The release of a new Madden game always comes with new people coming in with different play styles. That’s one of the great things about sports games; you can basically play the way you want to as long as it works for you. If you want to play a spread fast-paced offense then you can go for it, if you want to play a ground and pound offense then you can go for it. This list is going to consist of the things that players might be doing in the game that they can improve on.

Some of these things are pretty simple and can be things that people just do naturally playing the game and don’t think about. I get that this is just a game, and talking about people playing it wrong can kinda make you think it’s not a big deal, and it’s not. I wanted to analyze the ways that I play and see the mistakes that I make and see others make to try and give some tips. I’ve been playing the Madden games for a long time and am very knowledgeable about the NFL.

If you play the game regularly, then some of these things can be things you already know but they could be so subtle that they’ve just been overlooked. The literal press of one button can make a big difference in a sports game. Now, having said all this, these points are just my opinions. Alright, let’s do it!

25 Adjust

androidcentral.com

I know it seems like a simple thing, but there are so many people who don’t bother making pre-snap adjustments. Sending a running back in another direction or telling a receiver to take a different route can literally be the difference between punting and scoring. I’m not saying that you have to go all Peyton Manning and change everything up before every play, but if you see the left side loaded up then maybe send the running back to the right. It's just playing smart.

24 Chill With The Hit Stick

via: sportingnews.com

I’m very guilty of doing this, and that’s going for the big-hit instead of just making the tackle. If you land a big one, then the chance of them fumbling does increase. But if you miss you might allow a touchdown!

You flick the right stick to do a big-hit.

The only time you should be going for a big-hit is when you know you can hit it; otherwise just run into the guy and you’ll make the tackle. Playing safe on defense will win you more games than you might think.

23 Upgrades

via: gameinformer.com

This year, EA added some different features in the franchise mode and it oddly enough has a very RPG vibe to it. It has all the normal franchise stuff of being a coach, owner, or player and you practice and manage all that stuff but they threw in a progression system. So when players perform well in practice and games, they are given points to spend to improve their stats. It’s not a mandatory thing to do or anything and some probably don’t even realize they just have points sitting there cause the menus can be a tad messy.

22 Skillz

via: androidcentral.com

For whatever reason, veteran players don’t feel the need to go into the Skills Trainer to brush up or learn the new moves each year. They figure that they’ll just learn them in-game and be cool. Then they get in a game and mess up and get all mad that a thing is different and wonder why.

The game even leads you in the direction to do them.

I’m not saying you have to get a gold medal in every skill set, but just play some to get the hang of things. It doesn’t mean you're bad if you practice some.

21 Call Your Own Plays

via: usgamer.net

It’s kind of odd that the default option when picking plays is to go with the suggested plays. You literally have to change that in the options or back out of those to get to the entire play sheet in game. I get if you don’t know the formations or understand the differences between the defenses. I’m not going to say it’s wrong to use those, but I would definitely recommend picking your own plays as often as you can because some of the suggested plays make no sense when they’re suggested.

20 Cover Up

via: vgr.com

I know that Madden is a video game but sometimes you need to play it like a simulation and that goes for gripping the ball when getting tackled. They added a button to do this a few years ago and I’ve fallen into the habit of pressing it every time I go down.

You hold R1 on PS4, and RB on Xbox One.

I see people fumbling all the time and this won’t fully prevent that but it helps a good bit. Especially if you’re running the ball near the goal line.

19 He Plays For Who?

via: operationsports.com

The Madden games have always allowed you to mess with the rosters in any way you want and Madden 19 is no different. You can move players around teams, mess with their attributes and make them all 99 if you want and you can upload them to the server for others to use. If you want some easy franchise trophies/achievements then I’d highly recommend downloading a roster and sim seasons. It’s kind of hidden away in the settings menu and I know not everyone is taking advantage of this.

18 So Much Salt

https://images.performgroup.com/di/library/sporting_news/d0/e2/madden-nfl-19-derrick-henry_1vurwxedsijw61iwgela8yqpq4.jpg?t=-158786020

This is totally a personal taste thing, but I’ve never understood the desire to send someone a message after you beat them online or if you’re just mad at them, it's a game… chill out. It never fails though; I get the messages every year cursing me out or saying that I’m cheating when I win. I get some gg (good game) messages and those are cool. All I’m saying is that being salty about a game isn’t healthy and you’re just being a bad sport sending a hate message.

17 Punt The Ball

via: twitter.com

I see people all the time going for it on 4th down when playing online, and I’ve never understood that. I get it if it’s like 4th & 1 or 2, but when it’s 4th & 15 and people go for it, that’s just not smart.

Punting is part of the game.

You can punt the ball and still have a shot at winning, it’s fine. Pinning them deep on their side of the field is usually the right move but people love offense I guess. Having a good kicking game can be the secret to winning if played right.

