Football is a complicated sport.
Sure, everyone you know might watch the Super Bowl, but how many actually understand the details of what happens between the lines? On the surface, it's easy to see the third-down pass completions and big-time sacks, but few recognize the blocking schemes and zone defenses. With varying strategies and many moving parts, football is pretty complex.
With that in mind, it's easy to see why Madden is one of the tougher games to learn. Whereas titles like FIFA and NHL are easier to pick up and play, video game football takes time.
Luckily, we're here to help. These tips should get you started as you learn the game and strive for greatness... or something like that.
Let the CPU make plays on the ball
As a beginner, your stick skills will likely be far from top notch. It's tough to time your swat or catch attempts in coverage, especially against strong receivers and elite quarterbacks. But first, the problem usually starts when the QB tosses the ball. At that moment, many gamers instinctively press the button to switch players, automatically taking control of the defender in coverage. It'll be tough to follow the route if your eyes weren't on the receiver, and it's equally challenging to make a play on the ball.
Inexperienced players should look to the secondary while the ball is being thrown, and leave the CPU in control of any defender in the right position. If your man is beat deep, take control to catch up, but switch off to another player before the ball comes down. Even veteran gamers will often switch off at the last instant, leaving the CPU to make the play. It'll save you the frustration of allowing the catch and reward your choice of coverage.
But, if you're going to keep control, be smart about it. On close plays, use the swat button instead of attempting a catch. An interception would be nice, but you'll usually whiff and allow the catch. Swatting has a much higher success rate and you'll usually need perfect position for the interception. Of course, why risk it when the computer can do it for you?
Resist controlling your defensive stars
This one might sound odd. Why wouldn't you want to control Mario Williams or Julius Peppers?
Here's the thing: it takes time to learn defensive moves on the line of scrimmage, meaning you'll get burned by quarterbacks with all day to throw. For example, by takiing control of Peppers, his play is mostly up to you. Sure, his ratings are high and you have a better chance of success, but it's hard to get pressure in the early days of Madden gaming. On the other hand, taking control of say, an interior lineman, allows the computer to simulate Pepper's pass rush, often resulting in hurries and sacks. Inexperienced gamers rarely generate as strong a pass rush as the CPU, meaning it often makes sense to let your best players create havoc.
There's no doubt that you have to take some lumps to improve, but there's a time and place for everything. Sure, try rushing on first or second down, but if the pressure's not there, give control of your best player to the CPU. Watch the line crumble as he makes a play. And of course, once you're more experienced, you'll bring the pain yourself.
Take control of blitzers
Once you've chosen a play, you'll be able to see which players are coming on the blitz. The yellow arrows will show you the gaps for each to hit, while the other defenders sit back in coverage or cover man-to-man. A great way to get pressure on the quarterback is to control one of these blitzing players, rather than playing on the line. The benefits are two-fold: The player is not responsible for any coverage on receivers and you'll have open space to make a play, rather than working against an offensive lineman with your DT or DE. Inexperienced players won't get burned as often, while your linemen should get pressure in support of your blitz.
These are just a few tips to get you started. As you improve, it'll get easier to control any player on the field, while having confidence in your defense. For now, though, try these ideas and aim for some positive early results. You can find opponents of every kind at Rivalspot's gaming arenas, where gamers are waiting for your challenge. Head on over, try your luck and let us how it goes. And if you have tips or disagree with anything here, drop us a line in the comments section below.
Good luck!