How to Control the Ball in Rematch

If you've ever felt like the ball in Rematch slips away just when you need it most, you're not alone. This fast-paced game demands precise control to turn defense into offense and secure those game-winning goals. Whether you're a beginner struggling with basic touches or a veteran aiming to refine your technique, mastering ball control can elevate your gameplay dramatically.

Drawing from key insights on movement mechanics and strategic plays, this guide breaks down actionable steps to help you own the field. You'll learn how to handle the ball under pressure, execute smooth transitions, and anticipate opponent moves for maximum impact. Get ready to transform your sessions into dominant performances.

Understanding Ball Control in Rematch

REMATCH: How To Do All Dribble Skill Moves

When the ball is "magnetized" to your player's feet, you are officially in possession. This is the default state when you walk near the ball, and it sticks to you. However, when you have possession, you’re also vulnerable to tackles. If an opponent performs a slide tackle during this state, your player will stagger and lose control of the ball.

To prevent this, you can manually release ball control by pressing A on Xbox controllers or X on PlayStation controllers. Doing so causes the ball to detach from your player, entering a free state where it rolls ahead but keeps your player safe from slide tackles. This mechanic creates an important balance: possessing the ball gives you offensive power, but makes you a target, while releasing it gives you mobility and protection.

in ReMatch. Learn it before beta ends ...

When the ball is loose or rolling freely, you’ll notice a blue target icon appear near it. This target indicates that your player is within range to "action" on the ball. Pressing A/X while the blue target is active lets you:

• Regain control of the ball
• Kick or dribble the ball forward
• Perform a pass, if timed correctly

This system allows for fluid motion, such as tapping the ball ahead while sprinting, then regaining control only briefly to avoid tackles. You can even hold the pass button as you approach the ball, and your player will snap to it, automatically passing or kicking, creating a seamless movement loop. This blue target mechanic is essential for advanced dribbling. To maintain speed while minimizing risk:

1. Release the ball (A/X) while sprinting
2. Let it roll ahead
3. Approach it again and press A/X when the target appears to kick it forward again

This lets you chain dribble movements down the field, keeping defenders at bay and giving you more control over spacing. The key is to only make brief contact with the ball during each cycle, maintaining protection while still advancing.

How to Win Back Possession

Rematch: Defensive ball control tips

Understanding how to defend against players who spam dribbles or headers is just as important. Every time an opponent kicks or heads the ball, they briefly lose control. In that moment, you can also see the blue target, meaning you can press A/X to contest for the ball.

This opens the door to contesting aerial balls or intercepting mid-dribble. Even if your opponent is juggling or trying to appear flashy, they're giving you a chance to take back possession during every action that releases the ball.

Some players try to juggle the ball across the field using repeated headers. While it may look intimidating, it's entirely counterable. Each time the ball leaves their head, it becomes free again. By pressing A/X when the ball is in the air and the blue target appears, you can intercept it mid-flight, even from behind or the side.

Even if your opponent looks in control, they are constantly giving you windows to take the ball back. The trick is to remain calm, time your button press with the target, and position yourself close enough to contest.

Training Drills to Improve Your Skills

Beginner Tips & Tricks For Rematch

To level up, incorporate targeted drills. Set up custom matches in the training arena (Menu > Practice) and focus on 10-minute sessions of dribble chains. Track your progress: aim for 80% control retention in simulations. Incorporate variable speeds to mimic real games, and review your replays to spot errors like poor timing. 

• When in tight spaces or under pressure, alternate between releasing and reacquiring control to stay mobile and reduce vulnerability.
• Always watch for the blue target, this is your cue for safe engagement, whether you’re on offense or defense.
• Use the pass button (held down) to pre-load actions as you approach the ball, making your transitions faster and more fluid.
• Don’t chase the ball blindly, position yourself where the ball will go, especially when an opponent is juggling or releasing control frequently.