16 Patience

via: sportingnews.com

When running with the ball, I understand the want to hit the sprint button at all times. But maybe chill with that until you’re in the open field. If you sprint with the running back behind the line of scrimmage, then you’re missing out on potential blocks and holes opening up. Now, once you’re in the open field let it rip! Blocking is the key to any run game and even the best backs wouldn’t be who they are without a solid offensive line.

15 “Just Tap It In…”

via: fansided.com

Keeping with the topic of the sprint button, let’s talk about sprinting with the QB. If you hold down the sprint button and try to pass, the pass will more than likely be very inaccurate and the QB will be holding the ball with one hand. If you tap the button instead, he will keep both hands on the ball and just move his feet a tad faster, and ultimately throw a more accurate pass. It’s a subtle thing but when used right can bet the difference between getting sacked and throwing a touchdown!

14 Sold!

via: androidcentral.com

If you play MUT, then you know the grind and are familiar with how gathering a team is but you may not fully understand the Action House. Once you reach a certain point it doesn’t make sense to open packs for players but instead, you need a specific position filled, enter the Auction House.

MUT stands for Madden Ultimate Team.

People get high-end players and have them for sale for coins and you can buy them. Now some of the better cards are going to cost you millions but if you play enough you should be fine getting that many coins.

13 Devin’s Grade

via: YouTube.com/RBT

This entry is for people, like me, who likes going after trophies/achievements. There is one called Devin’s Grade where you have to end the Longshots single player story with an 80% or higher with Devin. This is a major pain and I had to play it twice to get it since there isn’t a chapter select. Basically, you can’t mess up more than two times or you’ll need to reload. Failing gets you a down red arrow as a grade. So if you get more than two you’ll need to reload. As I said, it’s a pain!

12 Run The Rock

via: chaoshour.com

I understand that passing the ball if the key to winning in the NFL in 2018 but running the ball is still important. I see people just passing all the time and ignoring the run game and that’s the wrong way to play in my opinion.

Running sets up the play-action.

If you just pass the ball all the time then people will play zone defense all day and you become predictable. Winning games requires you to have at least some kind of strategy and that strategy should include running the ball! Don’t be that person who lines up in the gun at the goal line!

11 Spy Vs Spy

via: screenrant.com

Something that a lot of defenses do in the age of the scrambling QB is have a spy. Setting a spy will have them shadow the QB so he can’t just take off and run without having a defender on him. You can set a spy before a play if you want in Madden. You just go into the pre-snap menu and you’ll see the set spy and that player will change their defensive coverage or you can control the spy. Another great thing about a spy if you can flick the right stick to send them after the QB if he doesn’t scramble.

10 Wave The White Flag

via: truetrophies.com

Quitting in online play has been a thing in games as long as online play has been a thing. If it happens in a game like Call of Duty or Battlefield it’s not as big a deal, since those are team based. In a sports game it means the game is over and it’s super annoying. If you’re playing a game and want it to end just ask for a friendly quit.

You can ask for a friendly quit in the pause menu.

A lot of people take them. If you/they accept the win still counts and the only thing that happens is the game ends early.

9 Hit The Circe Button

via: androidcentral.com

I’m very guilty of of pressing the circle/B button to spin to try to avoid a tackle instead of juking. Using the spin does have its time and place, and when used right you can break ankles, but more than likely you’re going to want to juke instead. A bad thing about a failed spin is they have a high chance of ending with a fumble. It also depends on the running back. If you’re using Derrick Henry, his spin is going to be slower than someone like LeSean McCoy.

8 Cover Options

via: usgamer.net

This one is a bit tougher and mainly for experienced football people. It can be very hard to read the coverage, but the more you play you will pick up on things. If you see only two guys in deep coverage then they are more than likely playing man and if they come up to the line of scrimmage then they are showing blitz. Once you get to the point, you can kinda pick up on coverage then you can make adjustments and send people around it.

7 Spider Two Wide Banana

via: madden-school.com

Having the right plays to call at the right time can be considered the most important thing about playing Madden. A great thing they have always done is allow you to change playbooks or create your own so you always have the plays you want.

Any team can use any other team’s playbook.

The option is there before you play every game, but I don’t think many people take advantage of it. Getting the right playbook in MUT is a big deal though and when you get it you need to keep it! You may end up having to buy one.

6 Get Down!

via: YouTube.com/JoJoGaming

This is another thing that you will want to play like a sim with. When you’re running with the QB don’t just go head first into a tackle, slide so you don’t get hit. It might seem like the simplest thing in the world but hardly anyone I play online does it.

Hold down square/X to slide when out of the pocket.

Quarterbacks do it every Sunday and it’s for a reason. I get if you’re using Cam Newton and want to truck a dude, but he’s about the only QB you can do that with.