L1 + O for a high clearance, L1 +OO for a lower one. Use R2 to position your player to receive the ball, and R1 to bring it under control.
If the ball goes to a CF, try bringing a MF player into the break, passing it back to him to release the CF to run on towards goal.
It is sometimes possible to do this as a 1-2, holding L1...pass with X and make the return first-time (before the player touches the ball) with /\ for a low through ball, or O for a high one. But it can create problems with your CF sprinting into an offside position.
If your ahead of most of the players, R1+R2 sprinting will keep you there, pull the d-pad or left-stick diagonal to your run to knock the ball further ahead, but take care you have space to do that.
R1 sprinting on it's own gives more subtle control over your direction (allows movement in 16 directions, not the usual 8), that can help you just 'tilt' your run so that you get past a player without slowng down.
Try to mix these sprints, as you change the angle of your run, but leave yourself room to release the ball before your eventually tackled.
For style, let go of the d-pad or left-stick, and hit R1 to stop dead and draw defenders towards you, look for the best runner moving into space (sometimes because you've drawn the defenders), and lay the ball off to him before you're tackled.
Finish it off with a gentle chip over an on-rushing keeper L1+[], or [] then R1 to feint then chip. Or [] then X to fake a shot, then tap the ball in with [].
If you get pushed wide, your supporting attackers may still out number the defenders in the centre, you could try simple passes across to finish it off with a first-time shot from the 'extra' man you have over.
Alternavely, Hold L1 to put a cross in...hit O once for a high cross to the far post, L1+OO for a near post cross. Try to 'attack' the ball in the air by running to meet it, but make sure when you get there that your header is directed on target for a goal.
(It never really works out this straight forward, but the moves should help)