FC 26 Skill Moves Explained: From Tricks to Flicks and Elasticos

Every new release of EA Sports FC means one thing for many players: testing out all the skill moves. In FC 26, five fresh tricks debut — Explosive Stepover, Advanced Heel Flick, Drag To Chop, Elastico Variation, and the New Trickster Rainbow. Alongside them, all the classic moves return, making this year’s library the most complete yet.

Whether you’re practicing in training or embarrassing defenders online, here’s your full breakdown of every skill move in FC 26.

⭐ Understanding Star Ratings

Each player in FC 26 has a Skill Move rating between 1 and 5 stars, shown under their nameplate during matches:

• 1 Star: Basic tricks, available to every player (even goalkeepers).

• 2 Stars: Simple feints and stepovers.

• 3 Stars: Expanded set including roulettes and chops.

• 4 Stars: Advanced moves like rainbows, heel-to-heel, and drag variations.

• 5 Stars: The flashiest tricks, reserved for elite dribblers.

The higher the star rating, the more moves a player can pull off.

🥅 1-Star Skill Moves

Every player can perform these simple but effective tricks. Examples include:

• Directional Nutmeg

  • PS: Hold L1 + R1 + RS direction

  • Xbox: Hold LB + RB + RS direction

• Standing Ball Juggle

  • PS: Hold L2 + tap R1

  • Xbox: Hold LT + tap RB

• Trickster Rainbow

  • PS/Xbox: Flick RS back then forward

⚡ 2-Star Skill Moves

Common among most outfield players, these introduce feints and basic dribbles:

• Body Feint (Left/Right) → Flick RS left/right

• Stepover (Left/Right) → Roll RS forward to side

• Ball Roll → Hold RS left/right

• Drag Back

  • PS: L1 + R1 + LS flick down

  • Xbox: LB + RB + LS flick down

🎯 3-Star Skill Moves

Most midfielders and attackers have access to these:

• Heel Flick → RS flick up then down

• Roulette (Left/Right) → Roll RS in circle

• Heel Chop

  • PS: Hold L2 + Square then X + LS direction

  • Xbox: Hold LT + X then A + LS direction

• Explosive Stepover

  • PS: Hold L1 + rotate RS forward to side

  • Xbox: Hold LB + rotate RS forward to side

🏃 4-Star Skill Moves

Essential for high-level play in Rivals or Weekend League:

• Ball Hop → Hold L1/LB + press R3

• Heel to Heel → RS flick forward then back

• Simple Rainbow → RS flick down then up twice

• Drag To Chop → Hold LT/L2 + roll RS (left-back-right / right-back-left)

• Advanced Heel Flick → RS flick forward-back + LS diagonal

🌟 5-Star Skill Moves

The showstoppers—reserved for elite dribblers and FUT icons:

• Elastico / Reverse Elastico → Roll RS bottom across

• Triple Elastico → RS roll down-right-left

• Sombrero Flick → RS flick up, up, down

• Ball Roll Fake Turn → Hold L2/LT + RS flick up then side

• Elastico Variation → Hold L2/LT + rotate RS right-back-left

• Tornado Spin → Hold L2+L1 / LT+LB + RS flick up then side

🎪 5-Star Juggling Tricks

Extra flair moves for top-tier jugglers:

• Around The World → Hold L2/LT + rotate RS full circle

• In-Air Elastico → Hold L2/LT + RS flick right-left

• Chest Flick → Hold L2/LT + press R3 twice

✅ Final Tips

• Practice Mode: Use the training arena to get comfortable with timing.

• Know Your Players: Only 4–5 star players can pull off advanced moves.

• Mix It Up: Don’t spam the same trick—combine feints, drags, and rainbows for maximum impact.

Mastering these moves can be the difference between breaking down a stubborn defense and losing possession. With five new tricks added this year, FC 26 skill moves are deeper than ever.

For more FC 26 tips and guides, check out the 1v1Me blog