instead of L1 (or LB). This will cause your goalkeeper to get down quickly and block shots aimed at the bottom corners.
• Directional Control with Right Stick: While performing a dive with L1/LB or R1/RB, you can fine-tune the direction and trajectory of your dive by subtly moving the right analog stick. This allows for more precise saves and can help reach shots that might otherwise be out of reach. For instance, if an opponent shoots towards the bottom left corner, you'd hold left on the left stick, press L1/LB, and then slightly nudge the right stick towards the bottom left.

It's important to note that the type of dive and its effectiveness can also be influenced by your goalkeeper's stats, such as diving, reflexes, and positioning. A goalkeeper with higher diving stats will generally perform better with these commands.

Advanced diving techniques and strategies

Beyond the basic button inputs, there are several advanced strategies to consider when it comes to diving. Understanding when to use each type of dive and how to anticipate shots is key to becoming an elite FIFA 23 goalkeeper.

Anticipating Shots: The most critical aspect of effective diving is anticipation. Watch the opponent's player, the direction they are facing, and the power they are putting into the shot. Generally, shots taken from closer range or with more power require quicker reactions and potentially a low dive. Shots taken from wider angles might necessitate a more standard dive to cover more of the goal.

Diving for Crosses: While not strictly a dive to save a shot, goalkeepers can also dive to punch or catch crosses. This is typically done by holding the circle (or B) button and moving the left analog stick to position your keeper. A well-timed dive to intercept a cross can prevent dangerous attacks before they even become shots.

Timing is Everything: Over-diving or diving too early can leave your goal exposed. Conversely, diving too late means the ball will already be past you. Practice in training modes to get a feel for the right timing. Observe how different types of shots affect the required reaction time.

Goalkeeper AI and Positioning: While you control the dive, the game's AI also plays a role in your goalkeeper's positioning. Sometimes, even with manual control, the AI might not put your keeper in the ideal starting position. This highlights the importance of understanding when to manually move your keeper slightly before the shot is taken, using the left analog stick alone.

When not to dive: the art of staying put

As crucial as diving is, there are also times when it's far more effective for your goalkeeper to remain on their line or make a simpler standing save. Reckless diving can lead to open goals, and knowing when to hold back is as important as knowing when to launch yourself towards the ball.

Shots from Extreme Angles: If an opponent is shooting from a very acute angle, a dive might stretch your keeper too far, leaving a large portion of the goal open. In such cases, simply moving your keeper laterally with the left analog stick and attempting a standing save or using the dive as a last resort might be more effective.

When the Shot is Predictable and Central: For shots that are hit directly at the keeper with moderate power, often a simple standing save is all that's needed. Over-diving in these situations can lead to the keeper fumbling the ball or misjudging the trajectory, resulting in a rebound that could be dangerous.

Diving into an Empty Net: This is the cardinal sin of goalkeeping. If you dive and miss, and the opponent has a clear sight of an empty goal, you've essentially given up a goal. Always consider the consequences of a missed dive.

One-on-One Situations: In one-on-one scenarios, the best approach is often to come out of your goal by holding the square (or X) button and moving towards the attacker. This reduces the angle and forces the attacker to make a more difficult shot. Diving prematurely in a one-on-one can be disastrous.

Practicing your goalkeeper dives in fifa 23

Consistent practice is the only way to truly master the art of diving as a goalkeeper in FIFA 23. The game offers several modes where you can hone these skills without the pressure of a competitive match.

Skill Games: FIFA 23's skill games include specific challenges for goalkeepers. These are excellent for practicing reaction times and precise directional inputs for dives. Pay attention to the feedback provided by the game to understand where you can improve.

Practice Arena: The practice arena is a versatile tool. You can set up practice sessions where you control the attacking player and take various shots, allowing you to test your goalkeeper's diving abilities against different shot types and angles. Experiment with shots from the edge of the box, close-range efforts, and long shots.

Kick-Off Mode with Friends: Playing casual matches against friends in kick-off mode can be a low-stakes environment to experiment. Ask your friend to intentionally take shots that would test your goalkeeping skills, and focus on your diving mechanics.

Career Mode and Ultimate Team: While more competitive, these modes offer real-game experience. As you play more matches, you'll naturally encounter more diverse shooting situations, forcing you to adapt and improve your goalkeeping instincts. Reviewing replays of goals conceded can also provide valuable insights into your diving errors.