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Madden Football Game Information
This webpage is devoted to free information about improving
play for
madden football video games by EA sports.
note : these game hints are based on Madden 2003, 2004 and 2005 for the X-box.
However, it is expected that these hints will work for many of the Madden Series
EA Sports games. Note also that this author is not associated with X-Box,
Madden nor EA Sports, but is an enthusiast of their products. Note that
play differences for Madden 2005 X-Box are at the end of this info. Also note
that we now also have hints for MVP
Baseball by EA Sports
Rookie versus Pro Level
One of the settings to check is the level of play during games. We find
that there is a very large difference between "rookie" and "pro" levels, the
first two levels. Unless you are an experienced player, you might want to
verify that the game is set to "rookie" level. Once you are beating the
other teams by 28 points a game, and you are familiar with the controls, then it
is time for "pro" level - and beyond.
At "pro" level, we find that the CPU plays much more intelligently, and that
your team receives much less help. We find that at pro level that you are
mostly better off doing your own tackling and at least attempting to
defend passes.
TOKENS AND MADDEN CARDS
Another setting that you might want to change. You might wish to ensure
that your profile is on "auto save" to make sure that you get "tokens" credit for
football 101 and mini camp and game practice. "Tokens" can be traded for
"Madden Cards" which in turn can unlock classic teams, cheat codes that can be
used during games, and more. I would also recommend, at
least at the start, to save your profile manually after those practice sessions
- to ensure that you do not lose points and tokens earned.
Football 101 and Mini-Camp
I strongly recommend Football 101and Mini Camp. Not only does one get an idea of what
they should do to succeed with the various skills, watching the CPU player also
gives hints on what to do when you are in that role. For example.
When doing the tackling mini camp, I found the running back hardest to tackle
when they ran on an angle, away from me and yet still at the goal, and also when
the running back would spin as I got near them to tackle. Well, of course,
those are excellent clues not only for tackling, but also for what to do as a
running back.
The Two Minute Drill
The two minute drill does more than its title says. It can be used as a
great general vehicle to practice offense. Are you having trouble hitting
your receivers? Do you need practice scanning the field for which receiver
is open? Are you at your best for running plays also? The two minute
drill can help do all of this an more.
Another super advantage of the two minute drill is for practicing offensive
audibles. You can quickly take Madden's suggested play, but then read the
defense at the line and try the audibles. This is a great way to find out
what the audibles do and how best to use them. Yes, and also practice hot
routes for your receivers. Try hot routes on a fly pattern straight
forward, or curls backward, or in or out patterns.
The best part of the two minute drill? If you make a mistake on an
interception, or a turnover on downs? The computer will simply just give
you the ball back for another attempt.
Tackling
Note that tackling another player is often a combination of two things:
tackling the player with your player, and also having that player run into you.
With this in mind, always try to target to be in an area in front of the player,
rather than running at the player directly. If you run at the player
directly it is too easy for them to get around you with movement or spin.
Use the sprint control for tackling at the right time and in the right
direction. Use the sprint control if the one you are tackling is far away.
When you do get in front of the player, though, sometimes the sprint control can
be your worst enemy and it is time to turn it off. Again, it can be easy
for the other player you are tackling to get past you. The idea is to
block them also and to be ready for their movement when you get close.
Running on Offense with the Ball
Something that became obvious in mini-camp practice - is that the running
back is hardest to tackle when the running back has movement right at the time
of tackle. This movement can be "jukes" - which are use of the right and
left triggers, or can be even more effectively a spin, which is the B button at
the time of tackle. If using this technique, don't be surprised if you
slip tackles. Be ready to use these buttons again when other defenders
approach you. You should only stop this button-pressing when you are
absolutely down.
Madden's voice advice on looking for a hole in the line rather than
sprinting too quick in the wrong direction also deserves some heed. Note that Madden's voice also suggests that you follow your blockers. Yes, following
the blockers, where possible, is also a good idea. When approaching the
line to run through, the right speed is very important. You need to be
slow enough to at least briefly see daylight where to run. But of course,
you also need then to be fast enough to get through that point before that
opening closes.
So then, what buttons to use? The sprint button should be used
sparingly until you see the opening to run through, then sprint at it. As
the defenders approach, be sure and use the right and left triggers for jukes
and also try using the B button for spin to evade them. If you get past
the defenders, again you would use the sprint button.
