So do stiff-arms actually work in this game?

[Von Dozier]

I can say, with all my heavy playing, I've never once successfully performed a stiff-arm. I have no clue if it's because of timing or what. But I make contact, hit A, and my player will just do one of the canned failed stiff-arm tackles where he falls down sideways. It becomes so ridiculous I just never use stiff-arm at all, because no matter how much I try, either by tapping it constantly or pressing it once, it never works.

Is there a trick to pulling it off or something?

[Sting]

I do it quite often. To be honest, I sometimes think that it's actually pressure sensitive to where you can't just tap X, you have to hold it down. I can't say for certain though. It's messed up lookin anyway so you're not missing much.

[wisecav]

It works for me every now and then. I think timing may play a part in actually getting the stiff arm to work. But don't hold me to that. I try to hit X (or A? I guess) right as the defender is attempting the tackle. But like I said it really only works for me every now and then.

[mmorg]

I'm pretty successful with it if you hit the stiff-arm button right when the defender makes contact. Most of the time I get one of 2 animations. He judo throws the guy to the front of him, or pulls off the heisman pose stiff arm and face plants the guy at his heels.

[moylan1234]

I think they work a little too well actually. I don't pull it off all the time, but when I do the results are over the top. my tiny little rb or wr throws a front seven defender half way across the field.

[MEAST26]

With all my playing I've had exactly 1 successful stiff arm, and the animation was just stupid looking. I had tried it numerous times before that, but I guess it was just a bad timing thing most times. Either way, I rarely attempt it anymore.

[Sting]

Quote: Originally Posted by moylan55

I think they work a little too well actually. I don't pull it off all the time, but when I do the results are over the top. my tiny little rb or wr throws a front seven defender half way across the field.

Remember the old Gamebreaker series for PS1? Those stiff-arms were LEGENDARY

[MBFranchise]

I use the stiff arm rather effectively. If you press A slightly before the defender gets to you (and if the defender tries to go low) the RB will push him down to the ground. I think that animation is great. If you wait until the defender is already engaged you get the strange looking over-the-top animations that everyone is talking about. Try getting ready for the hit instead of waiting for contact. Also helps if the defender is coming from behind you or slightly to the side.