eFootball Controls Guide – Basics to Advanced [2026]

Learn the eFootball controls guide for beginners. Learn stunning shots, match-up defending, and secret pro tactics to dominate eFootball Mobile in 2026.

eFootball Controls Guide: Learn Every Move, Flick, and Tactic (2026)

Welcome to the definitive eFootball controls guide for mobile. If you have just downloaded eFootball Mobile, you might feel overwhelmed. The game has evolved significantly from its PES days, transforming into a simulation that rewards tactical intelligence over mindless button mashing.

Whether you are struggling to defend against speedy wingers, can’t seem to score past the keeper, or just want to know what that “purple power bar” means, this guide is for you. We aren’t just going to list the buttons; we are going to explain the mechanics behind them—the physics of the pass, the timing of the tackle, and the art of the stunning shot.

In this massive guide, we will dissect:

• The Two Control Styles: Classic vs. Touch & Flick.
• The Basics: Every button explained in detail.
• The “Meta” Moves: Stunning Kicks, Match-Up defending, and Shoulder Charges.
• Advanced Shooting: Knuckleballs, Dipping Shots, and Rising Shots.
• Tactical Masterclass: Formations and camera settings that win games.

Grab your phone, open the training pitch, and let’s master the pitch.

Chapter 1: Choosing Your Weapon – Classic vs. Touch & Flick

Before you kick a ball, you must decide how you will interact with the game. Konami offers two distinct control schemes. Neither is “wrong,” but one is definitely easier for beginners.

1. Classic Controls (Virtual Pad)

Verdict: Highly Recommended for Beginners.

Classic controls place a virtual joystick on the left side of the screen and four action buttons on the right. This mimics the feeling of a console controller (PlayStation/Xbox).

• Pros: You always know what you are pressing. The visual feedback of the buttons helps muscle memory.
• Cons: The buttons take up screen real estate, potentially obscuring a tiny bit of the action.

2. Touch & Flick

Verdict: For Purists and Advanced Dribblers.

This mode removes the buttons entirely. You tap, swipe, and hold purely on the screen to execute actions.

• Pros: A clean screen with no clutter. Dribbling can feel more intuitive and fluid once mastered.
• Cons: The learning curve is brutal. In high-pressure online matches, a sweaty finger can misinterpret a “shoot” command as a “long pass,” costing you a goal.

Pro Tip: This guide focuses primarily on Classic Controls as it is the standard for 90% of the player base. However, the concepts (timing, spacing, tactics) apply to both.

Chapter 2: The On-Screen Buttons (Attacking)

In Classic mode, you have four main buttons when you have the ball. But here is the secret: Every button has 5 functions. You can tap it, or flick it Up, Down, Left, or Right.

1. The DASH Button

This is the most dangerous button in the game—for you.

• Tap & Hold: Sprints.
• The Mistake: Beginners hold this down 100% of the time. Stop doing this. When you sprint, your ball control drops to zero. You cannot turn sharply.
• The Fix: Only hold Dash when you have 5+ yards of open green grass. Release it immediately when a defender gets close so you can dribble with precision.

2. The PASS Button

• Tap: Standard Low Pass. The bread and butter. It goes to the player your left joystick is aiming at.
• Flick Up: Lofted Pass (Chip). Sends the ball in the air. Use this to switch play from one side of the field to the other.
• Flick Down: Call for Pass. (Mostly used in Co-op or specific modes).
• Flick Left/Right: Stunning Low Pass. (More on this in the Advanced section).

3. The THROUGH Button

The playmaker’s best friend.

• Tap: Ground Through Ball. Plays the ball into space ahead of your teammate. Use this when your striker is running past the last defender.
• Flick Up: Lofted Through Ball. A high ball over the defense. Deadly for counter-attacks.
• Flick Down: No specific default, often used for “Pass and Go” triggers in older iterations, now integrated into the pass button.

4. The SHOOT Button

• Tap: Standard Shot. Power depends on how long you hold it.
• Flick Up: Chip Shot. floats the ball over the keeper. Use when the GK rushes out at you.
• Flick Down: Controlled/Finesse Shot. The most consistent scoring method. It curls the ball with the side of the foot. Aim for the far corner.
• Flick Left/Right: Stunning Shot. The “Purple” power bar shot.

Chapter 3: The On-Screen Buttons (Defending)

Defending in eFootball is difficult. It is no longer automatic. You cannot just hold a button and wait for the AI to win the ball.