If you find yourself in open field with defenders coming after you, think
about whether or not an angle run might work. It seems at times running on
an angle - both forward plus away from defenders - buys you more time before you
are tackled. I have been surprised sometimes that running on an angle both
forward and towards the sidelines seemed to gain me 10 more yards. Well,
one cannot count on that much help, but running on an angle in the open field
can be a help.
Punt Returns
I strongly, strongly recommend that you take over control of the punt return
person by using the "A" key before the ball reaches the punt returner.
Note that this does not mean that you then need to control the person catching
the ball - if that concerns you. At least at some levels you can have
control of the player and so can the computer - and still help with catching the
ball.
But if you have control, and the defenders are right on top of you when you
catch it, you need to strongly consider pressing "y" for a fair catch. At
higher levels of play, there is a chance that a quick hit could cause a fumble
just as in real life.
But if you have running room, of course, only a weanie would signal for a
fair catch! Then it is time to watch the blockers in front of you, get in
back of them, and use the sprint button to run quickly. Jukes and spins
don't seem to work well on special team runs, however, I have found quite by
accident that rapid thumbstick movement right before a tackle can also sometimes
cause a running player to spin - and therefore make them hard to tackle.
After you have done the above, my next three items of advice would be:
follow your blockers, follow your blockers, and follow your blockers.
Sprinting and passing your blockers may not be a good idea. If you have a
little bit of time, notice where your blockers are in front and use them as a
shield. That only works for a little while, but that might be all that you
need to get passed the major defenders break into a run for a big gain. I
have run a few kickoffs back for touchdowns. It is a nice feeling.
Play Calls
Do you find yourself running out of time when finding a play, and then
clicking back to the game and finding the play clock is almost all gone?
Well, I find it best to play as in real life, where play calls come from the
sidelines, and the team can modify them if they wish. I therefore tend to
use Madden's suggested play calls - by using the "X" button to ask for that help
during play calls. Then I almost always accept what he gives. And
why not? If you disagree with the call, you can always call an audible at
the line of scrimmage. Or you can modify the call just a little bit by
calling either a change of the play from the right side to the left side (or
vice versa) by pressing "X" and then the black key. If it is a passing
play, you can also modify it by calling Hot Routes, by pressing the "Y" key and
then the rcvr button and then the direction you wish the receiver to go.
In this last case, the hot route, pressing the direction upwards is for a streak
forward play. Pressing the direction back is for a "curl" where the
receiver runs forward shortly and then turns back for the catch. Pressing
left or right direction will cause a pattern in that direction.
Audibles, Offense
Calling Audibles is one of the most powerful aspects of the game - and one
that I would highly recommend. If you use the "X" button to allow Madden
to make a suggested call, then at times you may need to audible after looking at
the defense.
For example, if Madden had called a running play, and you see the line
stacked with defenders - more than normal - you might decide that your running
back is going to get killed. A short passing play just over these huge
guys is a good idea. It is a good idea though, to also find out what is a
normal defense for the other team - in order to see if they are stacking the
line or not. A common defense is the 4-3 defense which has 4 line men
right on the line and three line backers behind them.
Note that offensive audibles depend on the playbook you select.
Therefore if you are using the playbook for your favorite team, then you need to
go into practice mode, if only to call audibles and to see what happens.
Of course, you could also go into settings and see what is set for audibles and
not necessarily change them.
I tend to use audibles from the San Diego playbook. In it, there are
two run plays, two passing plays, and a punt play. To call audibles one
first presses the "X" button. Then in the case of San Diego, if you press
"X" again, that will be a run close in and right through the line just to the
left of center. If you press "A", then that also will be a run, but this
time to the right and further away from center. Pressing "B" or pressing
the left trigger will give passing plays. Pressing the right trigger would
give a punt play with maximum protection.
When to call an audible? Well if the defense stacks the line of
scrimmage and you have a run play set up, you might want to consider a quick
pass just over them.
On the other hand, if you are concerned about a passing play that Madden
called, then consider a run play. Which run play? Look at the
defensive line. If the line is pushed close in, then call the run play
that goes further out before going through the line - and hence they will see
fewer defenders. For San Diego audibles, this would be an "A" key press.
