Having trouble running outside--any suggestions?

[Mizzoutiger]

I find that (pretty much no matter what sliders I use) I have much more difficulty running outside than inside. Any help?

Thanks !!

[blkrptnt819]

That pause when you catch the pitch is the problem. I haven't figured that part out.

[ggsimmonds]

Re: Having trouble running outside--any suggestions?

First, hope for patch to fix the RB stuck in the mud issue. As long as that is not fixed runs to the outside will not be as effective. But stretch plays are not affected by the slowdown so they are your best bet.

I have the most success running RB Stretch out of I Twins. Run it to the empty side of the field. If your TE can hold his block long enough for you to get the edge you should be able to get 6-7 yards.

Also know that some RBs may not be good at running to the outside. Most people look at speed first -- don't. The most important thing is acceleration. Then agility, speed, juke, and stiff arm. Running outside requires high level of skill on the sticks; are you good with the running mechanics? I mean knowing when to use burst, best ways to juke, and also important -- knowing how to cut back.

Finally, the alignment of the defense is extremely important when it comes to outside runs. Go into practice mode and run the stretch against different fronts to get an idea. Blockers are also important, pay close attention to the TE. In my experience if I get stuffed on outside runs it is because my TE was expected to block a DE one on one and lost tthe matchup.

Edit: Basically outside runs are best out of unbalanced sets like twins or trips and running to the empty side of he field.

[Mizzoutiger]

Re: Having trouble running outside--any suggestions?

Thanks! This is very helpful.

[wpgfan]

Re: Having trouble running outside--any suggestions?

running to the outside is simple, but you can't put a square peg in a round hole.

what i mean, is just because you WANT to run outside, doesn't mean you should, and doesn't mean you will have success doing so on any particular play.

Here are the reads I make

1. How many men are in the box.

If there are 8 men in the box, you can still run. But you have to look at my next point.

2. Where are the men at in the box-

What formation are they in, what personnel do they have on the field?

If they are in a 4-3 with 2 man under- you can run to the outside as effectively as you can up the middle.

If they are in a 3-3-5 look, with pressed coverage and they are balanced on both sides, you will not have the best chance to get it off.

If they are in a 3-3-5 look with the corners off, plays like Bucksweep work really well (awesome play, and even better when paired with bucksweep option)

3. Speed of your RB- with burners, you are pretty much always going to hit the corner, and you won't get stuck with a loss. NOw, you may not gain much, but it won't be a busted play. Also with a fast rb- if the DE sits (say they were in a flat), or if the LB or ss (3-3-5) blitz- you can always hard cut inside when you see it. You have to read outside runs like the option...Break tackle helps for when you read it wrong

4. Quick audibles- Know your quick audibles and if you see a problem outside, run a play action or a dive. Dives are crazy good this year.


I run A LOT. I'm probably deadlier at passing, but I pound the rock until they make a serious commitment to stop it. Consistency kills with running the ball.

[Mizzoutiger]

Re: Having trouble running outside--any suggestions?

Wow, this is also very helpful. Just the tutorial I need. Thanks much for the assistance.

[bigbob]

Re: Having trouble running outside--any suggestions?

That pause when you catch the pitch is the problem. I haven't figured that part out.

If you're playing on anything lower than "Normal" speed, that's your problem.

As for running outside, you have to use quick jukes to get any real big outside runs. The quick jukes will make the line think you're going inside, opening up the outside some. The problem is, receivers don't always decide to block, leaving you to have to make a corner or two miss.

[skundy]

Re: Having trouble running outside--any suggestions?

Motion the receiver that is on the side you want to run towards to the other side, if man coverage it will leave that side wide open. Read the tackle and either go inside or outside of him.

Stuck in mud seems to be on any speed but normal, I haven't tried the slower spds but I know that on fast and very fast stuck in mud is def there, f*ckn stupid if you ask me how did they miss something so obvious in testing.

[YeOldTonk]

One thing to keep in mind also is what is tackle's or TE's run blocking rating. If you have a stud of a OLB lined up on the other side, he will just swipe your blockers away.

[DataBull]

Re: Having trouble running outside--any suggestions?

This year I've found much more success using the Ace formation. There are some formations that have an H back that will motion one way or the other, or just stay on his side and kick out the last blocker. Alternatively, the Power O will also have that extra blocker, sometimes that play goes inside the tackle and other times outside the tackle. For me, these work much better than the pitch plays or most stretch plays.

[bighoppay]

Re: Having trouble running outside--any suggestions?

Another thing I would mention that no one touched on is how good your Tackles are compared to your Guards and Center. I have a 99 RT and I probably Power O behind that guy 5 or 6 times a game and he just drives his guy 5 yards down the field, as long as the other blockers in the area engage their guys for a second, its a 10 yard+ run.

As for the playcalling, I usually pound the rock on the inside A LOT, so when I do go for an outside run, with a stretch or toss, or Power O from a bunched formation, its a big run more often that not, and if its not, someone sniffed it out for a 2 yard loss. Worth the risk.

[Hokie200proof]

Re: Having trouble running outside--any suggestions?

I've been getting pretty amazing results with I-Form Twins stretch plays.

I wrote a pretty long piece about rushing in general here that might help you. As one of the guys said before, it's important to read the D to know if you're going to be successful or not. If the D you're facing is a wide-set like a 3-3-5 or a 4-2-5, where there are more than one or two defenders outside of your OT's, then it's likely that you'll be run down before you turn the corner.

But, back to my I-Form Twins stretch play - In I-Form Twins you have two WRs out wide and a TE tight on the opposite end of your OL. I almost always run this play to the TE/strong side and when the D is in man (and you can quickly and easily identify if the D is in man-to-man as both of their DBs will be on the WRs' side). When this happens there are only two defenders between you and a big gainer or the endzone - the OLB and S. In this play you have a FB lead blocker and you'll want to use him as best you can, either to pick up the OLB (and probably get about 8-9 yards before the S can get to you) or, best option, pick up the S and send you off to the races. For the FB to be free to block the S, you'll need to bait the OLB into coming to the line to be picked up by either your TE or your OT (TE is the OLB is shading outside, OT if he's inside the playside DE). To bait the OLB, you need to have a little touch and move your RB like you're going off-tackle, not a full sweep. When you do this, the OLB will bite, get blocked by your OL and leave the FB to occupy the S. If that happens, you've got 18-20 yards before the off-side S can get close to you. If you've got a real speedster at HB, the off-side S won't be able to catch you. Bam - six points.

You can still do all of this against those wide-set D's, it's just that you'll risk getting caught for a loss or short gainer.

Hope that helps.

[BoltThrower74]

Re: Having trouble running outside--any suggestions?

My solution is much more simple (not at all taking anything away from you guys who got more awesomely in-depth).

1.) Check which side you're running to.

2.) Count the defenders. They could be in the box or not. You can usually tell if they're sending more defenders to the strong or weakside. Simply put, if there are more defenders than blockers on one side, audible and reverse the play. Many times, that creates matchups in your favor.

3.) As long as the blockers at least equal the number of defenders, you should be good for at least a good 4 yards per rush. Big runs are much more rare, but happen from time to time.

4.) Most important: don't expect going for the big run on every try. You'll only piss yourself off. Little 3-4 yards runs DO add up in your favor.

[cms186]

Re: Having trouble running outside--any suggestions?

i find altering the pre-snap slide protection to the direction im running helps a bit

[canesfins]

Re: Having trouble running outside--any suggestions?

Speed kills.