1. The PRESSURE Button

• Tap & Hold: Your player runs toward the opponent with the ball.
• The Risk: If you just hold this, a good opponent will pass around you or dribble past as your defender rushes in recklessly.
• Flick Up: Call 2nd Defender. This brings a teammate to help press. Be careful—this pulls that teammate out of position, leaving a hole elsewhere.

2. The MATCH-UP Button (The Holy Grail)

In modern eFootball, Match-Up is the most important control.

• What it is: Instead of diving in, your defender “jockeys” (moves backward/sideways while facing the attacker), keeping a low center of gravity.
• How to use: In Classic controls, this is often mapped to sliding the Pressure button (check your specific config) or a dedicated button if you use “Standard” style defending.
• Why use it: When holding Match-Up, your player will automatically intercept passes that come near him. It is essential for blocking passing lanes.

3. The SWITCH Button

• Tap: Switches control to the player closest to the ball.
• Flick: Switches control to a player in the direction of the flick (Manual Switch). Master the manual flick to track runners that the AI misses.

4. The DASH Button (Defending)

• Usage: Sprint to catch up to an attacker.
• Shoulder Charge: While running alongside an attacker, Double Tap the screen (or the specific button mapped in settings). Your defender will use his body to bump the attacker off the ball.
  • Warning: Do this from behind, and it’s a Red Card. Do it from the side, and it’s a clean win.

Chapter 4: Advanced Attacking – The “Meta” Mechanics

Now that you know the buttons, let’s discuss the mechanics that separates Division 1 players from Division 9 players.

1. The Stunning Shot (Power Bar = Purple)

Added in recent updates, this is a game-changer.

• Input: Slide the Shoot button either Left or Right.
• Visual: The power gauge turns purple.
• Effect: The shot is 20-30% harder and faster than a normal shot.
• The Catch: The “Wind-up” animation takes longer.
• When to use: Only when you have space. If a defender is touching you, they will tackle you during the wind-up.

2. The Stunning Cross

• Input: Slide the Pass button Left or Right while on the wing.
• Effect: A low, driven, fast cross that dips dangerously between the goalkeeper and defenders. It is much harder to clear than a normal high cross.

3. Fake Shot (The Defender Killer)

This is the easiest way to break a defender’s ankles.

• Input: Tap Shoot, then immediately tap the Joystick.
• Result: Your player winds up to shoot, the defender (and camera) bites on the fake, and then your player cuts the ball to the side.
• Use Case: Use this inside the box to create an angle for a shot.

4. Pass and Go (One-Two)

• Input: Tap Pass, then immediately flick the Joystick in the direction you want the passer to run.
• Result: The player passes the ball and immediately makes a full-sprint run forward.
• Tactical Value: This overloads the defense. The opponent tracks the ball, forgetting about the runner who is now free for a return pass.

Chapter 5: Shooting Masterclass – Knuckle, Dipping, and Rising

Did you know your player’s skills change the physics of the ball? You cannot force these shots with a specific button combination alone; you need the Player Skill + the Correct Input.

1. The Knuckle Shot

• Required Skill: Player must have the “Knuckle Shot” skill (e.g., C. Ronaldo, Rashford).
• Input: Stunning Shot (Slide Shoot Left/Right) with about 50-70% power.
• Physics: The ball has zero spin. It wobbles in the air, moving left and right unpredictably. Goalkeepers often fumble these.

2. The Dipping Shot

• Required Skill: “Dipping Shot” (e.g., Messi, Neymar).
• Input: Stunning Shot with roughly 40-60% power.
• Physics: The ball rises over the wall/keeper and then drops violently into the net.

3. The Rising Shot

• Required Skill: “Rising Shot” (e.g., Gerrard, Valverde).
• Input: Stunning Shot with high power (70-90%).
• Physics: The ball looks like it’s going over the bar, but it keeps rising and smashing into the roof of the net. It travels in a straight, ascending line.

Chapter 6: Defensive Masterclass – How to Stop Conceding

If you are losing 4-3, your attack is fine. Your defense needs work.

1. The “Don’t Press” Rule

A common mistake is pulling your Center Backs (CB) out of position to chase the ball.

• The Rule: Never sprint your CBs out of the defensive line unless absolutely necessary.
• The Method: Switch control to your Defensive Midfielder (DMF). Use the DMF to chase the attacker from behind. Let the AI control your CBs to keep the shape.

2. Blocking Lanes with Match-Up

Don’t look at the ball. Look at who the opponent wants to pass to.

