Tips for the run game.
 

I see a lot of people having trouble running this year. I did at first but I've tried to perfect it and I've been doing a lot better. Here's some tips that have helped me a lot.

1. Know your RB. Don't toss to power backs and expect them to turn the corner. Hit up the gut with them, then MAYBE bounce a stretch if you feel confident. With speed backs you can usually take it off tackle well although pitches are high risk high reward. Don't be afraid to pound it with smaller backs, just don't get greedy. Cover that ball when contact approaches.

2. Follow your blockers. This is very important. Don't try to cutback left and right while looking to take it outside when the play is designed inside the guard. If you have a lead blocker try sticking right behind him.

3. Look for cutbacks. There's a fine line between over juking and looking for cutbacks. Be aware as soon as the ball is snapped. Look where the defense is committing. The next tip will help you with this. If you're designed to go off-tackle and there's a huge hole in the middle hit the highlight stick left to cutback and push forward. Just don't go running in circles looking for one.

Most important IMO
4. Don't turbo off the line! I see so many people get the ball and just turbo forward into 3 offensive lineman's backs when a yard to the right there's a massive hole. You need to be patient (next tip). Look around when you snap. Read the defense. Look for holes. See where they are coming pre play. Look where your blocks set up. When you do see a legitimate spot to run in then turbo towards it.

5. Use misdirection. Use counters to the weak side, cutbacks, etc. Don't always run to the strong side. Use some motion pre play. Look for man or zone coverage and try to exploit it. You don't always have to run to the side with the TE.

Lastly,
6. Be patient! Not every play will be a 15 yard run plowing through people. How many times in real life do you see RB chipping away at a D then bust the big one? The defense will get worn down then you can hit it home. There's some games when you just won't be able to run. Stay calm and always be aware of your surroundings.


That's it pretty much. Once you get a good run game the opponent/cpu will pile the box and in return this will help your passing game also. Get the PA pass ready and start dominating. Hope this helps :D

Re: Tips for the run game.
 

This help anyone? Well bump it up for more to see.

Re: Tips for the run game.
 

Yay, my first post! Anyways, i got Madden yesterday, and made a Franchise with the Texans cause i wanted to rebuild the team. 4 preseason games... 4 losses! Regular season... Lost 31-10 to the Steelers in my first game. I figured that something wasn't right, so i went straight to practice (From the main menu, not the Franchise menu, thx EA :)). Started rushing some specific plays, tried to look for holes on inside runs, practiced some pitches, etc. etc. for about 1 hour. Also practiced a bit of passing, but no big deal. Then i went back, and played against the Ravens. Won 24-10! Since i haven't played Madden since 04 and 05 i couldn't really remember the mechanics, plus i am not a very strategic player in general. But once i got the run working everything clicked. PA got extremely effective, passing opened up, the D throwing safeties at the line constantly hoping for the run that wasn't coming. Long story short: (for me) The running game is the basis of a good offense. And the funny thing is; All the points that hooked listed occured to me while i was practicing. Not saying the post is bad, quite the opposite. All those points are generally essential if you want a good running game. I'll stop typing now, and play some more :woot:

Re: Tips for the run game.
 

Kind of obvious...good pointd non the less.

Re: Tips for the run game.
 

yea definetly agree wit dis tips i was having trouble 2 runing but kept my composure and just practiced and being PATIENT lol good tips ma dude :woot:

Re: Tips for the run game.
 

Thanks guys, the tips may be obvious but it's the crucial base things like these that will let you improve. I lost count of how many knowledgeable football players just think they can pound the ball and get good yardage. This year is different, you have to be aware.

Re: Tips for the run game.
 

Use "SLIDE PROTECTION" as well...makes a hella diffrence in your running game

Re: Tips for the run game.
 

Thanks for all the tips. I unfortunatly can tell you that following all of them does nothing when you play as the Raiders :(

I say hike and there are 2 guys in the backfield as soon as McFadden has the ball. I pass the pay to back up the secondary and it doesn't matter as the d line dominates my offensive line.

For now I just to short passes over the middle and in the flats to mcfadden. I am hoping once I get out of year 1 of my franchise and I pick up better offensive linemen I can actually run the ball.