FC 26 Through Balls Explained: Pro Techniques After the Patch

Through balls remain one of the most dangerous attacking tools in FC 26—but after the latest patch, using them effectively requires more precision, better player profiles, and smarter triggers. Blindly spamming triangle no longer works. Instead, elite players rely on structure, playstyles, and well-timed runs to consistently break defensive lines. Having plenty of FC 26 Coins can also greatly help you break through the defenses.

This guide explains how to master through balls after the patch, using the same techniques pro players rely on in high-level competition.

The Best Formation for Through Balls

The 4-5-1 formation stands out as the most effective setup for through-ball play in FC 26. The reason is simple: it gives you three central midfielders, two wide attackers, and a striker who acts as a linking hub.

With this shape:

Central midfielders can make late, dangerous runs into space

Wingers have room to stretch the defense vertically

The striker becomes the key outlet for first-time passes

Unlike two-man midfields, the 4-5-1 allows you to send runners forward without completely exposing yourself to counterattacks.

Playstyles Matter More Than Ever

After the patch, playstyles are no longer optional—they define what passes are even possible.

Defenders

Playstyles here don’t matter much for through balls. Their job is to recycle possession.

Wingers

Wingers must be fast. Finishing playstyles like Finesse Shot, combined with Rapid or Quick Step, are far more important than passing traits. Pace is what turns a through ball into a clear chance.

Central Midfielders

This is where everything changes. Your midfielders should ideally have:

Incisive Pass

Tiki Taka (Silver or Gold)

This combination allows clean, first-time through balls without heavy touch animations. It’s essential for quick sequences under pressure.

Striker

The striker is the most important player in the system. The best strikers combine:

Strong finishing playstyles

Incisive Pass

Tiki Taka

This allows them to receive the ball, immediately release runners, and break defensive lines before opponents can react.

Understanding Run Triggers (L1 Is Everything)

To play through balls consistently, you must master L1 run triggers.

L1 + Left Stick Direction sends a specific player on a run

The player will raise their arm to indicate that the trigger worked

Only one triggered run can be active at a time

You can also use L1 + Pass, which causes the player who made the pass to continue their run forward automatically. However, triggering a new run cancels the previous one, so timing matters.

Elite play isn’t about sending everyone forward—it’s about choosing the right runner.

Why the Striker Is the Key Link

Most successful through-ball sequences follow the same pattern:

Trigger a run from a winger or midfielder

Find the striker’s feet

Play a first-time through ball into space

The striker acts as a pivot. Because defenders often focus on tracking runs, they leave just enough space for the striker to release a perfectly weighted pass.

This is why strikers with Incisive Pass and Tiki Taka are so valuable. They turn movement into immediate danger.

First-Time Through Balls: Timing and Power

After the patch, power selection is crucial.

3 bars of power is the sweet spot for most first-time through balls

Hold triangle only—no modifiers

Let playstyles do the work

Gold or Silver Tiki Taka ensures the first touch doesn’t kill the play, while Incisive Pass ensures the ball splits defenders cleanly.

Waiting too long or adding extra touches gives defenders time to recover. Speed of execution matters more than speed of thought.

Using “Hidden Runs” to Beat Defenders

One advanced technique involves allowing players—especially wingers—to make natural runs without triggering them manually.

If you avoid pressing L1 again, the run continues quietly. Defenders often miss these movements while focusing on the ball or manually tracking a different player.

Once the defense commits, you can release the through ball with perfect timing.

Sending Midfielders vs Wingers

Midfielder runs are devastating in the 4-5-1 but risky in narrower formations. Losing a central midfielder high up the pitch can leave you exposed.

If you’re using:

4-5-1 → Trigger midfielders freely

4-4-2 or 4-4-1-1 → Prioritize winger runs instead

The formation determines how aggressive you can be.

How to Defend Against First-Time Through Balls

If you’re conceding goals like this, the fix is simple but uncomfortable:

You must cover the striker.

The striker is the release point. If you block the striker’s passing lane, first-time through balls lose their power. Tracking runners alone isn’t enough—deny the pivot and the attack collapses.

Final Thoughts

Mastering through balls in FC 26 after the patch isn’t about muscle memory—it’s about structure, triggers, and player profiles. The 4-5-1 formation gives you the freedom to create overloads, while Incisive Pass and Tiki Taka unlock first-time precision that defenders can’t handle.

Trigger runs intentionally, find your striker quickly, and trust clean execution. Once you do, you’ll start creating chances that feel unfair—and that’s when you know you’re doing it right. A large number of Fut 26 Coins can also be very helpful.