If the line is spread far out, then perhaps a run straight through the line
looks good. For San Diego aubibles, this would be an "X" key press.
Then look to see if either the right side or left side is weaker or if you
wish to simply alternate runs so as not to be too predictable. You can
then use "X" and then the black button to change the direction of the run
attack.
Audibles, Defense
Allowing Madden to make the defense calls, but then considering calling
defensive audibles is a good strategy. It gets you to the line quickly,
yet allows you to vary things afterwards. Note that defensive audibles
vary on whether you are playing a 4-3 defense or other. Again, you need to
check settings or just go into practice mode to find out what your audibles are,
and then mark them down.
How and when to call a defensive audible? Well, it is best again to
look at the other team - the offense in this case. How are they lined up?
If the quarterback is in a shotgun position, a pass play is likely, but not
always definite. If so, you might want to do a pass defense.
Also, look at the formation. Sometimes a player might run or pass from
an I formation, or an offset I, or split running backs. If you see a trend
there based on formation, you might want to call an audible guessing at either a
run or pass defense.
What plays has the other team been calling? It pays to sometimes look
at the stats and see if they have been mainly running or passing. If they
have 200 yards passing and -5 running, then one could guess that they will not
see running as a good alternative . . .either.
Also, look at the situation. Some teams may pass all of the time.
Others may try to run on the first two downs, but then when faced with a third
and long tend to pass. If it is 3rd down and 10 yards or so, you can
almost always (but not always) expect a pass. I sometimes disagree with
Madden calls on defense, particularly 3rd down. If Madden calls a blitz
and it is third and long, I am likely to change it to a pass defense.
Also, watch the clock. If little time is left in the game, a long pass
might be coming. Think about a great pass defense for this.
Time
Watch not only the play clock but also the time left in the game or if close
to halftime. Be ready to press the back button if needed for a time out.
If on defense, make a smart (important word) decision as to whether or not
you might stop the other player in time to make a score yourself. This is
a tough call to make, but often real teams will call a time out during the other
team's play if they are very sure of getting the ball back.
SPIKING THE BALL
If you are short of time and are out of time outs, or wish to save your last
one, consider spiking the ball. After the play you would press B for a
bit. Then perhaps A to rush them to the line. Then when they are at
the line, A will spike the ball. Spiking the ball is not as good as a time
out. It seems to eat up almost 15 seconds. But of course, if you are
running out of time outs, then it is better than losing the time.
Passing
As one gets beyond rookie level or turns off easy play, it is important to
note that there is no such thing as a sure pass - just as there is not one in
real football. There is not only your execution of the pass, but there is
also the issue that the other player may call a different defense which can turn
a wonderful passing situation into an interception.
As the game suggests, one should drop back for the pass, so as to not get
easily tackled. Then one looks for an open receiver and then throws it to
them at the right time. This is easier said than done. If one cannot
watch all receivers well, at least watch the one carefully that you intend to
pass to. Sometimes a receiver can even get blocked at the line of
scrimmage and not even start their route. In this case, you really need to
consider another receiver or consider throwing the ball away. It takes
some practice to get to the point where you can check at least two different
receivers in the event that the first is tied up. How to practice this?
Try the two-minute drill. It is great for offensive practice. And
remember if nothing is open, you can have the quarter back run with the ball -
by pressing the Y key.
While there is no such thing as an easy pass, it pays to practice passing in
practice mode as well as during games. I find that for some of my favorite
passes that a receiver will often (but not always) come open after a certain few
seconds. So I count to 3 in a few cases, and to 4 or 5 for another pass.
This timing is of course based on practice times in finding the best point.
Again, the two minute drill is good for practicing this. You can go into
the two minute drill and instead of doing the normal drill, call audibles and
practice looking for open receivers.
Of course, it is best to look at multiple receivers. Consider NOT
passing to receivers that are either:
- Tied up at the line of scrimmage and very late on getting to their route
- Have double or more coverage
How to practice throwing to the right receiver? Try the two minute
drill. Practice on a play using at least three receivers. Get good
at looking at least two of them during a pass situation and picking the best
one.
HOT ROUTES
Are the defenders killing you on passing? Can't find a good safe pass?
Sometimes streaking forward and being covered by defenders is the hardest way.
