In EA FC 25, mastering skill moves is essential for breaking down compact defenses, beating elite defenders, and adding flair to your gameplay. Among the flashiest and most effective new mechanics introduced this year is the Toe-Drag Stepover—a hybrid move that fuses deceptive lateral movement with close ball control. This 1,500-word guide breaks down everything you need to know to master the Toe-Drag Stepover, from inputs and mechanics to when, where, and how to execute it against different opponents and formations.
EA FC 25: How to Master the Toe-Drag Stepover
What is the Toe-Drag Stepover?
The Toe-Drag Stepover is a 4-star skill move introduced in EA FC 25 as a more grounded and deceptive variant of the traditional stepover. Instead of a quick foot roll around the ball, the move begins with a short toe-drag pullback before a tight-angle stepover, designed to unbalance defenders, especially those relying on jockeying or contain defending.
Key Characteristics:
Skill Rating Required: ★★★★ (4-star skill move)
Speed: Medium (slightly slower than the classic stepover)
Directionality: Can be chained left or right
Execution Type: Standing or moving (ideal when approaching the defender at a moderate pace)
Controller Inputs
PlayStation
Hold L1
Flick Right Stick Back (to drag the ball back)
Immediately flick Right Stick Left or Right (to stepover away)
Xbox
Hold LB
Flick Right Stick Back
Then flick Right Stick Left or Right
Timing tip: After the toe-drag pullback, make sure to quickly input the stepover direction to avoid triggering a normal drag-back.
When to Use the Toe-Drag Stepover
1. 1v1 Situations on the Flank
Use it when you're driving toward a fullback who's jockeying. The move will bait them into committing inside, while you drag the ball and push wide.
2. Cut-Back Zones in the Box
Near the edge of the penalty area, you can use this move to create quick shooting angles. It works exceptionally well with left-footed players on the right wing or vice versa.
3. In Transition Against Midfielders
Midfield defenders tracking back with contain (R1/RB hold) tend to overcommit. A Toe-Drag Stepover creates just enough space to burst past them into open zones.
4. Against High Defensive Lines
When you're near the top of the box and defenders step up, the lateral motion of the move can help you slip past AI pressure and unleash a finesse shot.
Player Archetypes Best Suited for the Move
To use this skill effectively, you want players with high dribbling, agility, and 4+ skill moves. Here are the types of players to prioritize:
Wingers
Vinícius Jr.
Bukayo Saka
Rodrygo
Kingsley Coman
Wingers benefit from using the move near the touchline to create crossing or cut-in space.
CAMs/Attacking Mids
Martin Ødegaard
Jamal Musiala
Florian Wirtz
Paulo Dybala
These players can use the move in tight areas to open up central lanes or passing angles.
Agile Strikers
Gabriel Jesus
João Félix
Jonathan David
Cody Gakpo
Strikers use it to create a sudden shooting window inside the box.
Drills to Practice the Toe-Drag Stepover
Practice Mode: Skill Games > Dribbling
Start by entering Free Training or the "Advanced Dribbling" challenge. Set up 1v1 cone drills and defenders, then use the Toe-Drag Stepover repeatedly to:
Learn the animation speed and recovery
Practice switching directions mid-animation
Chain it into a sprint or another move (e.g., ball roll or fake shot)
Pro Tip: Practice combining the Toe-Drag Stepover into a diagonal ball roll exit. This chaining becomes deadly in close quarters.
Best Areas on the Pitch to Use It
Final Third – Box Edge or Wing
If you're within 25 yards of goal and facing a fullback or CB, use the Toe-Drag Stepover to:
Shift angles to shoot
Cut inside to finesse
Draw fouls from aggressive tacklers
Middle Third – Flank Overlaps
When playing wide formations (4-3-3, 3-4-3), this move helps maintain width while dodging aggressive midfielders.
Defensive Third – Rarely (Use With Caution)
While flashy, it's not ideal near your goal unless you're trying to bait a press and immediately play out of it with a 1-2.
Combining the Toe-Drag Stepover with Other Moves
The Toe-Drag Stepover becomes even more effective when chained into or out of complementary skill moves.
Combo Chains:
Ball Roll → Toe-Drag Stepover
Smooth setup into the move, especially effective at shifting defender balance.
Toe-Drag Stepover → Heel Flick
Use this to beat two defenders in quick succession—one with deception, one with speed.
Toe-Drag Stepover → Fake Shot Exit
Once you execute the stepover, cancel into a fake shot and accelerate out.
Stepovers → Toe-Drag Stepover
Use traditional stepover spam to bait a challenge, then end with the toe-drag version for a final cut.
AI Defender Behavior and Counters
The Toe-Drag Stepover works well against AI-driven defenses because it interrupts the contain animation, which otherwise sticks to your player like glue.
However, manual defenders who rely on precise tackling can counter you if:
You repeat the move too often
You don't chain out of it
You use it in slow buildup with little movement
Defensive Counters (for your opponents):
Well-timed standing tackles
Jockey + close-range pressing
Physical defenders like Van Dijk or Konaté
To counter the counters:
Be unpredictable with direction
Mix in no-touch dribbling and L1/LB strafe dribble
Exit the move at an angle, not straight forward
Tactical Application in Different Formations
4-3-3 (Attack)
Ideal for Toe-Drag usage on wide forwards (LW/RW). Use the move to cut inside from the wings and shoot or pass into the box.
4-2-3-1
Your CAM thrives with this move at the top of the box. Create shooting lanes for finesse shots or one-twos.
3-4-2-1
The wide CAMs in this formation are perfect users of the Toe-Drag Stepover to penetrate from the half-spaces.
4-1-2-1-2 (Narrow)
Use the Toe-Drag to glide past the midfield line and play it forward to strikers making runs.
Toe-Drag Stepover in Online Play (Rivals, FUT Champs)
Use When:
Opponent overuses contain/jockey
You have space near the top of the box
You're up against slower CBs or wingbacks
Avoid When:
Facing high-pressure defensive tactics
Using players below 80 agility/4-star skills
Under double-team pressure
Elite Tip: In FUT Champs or Division 1+, the best players mix manual feints, delay, and unpredictable exits with the Toe-Drag to bait defensive mistakes.
Custom Skill Move Combos (Optional)
In FC 25, you can now set custom skill chains for easier execution. Create a combo like:
L1 + Right Stick Back → Right Stick Right → L1 + Square + X (Fake Shot Exit)
Assign it to your Right Stick Up combo, and you can execute this sequence flawlessly in tight spaces.
The Toe-Drag Stepover in EA FC 25 is more than a flair move—it's a precision weapon designed to disrupt defensive rhythm and create opportunities in dangerous zones. When mastered, it lets you dictate 1v1 engagements, break tight formations, and generate creative space for shots, passes, or crosses.
Whether you're looking to dominate Ultimate Team, climb in Rivals, or outmaneuver friends in Kick-Off mode, use FC 25 Coins to improve your players, incorporating this move into your arsenal is a game-changer. Practice it in Free Training, experiment in Squad Battles, and then unleash it with full confidence in competitive matches. With great timing, player selection, and tactical awareness, the Toe-Drag Stepover will become your signature weapon on the pitch.
Now get out there, take on the defenders—and drag them the wrong way.
MMOPTK FC 25 Team
