FIFA 18 follows the new kick-off rules set in 2016 by FIFA. The traditional kick-off rule says the ball must go forward at kick-off and players have to be in their own half, but in 2016 the rule is being changed to allow the ball to go in any direction at kick-off as long as it moves.
So in FIFA 18, by default the kick-off procedure follows the new rule, but you still can change it back to the old rule.
Kick-off Rules in FIFA 18
- New Rule (Default)
- Traditional Rule (Press L2 / LT)
How to Change the Kick-off Rule in FIFA 18
To change the kick-off method back to traditional rule, press L2 / LT on your controller at kick-off. Then, a teammate will join you to receive the ball and you can pass the ball to him using the short pass button (X / A) and start the game.
How can I change it back to new rule from traditional mode?