Our guide explains the incredibly easy L1 Speed Boost in EA Sports FC 25, which might soon be nerfed by EA.
How does the Speed Boost work?
The Speed Boost is essentially a sudden burst of acceleration that allows your player to sprint past defenders. This trick is especially effective with fast dribblers who have sprint speed and dribbling stats over 85. Once you master the timing, leaving defenders behind will be effortless.
Here’s how to perform the Speed Boost:
- Precise Dribbling: Press L1 (PlayStation) or LB (Xbox) to keep the ball close to your player. This button ensures that your player dribbles more controlled.
- Sprint: Once you’ve positioned yourself, release L1/LB and immediately press the sprint button (R2/RT). Your player will accelerate instantly, leaving the opponent in the dust.
The reason the Speed Boost is so powerful lies in the combination of precise dribbling and sudden acceleration. Defenders often struggle to react in time, as the attacker quickly bursts forward from a standstill or slow dribble.
In many situations, the defense has no choice but to try to keep up by sprinting—which often fails. The move is reminiscent of the famous Directional Nutmeg from earlier FIFA titles—easy to learn, but difficult to defend against.
How to Defend Against the Speed Boost
Now comes the tricky part: how do you stop this technique when your opponent spams it? While it might sometimes feel hopeless, there are a few methods to counter it.
Keep Distance and Anticipate: Instead of rushing directly at the attacker, keep a bit of distance. Many opponents will hold L1/LB, waiting for the right moment to break through with the Speed Boost. By staying back, you can better anticipate when the boost is coming and keep your defenders in position.
Control Center Backs and Backpedal: Another option is to manually control a center back and hold them in position. When the opponent activates the boost, simply take a few steps back to avoid getting overrun. This backpedal move helps you intercept the attack without breaking your defensive line.
Use Midfielders Instead of Defenders: A more effective approach is to leave your defenders in place and control your midfielders instead. Applying pressure with a midfielder keeps your defensive line intact and often forces the attacker to pass quickly, limiting their ability to fully exploit the Speed Boost.