Throw-ins and goal kicks are often overlooked opportunities to build attacks or relieve pressure in EA Sports FC 27. For throw-ins, the key is to identify open teammates. Use the left analog stick to aim your throw and the shoot button to determine power. Short, quick throws can be effective for retaining possession in tight areas, while longer throws can be used to switch play or launch a quick counter-attack. Pay attention to the player's throwing animation; some players have more powerful or accurate throws than others. Using players with high 'Long Throw' trait can sificantly impact your attacking options from the sidelines.
When taking goal kicks, the objective is usually to find a teammate in space or to launch the ball upfield. Aiming for your center-backs or defensive midfielders is a common strategy to maintain possession. However, consider using a long driven pass (R1/RB + Shoot) to bypass the opposition's midfield and directly target your wingers or strikers. This can be particularly effective against teams employing a high press. The power of the goal kick can be adjusted by holding the shoot button. A full power kick can travel the length of the pitch, but accuracy can suffer. A more controlled kick, around 70-80% power, is often more reliable for finding a specific target.
A frequent error is to simply aim for the nearest player without considering the opposition's defensive setup. If your opponent is pressing high, a long goal kick to a lone striker might be intercepted. Instead, try to find a fullback or a center-back who has space to bring the ball forward. For throw-ins, avoid throwing directly to a marked player. Instead, look for players making runs into space or use a quick tap pass to a nearby defender to reset possession. Mastering these set-pieces can provide a sificant advantage, allowing you to control the tempo of the game and create unexpected attacking opportunities.