How to Win the Blitzball Tournament in Final Fantasy X

Sound Advice From Cap'n Wakka

• The instant you get the ball, hit square and pass it BACK to one of your defenders who's nowhere near any opponents. Jassu starts out more competent than Datto.
  
  
• The first time you ever play the tournament, click triangle and switch to MANUAL A mode as soon as you get the ball to one of your rear defenders.
  
  
• Carry the ball along the wall. It pulls defenders out of position. Your goal is to draw all the defenders except Balgerda away from Tidus/Wakka, because Balgerda's attack is just a little weaker than their endurance.
  
  

• Unless you've got Tidus with Jecht Shot, pass the ball or break/dribble before you get two defenders on your ball carrier. Jecht Shot is the only thing that can bust through two defenders.
  
  
• Use a TECH -- Sphere Shot, Venom Shot -- to boost your shooter's SH higher than the goalie's CA/BL. Sphere Shot takes less time than Jecht Shot, so you can get more opportunities to score with it in a limited time.
  
  
• Play "Keep Away" by passing the ball to undefended teammates. Each completed pass gives the passer an experience point. It also keeps the Goers from getting the ball.
  
  
• You may want to play keep away through the first half, wait until the second half to start scoring. This is because you don't get a chance to activate TECHs until halftime.

• After the first goal, Graav (C) has a habit of going straight towards your goal, and will be tackled by 2-3 defenders. He often loses the ball then. Quick, pass it back to Jassu!
  
  
• PLAY KEEP AWAY. Once you have a 1-2 goal lead, keep passing the ball among Aurochs who don't have any defenders on them. Every completed pass is an experience point!
  
  
• If all else fails, cheat. I haven't tested this, but I hear there's a game glitch that the opponents won't go after the ball carrier if he swims right behind your goalcage.

Congratulations!