Running Help

[instantpop]

So it's been a couple of years since I've played Madden consistently (had '09 but didn't really like it). Totally loving '10. I need a little advice on running though. I've been playing as my hometown Vikings and am consistently sucking it up with AP. Sweeps, tosses, runs up the middle all seem to result in loss of yardage. Every once in a while I will break a decent gainer, but for the most part my performance with the guy stinks.

I'm laying off the turbo button, being patient for blocks, but it just seems like my offensive line gets blown up nearly every play. Same thing happens on pass plays. I've got 2 seconds tops most of the time to get a good pass off.

It's not like I don't know how to read a defense (though I'm sure I could improve). If 8 men are in the box I'll do a quick dump pass and that works pretty well, but even when the D is giving me the space to run, someone on my line always gets blown by and AP gets taken down in the backfield.

If anyone's got any helpful pointers, that'd be awesome!

[bill2451]

sliders

[instantpop]

Quote: Originally Posted by bill2451

sliders

Least. Helpful. Post. Ever.

[torrey]

have you tried the virtual trainer this year??? i did, and it help me a lil. it starts out pretty challenging. also, i play on My Skill. Since i'm playing a bunch of Play Now games, it's given enough time to increase "my skill". i'm currently a 17 in Pass Defense, and 15 i think in rush defense. i think my running is like a 13 and passing is a 12. i would suggest giving that a shot.

[Senator Palmer]

Last year I would have advised you to use your LEAD BLOCKING, which I really wish they would put back in, but this year the tool to get some push up front is your SLIDE PROTECTION. It takes the flawed blocking logic out of the equation and gets the linemen to step in unison in a zone blocking scheme.

Slide the line in the opposite direction in which you are running: A dive to the left... slide your line right and vice versa.

And watch for a DE playing wide of your tackles outside shoulder or an uncovered backer. In that case, use motion, a TE or a receiver getting a chip usually works.

Careful with the sweeps. Don't live off of them. You gotta pound them inside first to ge the line to squeezw down.

Good luck and keep us posted on how it's working.

[floridagatorfan]

Sliding your line is a big help for outside runs. You also just need to experiment with your playbook because some runs work better than others.

One of the most effective runs I've found is the I Form Twins Toss. Slide the line in the direction of your TE and the pulling OL get out pretty quick. I only run this if the D is in man though.

[instantpop]

Good advice on the offensive line slides, gentlemen. Thank you. I need to take peak at the manual to see how to do this. I also do need to spend more time with my playbook. There's so much in there and to this point I've been being lazy just looking at the junk Madden puts up there rather than learning everything I've got. Thanks for the replies!!

[Broncos86]

For me, I have Knowshon Moreno running the ball. When I hit the line, if I see that I don't have a clear hole, I'll just the juke left/right. Often time, I can squeeze through a partial hole and at least gain 2 or 3 yards. That doesn't sound like much, but it's better than being popped in the face for no gain. I also have had success with a quick spin move if a lineman has quickly broken through.

I'm of the opinion that bouncing the run to the outside is generally a bad idea, unless it's clear to me that my tackle and TE have a good lock on the edge. I'd rather cut it back across the grain a bit than try to foot race it to the edge for a simply 3 yards. I also generally will stick with my FB, if I have one. Even if it appears he just ran into a giant pile of people, I will typically follow him and gain a good 3 yards.

If you have a power RB, start using that truck stick and also covering the ball up with two hands. That's a nice way to drive into the pile. I've had to break myself of the "gotta break the big one" mentality. Two runs of 3 yards will leave you with 3rd and 4. That's a lot easier to convert than 3rd and 8.

Whenever I hit the pile, though, I cover up the ball. Not only to help drive the pile, but because I HATE fumbles.

[GeneralManager]

if your running it up the middle pinch block

running a stretch or a toss have the O-line block in that direction

and try to stay away from counters

i run all over people online with the jets

[babythug23]

Quote: Originally Posted by Senator Palmer

Last year I would have advised you to use your LEAD BLOCKING, which I really wish they would put back in, but this year the tool to get some push up front is your SLIDE PROTECTION. It takes the flawed blocking logic out of the equation and gets the linemen to step in unison in a zone blocking scheme. Slide the line in the opposite direction in which you are running: A dive to the left... slide your line right and vice versa. And watch for a DE playing wide of your tackles outside shoulder or an uncovered backer. In that case, use motion, a TE or a receiver getting a chip usually works. Careful with the sweeps. Don't live off of them. You gotta pound them inside first to ge the line to squeezw down. Good luck and keep us posted on how it's working.

I been sliding them the same side i was running. Ha HA. No wonder i didn't think SLIDE PROTECTION worked