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Madden 08 Strategies & Tips

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Madden 08 - Running Plays


The 1st running play I want to talk about is the counter. On NG, this was a play that many people used. For some reason, the counter work better on NG than CG. Now, since The Vikes have a nice line I wanted to do the whole section of running plays with them.	When you use the counter and traps, you need a line that can get out and move to make blocks. You see here that the line did a fine job of getting out. Little is a very good end that has much ability. So he read the play and is trying to get me in the backfield.

I hit the speed burst and stayed with my blocks and I began to read upfield.	I was able to get a few more yards with this move. The thing is that the better linemen were to this side and when I pulled a guard with me, it helped build a good wall for me to get outside.

This is another counter play we are going to run. This time, we will use an all pro linemen to pull to help set-up the blocks for us.	You see here that the men are getting out and putting a hat on anyone that is free. The only ones that is open is the OLB and the SS.

I then made a move inside to help set-up my blocks and then I began to look up field.	Then this is when you make whatever moves you need to get more yards.


I was able to gain very positive yards on this run. The thing is that counters are great for 3 man fronts and when you play against a very aggressive defense.	The next play I want go over is the HB Stretch play. This is another play that many people gain plenty of yards with. Again, this is possible when your line makes the right blocks and you read the flow of the defense.

You see here, I wanted to showcase my all pro guard. Watch how he gets out on the stretch play.	This man has come all the way over like we were running a counter play. All I want to do is get behind him and hope that the WR is holding his block outside.

Now, since he held his block, I made some moves to get outside and headed for daylight picking up more yards in the process.	I get outside and began to get my speed up. The thing that I love about the this play is that you can cut it inside or take it outside. You have to make the reads while the line zone blocks. This is what the Colts and the Broncos do in their running game. They run this type of running play to give the back options.

You see if you got a fast back with a decent line, you will get your running game going.	This is another stretch play that can be found in a compressed set. I like this one because I can draw more people in and have less chance of someone blowing this play up.


I wanted to run this one to my better blocking side of the line. I want to make sure I get a good seal on the edge so I can generate a better return.	You see here that the men are running to pop someone. All I have to do is stay with my men and look at see who did or didn't get picked up on the crack back blocking from the zone blocking scheme in the stretch play.

I got outside and then see that I have one man to prevent me from getting in and I have one on my heels.	I was able to get away and get some more yards while my man is blocking the DB.

This is another look at the stretch play with the FB going away from the back. This is the one play that most people dislike. The reason is because they want the FB to chip the TE or anyone that may get threw.	This is a back shot that we will look at as we walk threw this play by playing the gaps and hitting the right one to get the most yards.

I have the A Gap and I have the C gap. The C gap gets me more yards. So, when I get outside, I will open up a bit and prepare for the DB.	I have nothing but open space and a chance at taking this play to the house. I see that the SS is a threat to stop me so I need to set him up for a move to get more yards.


I was able to hit the spin move as I got hit. Check out the next shot of what happens next. This dude is going to be nice for the Vikes.	He swung the guy off of him and is ready to drop some pain on someone.

By setting up moves and following blocks running can be fun and really help your running game.	This section is about the Slam. This was a nice play for run commit on CG. On NG it's more of a B gap running play than a A Gap one. This forces you to re-think how to use it and when. This is not a short yard running play anymore in my eyes. This is like a sprint type play. So, you need to make sure you read the B gap or hit the C gap when the gaps are filled.

You see that the A gap came open, but look at the way the hand off is made. It all but forces you out to the B gap.	I have enough room to do my thing so I leaped over the linemen and hit the hole quickly. I have no FB so I need to work more North/South than East/West.

I went forward and got what I could. The key is to protect the ball and keep moving the chains forward.	I was able to get a few more yards on the ground by using this play. The key is you may see some inside penetration from the MLB or a decent end.


Here, I went outside because I didn't like the holes inside. They're big enough, but I want the most yards.	Now, I'm taking it outside preparing for a stiff arm if needed.

If anyone would have gotten free, you see that I'm in great position to make a stiff arm.	Now, I'm off to the races with the HB and have my arm free for a stiff arm or maybe a spin move away from the pursuit.

I got away long enough to get a few more yards and set myself up for a nice short yardage play for my QB or my FB.	The next play I wanted to show is the HB dive. This is man football here. Just line up and punch someone in the mouth type play. You hit the A gap and check down to the next gap if your 1st one is plugged.

The line did a great job and all I have to do is stay with them and get what I can get.	You see I have nice blocking upfield and able to get more than what I felt that this play could have gotten. Dive are plays that kills the clock and force people to play more inside so you can set-up tosses and sweeps.

This strategy breakdown was taken from the Virtual Playbook for Madden 08.

The Virtual Playbook contains over 1000 pages of strategies & tips, including:

Play diagrams for all the playbooks
Mastering the Weapons system
Using Auto-Motion
Running the Pro Spread Offense
Running the West Coast Offense
Defending with the 4-6 Bear
and much more!

To find out more, go to: http://www.maddentips.com