• Move your defender into the line between the ball carrier and his teammate.
• Hold Match-Up.
• Your player will intercept the pass automatically if it comes near.

3. Manual Goalkeeper Control

Is the opponent through on goal?

• Input: Press the Pressure button and slide it Down (check settings, sometimes it is a specific GK button).
• Result: The Goalkeeper rushes out to close the angle.
• Risk: If you do it too early, they will Chip Shot you. If you do it too late, they will slot it past you. Timing is key.

Chapter 7: Dribbling & Skill Moves

You don’t need to be a skiller to win, but one or two moves can unlock a parked bus defense.

1. Double Touch (The Most Effective Skill)

• Requirement: Player needs “Double Touch” skill.
• Input: Tap Dash, then immediately flick the Joystick forward (in the direction you are running).
• Action: The player quickly shifts the ball from one foot to the other, sliding past the tackle.

2. Marseille Turn (Roulette)

• Requirement: Player needs “Marseille Turn” skill.
• Input: Tap Dash, then flick the Joystick in a rotating motion (or diagonal).
• Action: A 360-degree spin over the ball. Great for protecting the ball when a defender rushes you.

3. Sharp Touch

• Input: While standing still or jogging, hold Dash and flick the Joystick firmly in a direction.
• Action: The player knocks the ball 2-3 meters ahead and sprints after it.
• Use: Use this to beat a defender simply by speed. Knock it past him and run.

Chapter 8: Tactical Settings & Camera

Your settings can hinder your gameplay. Let’s optimize them.

Best Camera Setting: “Dynamic Wide” or “Stadium”

• Why: Default cameras are often too zoomed in. You see the dribble, but you miss the winger making a run on the far side.
• Action: Go to Settings > Camera > Select Dynamic Wide. This lets you see 60-70% of the pitch width.

Manual Cursor Change vs. Assisted

• Recommendation: Use Semi-Assist.
• Why: “Assist” switches players too often, pulling defenders out of position. “Manual” is too hard for beginners. “Semi-Assist” switches when you are attacking, but lets you choose when defending.

Best Formations for Beginners

1. 4-2-1-3:
   • Solid defense with 4 backs.
   • 2 DMF/CMFs protect the middle.
   • 1 AMF connects the play.
   • 3 Attackers (LWF, RWF, CF) give you width and scoring options.
2. 4-1-2-3 (Sepahan style): Very aggressive, great for quick counters.
3. 4-4-2: Balanced. Good for learning how to pass and keep shape.

Chapter 9: Top 5 Beginner Tips to Win Immediately

If you only remember five things from this eFootball controls guide, remember these:

1. Pass Backward to Go Forward: If there is no forward pass, pass it back to your defender. This draws the opponent’s press out, creating space behind them.
2. Look at the Radar: The little map at the bottom is not decoration. It tells you where your teammates are when they are off-screen.
3. Don’t Clear, Pass: When you win the ball in your box, don’t panic. Panic clearing often gives the ball back. Look for a calm pass to the wing.
4. Substitutes Matter: In the 60th minute, your players get tired (Stamina bar turns red). Their stats drop. Bring on fast players (Super Subs) in the second half to abuse the opponent’s tired defenders.
5. Master One Shot: Don’t try to be fancy. Master the Controlled Shot (Finesse). It is the most reliable way to score in 1v1 situations.

Conclusion

Mastering the eFootball controls takes patience. The jump from “tapping buttons” to “tactical thinking” is where the real fun begins. Start by mastering the Classic control layout, stop holding the sprint button, and learn to use the Match-Up command on defense.

Once you have these basics, start practicing the Stunning Shots and Skill moves. Remember, the best players aren’t the ones who know the most tricks; they are the ones who make the fewest mistakes.

Ready to play? Open eFootball, go to “Training Mode,” and practice the Pass and Go for 10 minutes. It will change your attack forever.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which control style is better for eFootball Mobile?

Classic is better for beginners and offers more reliable button inputs. Touch & Flick is better for advanced dribbling but harder to master.

How do I perform a Stunning Shot?

Slide the Shoot button to the Left or Right (depending on your button config) until the power gauge turns purple.

How do I defend effectively in eFootball?

Do not rush. Use the Match-Up command (usually sliding the Pressure button) to block passing lanes and intercept the ball automatically.

How do I change my camera view?

Pause the match (or go to main settings) > Camera Settings > Choose Dynamic Wide or Stadium.