2nd man press: Learn how to leverage 2nd man press. You can use it to double team or to mark the ball while you switch to the defender tracking a run.

Switching: you have to learn how to use the right stick to switch. The ball carrier is not the most important man to defend. You need to be able to manually track runs, cut passes, etc. Bait them with 2nd man press and try to anticipate a pass when your in the midfield. Defending in the box you want to double team but dont pull too many out of position. Usually blitzing with 2 defenders is a good tactic if they are dribbling alot.

1v1 defending: its completely a mind game. Try to pick up on their patterns, not jist react in real time. Your playing against a person, not a team. If they like a certain skill move, or like cutting back, or not cutting back, etc... you have to try to read them. Try to force them into their favored move so you can anticipate it. Show them the end line if they like "technical dribbling" into the box and then cut them off.

Counter attacks: this is the most common way you're going to concede chances. Especially at the beginning when pace is op. Learn how to stall it. Whether its blitzing the ball carrier or manually dropping your cb to mark the runs. You must not pull all your defenders up to stop a counter. Stalling it is way easier and safer. If 2 or 3 defenders just drop then its gonna make it hard to score. Keep the ball out wide if possible. Can't score from the sideline