Most effective way to run the ball

[Sausage]

Hey folks I have always pondered is it wiser to start tapping A as soon as one receives the handoff or hold the A button?

What I recently have been practicing is getting through the hole and then deciding to tap or charge up. It has been effective, but I would like to hear how some of the All Pro's here run the ball.

[DocHolliday]

If im using golds, ill hold A into the hole then juke a direction to try and miss the first couple defenders than tap A towards the sideline.

As soon as you get hit though start slammin on A. BT is a great attribute.

[MC Fatigue]

Blockers Blockers Blockers

Yes - you can be effective tapping A from the go, and just hoping to out power and out speed defenders - but trust me, if you can learn to hold back a little and wait for your blocks to develop, you'll be even better.

I was just messing around in practice, testing out running backs and I found that the running back started to not matter when I was watching where blocks lead, and which way defenders were angling.

I went from running 4-5 yards with the occasional 10-20 yard run by just hitting A and going for it - to running 30-40 yards, and 60 yard touch downs by slowing up, waiting for a block or two, and even LEADING a defender INTO a blocker (have him come at you, and run towards a blocker, then quickly cut to the other side of the blocker and the defender will usually run into him and get taken out.

Often lets you save that power move, or get a double power move... I have found, though, that most running plays do allow at least one player through that you have to get by. What I've done in those cases is use a charge (Y) - either powered up or not (usually not because I don't need it)... So that's one issue. Personally, I've always chosen RB's big enough to charge through that initial defender (who usually goes down, because they haven't had enough time to build up a good tackle).

I ran best, strangely, with some Silver RB who only has Return Specialist (the very last RB you can choose). So you don't need any fancy skills really.

It could end up saving you a higher legend spot for a position you need more.

[dredogg90]

The downfield blocking in this game is amazing. Like Timmay said, use your blockers, and make your moves according to how they're blocking the defender. Those little dump screens will open up more and you can turn a 5 yard catch into a 50 yard touchdown.

[rrobbone]

APF 2K8 has some of the best downfield blocking in any football game--

If you learn to use it properly.

Follow the above advice. I couldn't have said it better myself.

Practice mode, my young padowan.