Tag Archives: Training Camp

Madden Training Camp – 3-Headed Rushing Attack 101

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To consistently win more games in Madden NFL 13, you need to be on the positive side of the turnover differential. If you aren’t a dominant passer, you will likely throw a few interceptions, which can really hurt your chances to win. The passing game is best after you have established a dominant ground game. The keys to a dominant run game are the ability to run the ball to the left, middle, and right from one formation. This is our “3-Headed Rushing Attack,” and it’s the key to getting better fast.

Madden 13 Running Tips

Start by choosing a power run formation. A few great examples are:
I-Form Tight
Strong I Close
Strong I Pro
I-Form Tackle Over
Singleback Ace

Place your run left as your first audible. We like plays like counters and blasts that attack the left side of the field.

For your second audible, choose a run right. This can be a Power O or HB Toss run that heads to the right side of the field.

Since your run down will almost always be some type of quick run up the middle, like a dive, you don’t need to set it as an audible. Just be ready to use the quick audible system to get to the run (right stick down).

Now, read how the defense is positioned and calmly make an audible to a new run play. If the defense is over-playing you a certain way, change to another run direction. You can also use the right stick to flip the run to the other side, but the defense can recognize this by how your QB reacts!
This attack will force your opponents to play a balanced defense that requires them to make good user plays. If you can establish the ground game and force your opponents to prove they can stop the run, you are doing a good job. This will keep your passes hidden until later in the game. Focus on finding good formations that have a nice run up the middle as the quick audible and a run to each side. This will instantly improve the consistency of your run game and also will help you get some confidence in learning when to audible!

What is your favorite running play in the game? I like the HB Lead Draw from Strong Pro!

Madden Training Camp – Hit Stick 101

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Laying a mean hit stick in Madden NFL 2005 and forcing a fumble was one of the best feelings of all time. Thanks to the new infinity engine in Madden NFL 13, the hit stick is back, but you do need to think of a few factors when unleashing it on your opponent.


Here are some things to keep in mind when going for hit sticks:
Do I have proper backup in case I whiff on the tackle?
Does my player have a rating at least in the 80s in the Hit Power category (POW)?
Should I go higher (flick the right stick up) or go for the legs (flick the right stick down)?
Is it a point in the game when I need to force a turnover?
Is my opponent using a player with a lower Carry rating?
Do I have a momentum advantage – am I moving downhill towards the ball carrier?
Do I have a weight advantage?

All of these things are key to consider when you are about to lay a hit stick. I personally get sloppy on kick returns and often will let a big play up. For me, I can try a hit stick with my first tackler downfield, but after that I need to take smart angles. I feel the hit stick will be more effective than going for strips this season.

Who is your favorite player to use the hit stick with? Leave it in the comments!

Madden 13 Training Camp – Special Teams Kick Returns 101

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Returning kickoffs “to the house” is a great way to turn the tide of a game. It can really demoralize your opponent and help rack up the points on offense. Even if you just get the ball out to midfield, you can really change the momentum of a game.

I always choose kick return middle and prefer the players in front of one another rather than having the two players lined up deep. As the kick comes down, I always go on whatever half of the field the ball lands on, to the short side. I take the lead blocker and drag him out to that side. When my returner catches the ball, I get control and start towards the middle, and at the last possible second I try and cut to the wide side where my blocker was and get around to the edge. If I can get a seal on the edge, I get to the corner and try to tightrope the sideline.

This was effective in Madden NFL 11, especially with players like Jacoby Ford. The new kickoff rules in Madden NFL 12 made for more touchbacks, but in Madden NFL 13, it looks like there is a chance for success. Brandon Banks of the Redskins seems like a great player to use.

Look for players with 95+ Speed and hopefully 97+ in Agility and Acceleration so you can really make that sharp cut outside! Don’t use a starter your team relies on since you will increase his chance for injury!

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-Z

Madden Training Camp Tips – Setting Your Depth Chart!

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Setting your depth chart in Madden NFL 13 is one of the simplest ways to get better fast. In fact, it is so second nature to me now, I don’t even consider this a “tip.” If you don’t automatically set your depth chart, start doing it now. It’s one of the easiest, fastest ways to improve your game. Here are some keys to getting the most out of your lineup.

