In FIFA 23, set pieces have been redesigned to make them feel more rewarding and intuitive for players of all skill levels. In particular, Free Kicks have been given a brand-new system that gives players more precise control over the set piece with the introduction of a multifaceted Aiming Reticle, which helps guide you through the process of taking a Free Kick.
Aiming Reticle
The first thing you’ll notice when stepping up to take a Free Kick is the reticle that you used to aim with in FIFA 22, which was usually placed somewhere in the centre of the goal, has been removed. Instead, you will need to concentrate on the reticle that’s placed slightly behind the ball from where the Free Kick is taking place.
This reticle will give you information about where on the ball the player will strike, the type of shot your player will take and, to give you a bit of help, there is also a small trajectory line that displays a preview of how the ball will travel for the first few meters after the player takes the kick.
Aiming the Free Kick
When it comes to aiming the Free Kick, use the Left Stick to pan the camera around and change the general direction of the kick, then use the Right Stick to determine the curl, the elevation, and the style of kick you want.
With the help of the Aiming Reticle, you now have the ability to pinpoint the exact place on the ball where you want your player to strike, and where you strike the ball changes the type of shot your Player takes. For example, if your Free Kick taker is right-footed, hitting the ball on the bottom right of the ball will cause your Player to take an Inside Foot Curled Shot, meaning the ball will rise upwards and curl to the left.
Conversely, hitting the ball on the top side will cause the ball to have a completely flat trajectory, so it will remain close to the ground and, hopefully, underneath the wall and into the net.
Lying Down Behind Wall
Since shooting underneath the wall is a more viable option in FIFA 23, players on the field now have the ability to lie down behind the wall.
To do this, use the Left Stick to manoeuvre a player to approach the back of the wall and they will automatically lie down behind it. To remove the player, point the Left Stick away from the wall when controlling the player lying down behind the wall.
Key Attributes
As mentioned in the FIFA23 Gameplay Pitch Note Deep Dive, there are a few key Player Attributes you will need to consider to maximise your chances of taking a successful Free Kick:
Curve - Determines max possible ball trajectory curve.
- Players with a higher Curve Attribute have a higher maximum amount of side and top/backspin that can be applied to the ball.
Shot Power - Determines ball travel speed.
Crossing - Determines max elevation in Free Kick lob passes, making them more controlled without compromising speed.
- Players with a higher Crossing Attribute can perform higher-powered lobs with a smaller impact on accuracy.
Free Kick Accuracy - Determines the max elevation of any Free Kick shot, making them more controlled without compromising speed.
- Players with a higher Free Kick Accuracy Attribute can perform higher-powered shots with a smaller impact on accuracy.
So that’s everything you need to know about taking Free Kicks in FIFA 23. Are you a fan of the changes? Or do you prefer the Free Kick system used in FIFA 22?