At first, players may think that defending in Rematch simply consists of using the tackle button. However, this is far from the case, and players will soon discover that there is so much for defenders to do. Learning to be a better defender in Rematch will help players win more games, as most of their opponents and teammates will have only focused on learning how to score goals.
Rematch: 10 Beginner Tips
These beginner tips & tricks for Rematch will help players get more involved in the game, score more goals, and ultimately win more matches.
Defending is also the best way to earn more points and get an MVP. Interceptions score highly, and defenders also tend to complete more easy passes.
All Defending Mechanics In Rematch
Almost every mechanic in Rematch can be used for defending, including shooting.
Standing Tackles
- Controller: B/Circle
- KBM: E
Standing tackles are the bread and butter of defending, and they should be used most of the time, with slide tackles being rarer. Failing a standing tackle doesn't cost much. Use these to tackle, but also to block ground passes just after they begin.
Slide Tackles
- Controller: Left Bumper + B/Circle
- KBM: Shift + E
Slide tackles happen when the player tackles while sprinting. Failed slide tackles will cost the player time, positioning, and stamina, so they should be used more sparingly. However, in certain situations, they are great.
There are no fouls or penalties in Rematch, so don't worry about dangerous tackles.
For example, when chasing down an opponent who is about to shoot, they can be used from behind to close the gap. They can also be used when two players are chasing after a loose ball.
Defensive Stance & Dash
- Controller: Left Trigger + A/Cross
- KBM: Left Ctrl + C
Don't forget about the defensive stance. This should be used to jockey the player in possession. When they try to make a pass or use skills to the side, use the dash to close the ground and hopefully intercept.
This can be used before a standing tackle.
Jump To Block
- Controller: Y/Triangle
- KBM: Q
When an opponent tries to lob you with a cross, through ball, or shot, jump up to try to block it. In late-game situations, when trying to claw back a goal, attackers can also try to jump and block the keeper's goal kick.
Pass Or Head To Clear It Away Instead Of Tackling
- Controller: X/Square
- KBM: Right Click
Defending in Rematch will truly click and become super enjoyable when players start using the pass mechanic defensively. For example, if a long ball forward is on the way, meet it with the pass mechanic. Depending on the height, this will either head it away or pass it away. With practice, players will begin setting up their teammates with these passes. Just make sure to press pass before the ball arrives.
Additionally, if the ball is a little loose on the floor with an attacker nearly reaching it, instead of tackling, try to pass it forward or against the wall.
The best thing about passes for defense is that players don't need to look in the direction they are passing. The character will easily pass behind or to the side, so put it out wide or kick it back to the keeper.
Lastly, players can also head the ball away from crosses or the common tactic of bouncing the ball off the back wall, which usually results in easy goals.
Use The Shoot Button To Clear It Away
- Controller: Right Trigger
- KBM: Left Click
In some dangerous cases, it can be best to use the shoot button to clear the ball instead of the pass button. Defensive volleys like this will lock on easier, and be more powerful. If players get good enough, they will even add curve to these defensive clearances to set up teammates.
Should You Play Rematch With a Keyboard or Controller?
Rematch requires a lot of fast, precise inputs, so many players are torn between using a controller or a keyboard for their matches.
Tips To Be A Better Defender In Rematch
- If you commit to defending the entire game, your team will never be caught out.
- Use the minimap to see where attackers are and where your keeper is.
- Don't chase the ball. Instead, mark players and let one player pressure the ball. Zonal marking can also be good.
- Keep an eye on pesky strikers trying to sneak behind, as there's no offside rule. This applies most when your team has possession.
- Try to save your stamina and the extra burst for chasing down opponents or the ball.
- When closing a player down, instead of rushing it or fully waiting, try to alter your pace. Leave them guessing and then burst to tackle.
- Always be ready to become the keeper. If the keeper rushes out of the box, cover for them.
- Don't slide tackle toward your own goal, as this can push the ball in if the keeper isn't there.
- Try to get your body in the way of the ball even if you can't fully tackle.
- Practice closing down and intercepting in the Toro practice drill for defense.
- When an opponent is rainbow flicking, don't tackle right away. Instead, stay with them and tackle when the ball lands.
- Pass back to the keeper often, as there's no rule against this, and they can pick it up.
- When your team is in possession, try to be a deep option to pass back to if needed. This must be balanced with keeping an eye on attackers.
Rematch
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OpenCritic Reviews
- Top Critic Avg: 74 /100 Critics Rec: 51%
- Released
- June 19, 2025
- ESRB
- Everyone / In-Game Purchases, Users Interact
- Developer(s)
- Sloclap
- Publisher(s)
- Sloclap, Kepler Interactive
WHERE TO PLAY
- Engine
- Unreal Engine 5
- Genre(s)
- Sports