Press X or Square to go into “My Madden” and select Manage NFL Rosters – Order Depth Chart.

From there, scroll to your favorite team and get started.

 

QB Position:

With QBs, we generally look for a high Overall rating, but we give a nod to Deep Throw Accuracy or Speed ratings if it’s a close match. One example is Jake Locker of the Titans; we start him over Matt Hasselbeck since he is a better athlete who can get us out of trouble with his legs (Speed).

HB Position:

HBs usually fit into two categories, power or finesse. If we see a high Trucking rating, we know we have a power back who can run between the tackles. If we see a high Elusive rating, we want to get our player out into space. Most teams have both types, so think of what kind of offense you want to run before choosing!

WR Position:

WRs are usually short and fast, or tall and slower – not slow, just slower than smaller receivers. We identify the smaller, quicker players by their Agility and Acceleration ratings. We will use these players in the slot WR position rather than the outside. Our bigger targets should have good height and a good Catch in Traffic rating. These players can go up over the middle and fight for balls. Look at how your favorite formations line up in practice mode, and find a lineup that maximizes their strengths!

TE Position:

We like big, strong targets at TE who will hang onto passes over the middle with a good Catch In Traffic rating. Speed is a bonus, but it doesn’t do much good if they can’t hang onto the ball in big spots. If we have a TE rated 90 or above and a decent backup (70 or above) we may consider moving the TE to WR #2 on the depth chart to give us another weapon.

Defense:

Defensively, we always try to get our 11 best athletes on the field. No matter what formation we use in our base defense, we want to make sure our chart is set up to use it.

If you run a dime defense, your OLBs will be on the bench for most of the game. If they are speedy and can rush the passer, move them to DE. You can then move your DEs to DT if you are playing someone who isn’t committed to the run game.

At MLB, place your best overall LB on the field, as he will get the most snaps.

By using our top six secondary players overall (CBs or safeties) we can be sure to match up with the high-powered passing offenses in the NFL.

If we ever have a question on which player to start, we almost always choose to go with Speed. Test out your players during practice to make sure they can make average plays, but otherwise go with the slower players with higher Overall ratings.

There you have it. By setting your depth chart and looking for high-rated categories for certain players, you can really maximize your team! Don’t forget to save when exiting the menu, and always look to tinker with your lineups until you find one you love!

Madden Training Camp – Choosing the Best Team

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Each year there are a handful of teams that rise to the top. Use one of these teams to give yourself the best chance at winning. You could choose a team with lower ratings and try to prove a point, but why do that? Why use a team that gives you less of a chance at victory? What are you trying to prove?

To choose the best team for you, start by thinking about your game plan.

Consider all of the following when picking a team that is right for you and for your game plan:

  • What style are you going to play?
  • Do you want to pound the ball and play conservatively (49ers, Bengals), or are you going to get into shootouts and outscore your opponent (Saints)?
  • Do you love utilizing TEs and making throws over the middle (Patriots), or would you rather have a dominating defensive line that can get you a big sack at a crucial time (Giants)?
  • Do you like a mobile QB? Would you rather have him be fast (Eagles, Redskins) or more of a power runner (Panthers, Jets)?

Or do you simply want the hands-down best team in the game right now (Green Bay)? After all, the biggest weapon in Madden NFL 13 is a great QB, and no other team can do what Aaron Rodgers does for Green Bay. He is the most balanced QB in terms of Speed and Deep Accuracy. Green Bay’s offense has tons of playmakers, like Clay Matthews on the other side of the ball. The Packers also have a solid secondary that can catch well!

There is no doubt that choosing the right team will lead to wins in Madden NFL 13!

Do you want to win or do you want to prove something?

I don’t know about you but I want to win and I will always use the team that gives me the best chance at winning. Every year people search for that team that flies under the radar just to be “different,” and each year those same people eventually come back to one of the top-tier teams. It is foolish to consider using any team outside of the elite when you are playing to win!

If you’re going to play to prove something, prove you can win.