You might want to consider also using passing hot routes for more safety.
Hot routes are done by pressing "Y" before the snap of the ball, and the button
for the right receiver, and then a direction. Setting a hot route for a
curl, by pressing the Y button, then the receiver, and then the direction down
for a "curl",
may create a safer play - a play for about 6 or 7 yards.. If trying this
pass on a curl though be ready to pass when that receiver stops
running and turns around to catch. It is right at that moment that the
defender will likely be the most confused. If you hesitate the throw too
long, the defender can figure it out and intercept. Of course, you should
also ensure that the receiver is not covered in front by that same defender or a
second defender and can be intercepted. Yes, this is a bit to look for
during the few seconds of decision.
Likewise, another hot route that can confuse a defender is either right or
left. At those times, the receiver will run forward, and then unexpectedly
break right or left. That is a good time to throw since the defender is
likely confused. Again, make sure that your receiver has not just left one
defender to run next to a new one who can also interecept.
AFTER THE SUCCESSFUL PASS
After the successful pass, recall that the receiver is now a running back.
Sometimes movement can help evade the defenders. Sometimes an angular run
- both forward toward the goal line and yet also away from the defenders.
Sometimes one can pick up much extra yardage that way.
RUNNING OUT OF BOUNDS in a TWO MINUTE DRILL
I have noticed that when short of time the game suggests running out of
bounds - yet the calls suggested don't always lend themselves easily to running
out of bounds. Again a hot route heading a receiver towards a side line
could help, as also calling a play that gets a receiver closer to the side lines
will help also.
One would think that what would work are hot routes where you send the
receivers to the side lines. The works a little - but be careful of
timing. I find that a quick count of 3 or so is all the time you get
before your receiver runs out of bounds. Running out of bounds in a run
play is also a thought - particularly if you run on an angle while sprinting and
are not greedy about going for too many yards.
Can't get out of play with receivers after a catch? I have a similar
problem. It seems that receivers are often tackled immediately after a
catch, allowing no time to run out of bounds. Well, there is always the
other possibility. If one cant get out of bounds with receivers, at least
gain a lot of yards. One play to practice in the two minute drill of the
2003 game is to put all three wide receivers on hot routes streaking straight
forward. Then practice dropping back and looking for open receivers -
trying to ensure that you can at least see two if you need to.
Read the Defense
This has been covered a bit above, but I don't think it can be stressed
enough. Regardless of who called the original next offensive play for your
team - you or Madden - the defense may be ready to take it apart. We also
get into bad habits of either liking running plays or passing plays - just as
real coaches.
Well, if you were thinking of a running play and the line is stacked, maybe
you need a passing play over their heads. If you are nervous, try a hot
route where you ask for a curl for the receiver back towards you. Those
plays are hard to defend if you are careful to throw it at just the right time -
and that seems for me to be a quick 1-2-3 count is all the time you get.
On the other hand, if you were thinking of passing, and no one is on the line
in front of you, perhaps they are expecting a pass and may even give you double
coverage. Consider a run. Run where? Get used to your audibles.
One run is often straight forward and one is further out down the line.
Pick the one where the defenders aren't.
Also, if the line is stacked on the right, consider running or passing to the
left. For run plays you may need to do a X -black press to change the
runner to the other side. For passing, MOST of the time (there are
exceptions) passing to X is often on the left and A and B are on the right, at
least for the games I play. But check the play you called since that could
change.
TAKE WHAT THEY ARE WILLING TO GIVE YOU
Madden often seems to suggest "take what they are willing to give you".
That is another way of suggesting that you read the defense and revise your
strategy based on strength and / or weaknesses in the defense.
Outguess the Offense
Of course any time we guess, we might be wrong. However, if the other
team is at 3rd down and 10 yards to go, they might likely call a pass play. If
they are far behind, they might not only be passing, but have long passes.
If you are beating the other team badly and it is near the end of the game and
they have just scored, don't be surprised if they have an on-side kick. If
their team is way behind, they also may be "going for it" on fourth down.
Defensive Backs Mini-Camp
The mini camp that seemed the hardest was the one where you are a defensive
back (corner back) trying to defend against passes to three opposition players.
That one seemed much harder than the others.
