A rule of thumb is to only cut back a third of an over grown tree. This could be done annually. If you had pics of the tree that would be helpful as well.

What does that mean, a third of the tree? Cut back the branches by a third, or only take out a third of the tree?

Thanks,

noss

KenaParker:
First:Cut off all dead wood,next:
1.Thin a third of all branches,from incipient base.
2.Trim the rest,by cutting a third out of the lenght of every branch.
Now you got a judicious pruning Job that will go a long way in getting more ripe fruits,next Sommer.
You can do this every Spring with an old established fig tree.

Well said Herman