In eFootball, possession and short passing dominate many tactical approaches. However, the long ball remains one of the most effective ways to switch play, bypass pressing opponents, and unlock defenses quickly. Whether you prefer diagonal switches to wingers or direct lofted passes to strikers, mastering how to improve long ball accuracy in eFootball can make your gameplay more versatile and unpredictable.

This long-form guide covers everything from basic mechanics to advanced tactics, ideal players, common mistakes, and training drills, helping you perfect the art of the long ball.

Why Long Ball Accuracy Matters

1. Breaking Pressing Systems: When opponents press aggressively, long balls relieve pressure.
2. Switching Play: A diagonal pass instantly shifts the attack from crowded areas to open flanks.
3. Exploiting Strikers: Tall or pacey forwards thrive on accurate long balls.
4. Tactical Flexibility: Keeps opponents guessing—short or long, you stay unpredictable.

In higher divisions, the ability to mix passing ranges is what separates average players from elite ones.

Mechanics of Long Balls in eFootball

Controls:

• PlayStation: L1 + Triangle for lofted through ball, L1 + Square for long pass.
• Xbox: LB + Y for lofted through ball, LB + X for long pass.
• Mobile: Use long pass or through ball buttons with “Special” modifier.

Key Factors Affecting Accuracy:

1. Player Stats (Low/Lofted Pass ratings).
2. Body Orientation (passer must face target).
3. Pressure from Opponents.
4. Game Context (sprinting, first-touch, or stationary pass).

Core Stats That Influence Long Ball Success

• Lofted Pass: Directly affects accuracy of long aerial passes.
• Low Pass: Improves driven passes over medium distance.
• Kicking Power: Ensures long passes reach target without falling short.
• Balance & Physical Contact: Prevent errors under pressure.
• Offensive Awareness: Helps target players make intelligent runs.

Best Players for Long Ball Accuracy

Midfield Playmakers:

• David Beckham (Legendary): The king of long diagonal passes.
• Kevin De Bruyne (Epic): Pinpoint vision and power.
• Xabi Alonso (Legendary): Elite passer from deep midfield.
• Andrea Pirlo (Legendary): Perfect control and lofted passing.

Defenders:

• Franz Beckenbauer: Brilliant for ball-playing from the back.
• Virgil van Dijk (Epic): Accurate long switches to wings.

Goalkeepers (Sweeper-Keepers):

• Manuel Neuer, Alisson, Ederson: Excellent distribution to launch counters.

Tactical Situations for Long Balls

1. Switching Flanks

• Use diagonal long passes to shift play from congested left side to open right winger.
• Works best with inverted wingers like Salah or Neymar.

2. Direct Counterattacks

• After regaining possession, send a long lofted through ball to a pacey striker.
• Example: Van Dijk → Mbappé.

3. Overloading Midfield

• Bypass crowded midfield with a long ball to target man striker.
• Allows midfielders to push up and win second balls.

4. Stretching Compact Defenses

• Constant long passes force defenses to spread wider, creating central gaps.

Best Formations for Long Ball Play

• 4-4-2: Natural for target man + second striker setups.
• 3-5-2: Wing-backs stretch the field, opening diagonal passing lanes.
• 4-2-3-1: DMF playmakers launch accurate long balls to wingers.
• 4-3-3: Perfect for switching play between wingers.

Training Drills to Improve Accuracy

1. Target Practice in Free Training: Select midfielders and practice diagonal long balls repeatedly.
2. AI Matches: Focus exclusively on switching play via long passes.
3. Replay Study: Review your accuracy percentage—are your passes being intercepted or falling short?
4. Weak Foot Training: Practice with both feet to avoid predictability.

Advanced Long Ball Tactics

1. Driven Long Balls

• Use less loft for faster passes. Perfect for catching wingers on the run.

2. Fake Short, Go Long

• Trick opponents by shaping for a short pass, then lofting over the top.

3. Keeper Distribution

• Goalkeepers can launch accurate long balls to bypass pressing opponents.

4. Triangle Setup for Long Passes

• Have a DMF drop between CBs → creates space for a long pass forward.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Overusing Long Balls: Predictable and easy to counter.
2. Poor Timing: Striker runs too early → offside. Too late → intercepted.
3. Weak Foot Attempts: Only use weak foot if the player has high Weak Foot Usage.
4. Ignoring Stamina: Tired players lose accuracy on long passes.

Community Feedback on Long Ball Play

• Reddit Threads: Many players argue that mixing long balls with short passing is the best way to break the “meta” of possession-heavy squads.
• YouTube Tutorials: Top eFootball streamers often showcase Beckham, Pirlo, or Alonso as perfect long ball specialists.
• Esports Matches: Professional players use long balls sparingly but effectively to surprise high-level opponents.

Example Match Strategy

1. Defensive Phase: Use compact defense to invite pressure.
2. Transition Phase: DMF collects the ball → long diagonal to winger.
3. Final Third: Winger crosses or cuts in for strikers.

This three-phase tactic maximizes the utility of long balls while staying unpredictable.

Conclusion

Learning how to improve long ball accuracy in eFootball is about more than pressing a button—it’s about reading the game, choosing the right players, and practicing precision.

With players like Beckham, Pirlo, or De Bruyne, long balls become deadly weapons, allowing you to switch play, unlock compact defenses, and launch lightning counters.

Master the art of the long pass, and you’ll add a powerful, tactical dimension to your gameplay that makes you more versatile, dangerous, and successful in every match.