What seemed to work best was (1) ignore the sprint button - too hard to
achieve accurate placement of your back using speed also. (2) The
advice says to use strafe with the right trigger to face the line of scrimmage.
That works, but the strafe seems to only work when moving, so it seems the
strafe is best at the end of a run near the target. (3) Something that
also helps is running back towards the center position after blocking the pass.
That will align you more ready to cover all three targets for the next pass.
This "being in the best spot" is also a good lesson one would think during a
game. (4) Try using the directional pad for accuracy rather than the thumbstick.
You might find it more accurate. If not, of course, you can go back to
using the thumbstick.
Madden 2005 Differences
The most important thing is that Madden 2005 for X Box just does not play
that differently from the previous Madden games. It does have better graphics.
After winning my first three games on it (admitingly at the rookie level) it
also seemed that the players were more maneuverable. It seemed to pay to
ensure that you played the player closest to the action and to get involved with
the play. Doing so, I
seemed to do better at tackles than ever before, and I also had two sacks with
my controlled player. Neat!
My advice on Madden 2005 is the same as the above. I suggest playing
the team on the field and not the coach. By that, I mean use the "X" key
to just allow Madden to give you plays. If when you look at the lineup on
the other team, you do not like Madden's call, it is time to call an audible.
So then, my advice would be learn audibles, practice audibles, and use audibles in
that order. The audibles did seem slightly different for 2005 than for
2004. I think perhaps all three game versions were slightly different. How to do an audible
at the line for 2005, offense or defense? Well, you press the X key and
ensure that you see the word audible on the screen. Then press the audible
that you want: which would be the X key again, or A key, or B key, or left or right button.
And pressing X and then pressing the black key reverses the side of the audible
play. Since audibles are so important, I would suggest going into practice
and just practice the audibles for your team until you know what they do, and
how to pass for the pass plays. For pass plays again, look for the man,
avoid getting sacked, and time the pass.
Which audible to call? It is similar to the above. If Madden
wishes a running play and the line is stuffed with opposition players and none
are in the backfield, then call a passing play. Or if you wish to run and
line is dense but the outer edges have no defenders, pick the run play that goes
further out around the defenders. Use the X and black key to switch sides of the offense if one
side is defended weaker than another. If the sides are defended well and
you wish a run play, perhaps try the run play right up the middle.
For defense, one can sometimes guess what the opponent is going to do.
Watch past performance and often look at stats to see if your opponent is doing
better at run plays or passing plays. That may give a hint on which to
expect. But of course, if your opponent is far behind or the quarterback
is back in slingshot mode, or if their are a lot of yards to go and it is 3rd
down, then one might expect a pass play. Also, do not be surprised by on-side kicks if you are winning late in the game.
Just Like a Real Football Game
There are some times when playing Madden Football that it seems quite
lifelike. Notice that you might get more holding calls if you hold onto
the ball a long time on passing plays. Well, that is logical. Your
line is trying to protect you. Release the ball quickly if you want to try
and minimize holding calls. Also fumbles may occur more if you are doing
the unusual - such as running with your quarterback, or sometimes perhaps when
using a stiff arm.
And yes, just like real life, if you are playing a good team, sometimes right
after the play of your life the play may be called back due to a holding call.
So now we know how the coaches feel. And yes of course, you had little to
do with the holding call unless you held the ball too long. And yes,
sometimes you can do everything right and still get penalties.
Beware of playing the Rams in the 2003 game. They seem highly favored
and it seems I get more holding calls and fumbles when playing them. But
then, it seems a team often gets more penalties when playing a better team, so
some of that is to be expected.
Notice that if you are "trying to make something happen" or in "catch up" or
"two minute drill" mode that you likely will get more interceptions. Yes,
just as in real football. That seems the biggest danger for me in the two
minute drills. I tend to throw out the conservative plays and favor long
passes near the sidelines. Well, again, that is normal in real football.
Better than Real Football
How can it be better than real football? Did your favorite team lose
today? Practice and coach your favorite team and replay the same team your
real team lost to. If you beat them, you will likely feel better. It
could ease some tension and bring a smile back to your face.
General
I find it a great game and enjoy it a lot. Hope you enjoy it also.
Again, I am not affiliated with Microsoft, EA sports, nor Madden.
However, I do enjoy their product.
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