3-4 formations

[Victorious]

Is there some sort of rule to apply to these formations? Is the " even, under, over, normal, or stack" for doing certain things or situations.

[Ultimatum-A]

Is there some sort of rule to apply to these formations? Is the " even, under, over, normal, or stack" for doing certain things or situations.

oh boy...I could go on all day about the differences between these formations and the reasons for using each one. But I don't have the time or energy right now. Hopefully Gav or someone else with the knowledge will pipe up.

Long story short, each formation puts your linebackers in different positions relevant to the linemen. Also, the way they cover the zones is different. Go into practice mode and watch how and where your linebackers drop into their zones when you call the same play from each formation. That should give you a better understanding of what each formation is used for.

One more big thing to note is that the 3-4 even is typically a run stopping D, with holes in the coverage. Pressure gets to the QB quick from this formation. 3-4 normal is typically a passing defense, though it can also be useful to stop the run. Repetitive runs up the middle will eat up a 3-4 normal defense if played improperly. Best thing to do when running 3-4 Normal is to crash your linemen to one side or the other on nearly every play in which you think there could be a run. There is a lot to remember when using the 3-4 defenses, but if used properly, it can be the most effective defense against any formation the offense can throw at you. It is not for the meak and you'll find that most of the best players use some variation of the 3-4 as their base defense. Hope this helps a little.

[TNT713]

Is there some sort of rule to apply to these formations? Is the " even, under, over, normal, or stack" for doing certain things or situations.

I'm more familiar with running a 4-3 on Madden, but it too has different alignments. Each allows you an advantage and a disadvantage.

For example...

Suppose you have a great pass rusher that you think has an advantage in a 1-on-1 match up with your opponent's offensive tackle. You may want to call an alignment that covers both guards and the center with defensive linemen so they can't help the OT with pass protection. Of course, covering the G-C-G with your D-line leaves you exposed to runs that attack the gap just inside the pass rushing DE as he runs himself out of the play...

In real football it happens all the time... Sometimes you can take advantage of a player, other times that aggressiveness bites you in the fanny.

The trick is knowing what you want to do and why... The how becomes easier to figure out. But you must expect that whatever you do will have some disadvantages as well, know them because they are just as important.

Later

[Ultimatum-A]

I'm more familiar with running a 4-3 on Madden, but it too has different alignments. Each allows you an advantage and a disadvantage.

For example...

Suppose you have a great pass rusher that you think has an advantage in a 1-on-1 match up with your opponent's offensive tackle. You may want to call an alignment that covers both guards and the center with defensive linemen so they can't help the OT with pass protection. Of course, covering the G-C-G with your D-line leaves you exposed to runs that attack the gap just inside the pass rushing DE as he runs himself out of the play...

In real football it happens all the time... Sometimes you can take advantage of a player, other times that aggressiveness bites you in the fanny.

The trick is knowing what you want to do and why... The how becomes easier to figure out. But you must expect that whatever you do will have some disadvantages as well, know them because they are just as important.

Later

Well said.

More explanation would be useful if someone is willing to provide it. I will, another time, if this continues to pop up.

[Ultimatum-A]

Is there some sort of rule to apply to these formations? Is the " even, under, over, normal, or stack" for doing certain things or situations.

If you have any questions, feel free to pm me. I'm more than willing to help, provided I have the time. Sometimes it takes me a while to answer questions, but fear not, your questions will be answered.

[Victorious]

Well if you could just continue on those same lines as to which set is for what it would help. I would also like to know if the rush is any different from the predator or the under? They all look the same. Feel free to hit me on 360 gametag: G Allen. Or send me a PM. I CAN'T PM FROM MY PHONE