FC 25: How to Use Stop & Go (2-Star Skill Move) to Beat Defenders

Whether you’re new to the game or an experienced player trying to sharpen your dribbling, mastering Stop & Go will help you beat fullbacks, open passing lanes, and catch opponents off guard in tight matches. Here’s how it works, when to use it, and some pro tips to get the most out of this deceptively simple skill.

What is the Stop & Go?

At its core, Stop & Go is exactly what it sounds like: you stop the ball dead while sprinting, then explode back into a sprint instantly. The sudden change of pace throws off defenders who expect you to keep running in a straight line.

Because it’s only a 2-star move, nearly every outfield player can perform it — which makes it especially useful in Ultimate Team when you’re stuck with lower-rated cards or in Career Mode early in a save.

How to Perform Stop & Go in EA Sports FC 25

The input is simple:

Hold Sprint (R2/RT) as you dribble.

Flick the Right Stick Forward, then Back in quick succession (RS Flick).

For example, if you’re sprinting right:

Flick RS right (the direction you’re moving),

Then immediately flick RS left (opposite direction).

Your player will momentarily pause, plant their foot, then burst forward again. If you time it well, the defender will overshoot or hesitate — and you’re gone.

When Should You Use Stop & Go?

The Stop & Go works best in very specific moments — think of it as a surprise weapon, not a move to spam every possession.

Here’s when to pull it out:

On the Wing, 1v1: The classic use. If you’re sprinting down the sideline and the fullback is matching your pace, Stop & Go will often make them bite, giving you space to accelerate again or cut inside.

Near the Box: Use it near the top of the penalty area to freeze a defender for a second — just enough to create a shooting lane or set up a cross.

When Shielding: If you’re backing into a defender and they’re pressuring aggressively, a quick Stop & Go can break free and open space to turn.

In Tight Spaces: It also works in crowded midfield situations where a slight pause lets you redirect your run or find a passing option.

Why Stop & Go Works

Many players overlook low-rated skill moves, but the Stop & Go is powerful because it disrupts the defender’s rhythm. Defending in EA Sports FC 25 often relies on player jockeying — they shadow your run to match your pace. When you suddenly stop, the AI or human opponent naturally keeps moving for a moment, creating a gap.

Good players use Stop & Go sparingly — the element of surprise is what makes it deadly. Overuse it and defenders will just wait you out.

Tips to Make Stop & Go More Effective

1. Mix Up Your Exit

The biggest mistake players make is doing Stop & Go in the same direction every time. After you stop, you’re not locked into continuing forward — you can branch into a different move:

Stop & Go → Ball Roll → Cut inside.

Stop & Go → Fake Shot → Diagonal burst.

Stop & Go → Pass backwards if you’re tightly marked.

Don’t be predictable — the more options you add, the harder it is to defend.

2. Don’t Hold Sprint the Whole Time

Before doing the RS flick, you should be sprinting — but the moment you stop, you can release Sprint for tighter control. When you push the ball forward again, hold Sprint to accelerate. This slight adjustment gives you a sharper burst and better balance.

3. Chain It with Other 2-Star or 3-Star Moves

Stop & Go works even better when combined with simple directional moves:

Ball Roll (2-Star): Use the Ball Roll to shift sideways before or after the Stop & Go.

Body Feint (2-Star): Do a feint first, then Stop & Go in the opposite direction.

Fake Pass (No Star): Add a fake shot/pass for an extra hesitation effect.

Chaining these together creates a flow that confuses defenders without needing fancy flicks.

4. Practice the Timing in Skill Games

Go into the Skill Games menu and pick dribbling drills. Practice stopping just as a defender approaches — then burst away. Mastering the right moment to stop is crucial: too late and they’ll tackle you; too early and you won’t create enough space.

Players Who Benefit Most

Because it’s only a 2-star move, the Stop & Go is perfect for wingers, fullbacks pushing up, or budget strikers with low skill ratings. It gives you a dynamic way to beat defenders even if you can’t Elastico your way out of trouble.

That said, pace still helps — a quick winger with good acceleration makes the Stop & Go deadlier, because the burst forward after stopping is faster.

Final Thoughts

The Stop & Go is proof that simple moves can still break ankles in EA Sports FC 25. Learn it, master the timing, and blend it into your attack — you’ll be beating defenders, winning corners, and setting up goals with ease.

The next time you’re on the wing and buy FC 25 Coins a fullback’s breathing down your neck, don’t panic — just Stop & Go and leave them chasing shadows.