Poke Checking

How is it while playing in squad battles. That the AI opposing team continually poke checks, while as many times as I've tried. I find it hard if not almost non existent in being able to poke check. I've gone over a variety of tutorials regarding this, using a PS5 controller, but to no avail. Am I missing something. Or is there an issue with not being able to perform this defensive move. Had no problems with the PS4 format. Now. Frustrating.