Available August 12th

One word: blitz!  Here are some defensive tips from the Madden NFL 09 Prima Official Game Guide:

• There are two common blitz techniques used in Madden NFL 09. One is to overload one side of the offensive line with multiple pass rushers. The idea behind this scheme is to send more defenders in on a blitz than what the offensive line can block.

• The quickest way to bring heat on the quarterback is to create blitz schemes that bring A and B Gap heat. For those that don’t know what A and B Gaps are, let us educate you quickly. The A Gap is between the center and guards on both sides of the ball. The B Gap is between the guards and tackles on both sides of the ball. These blitzes keep the QB from stepping up in the pocket.

• If you are unable to stop the inside run with 7 defenders, the best way is to load up the box with as many defenders as you can. Some players like to load up 8, and some will even go so far as loading the box with 9 defenders.

• We know this sounds crazy, but DE Contain plays are quite effective at defending outside run plays. As you know, DE Contain plays are normally used to keep the quarterback from rolling out of the pocket. DE Contain plays can also be used to force the running back inside, or, even better, to stop the running back before he ever gets outside.

• The best way to defend against corner routes is to call some type of defense where the defenders drop back in buzz zones. Once such defense is the Nickel 3-3-5 Cover 3. The right outside linebacker and strong safety both play hook zones, while the nickel back and left outside linebacker cover the flats. The right cornerback, free safety, and left cornerback drop back in three deep coverage.

• Many players like to use a base 2 Man Under defense. They will make adjustments on the fly based on the types of plays their opponents run. Top players also like Individual Defensive Hot Routes because they can set up enhanced blitz schemes that quickly get to the quarterback.

Available August 12th

Because it’s better than throwing that Hail Mary on fourth and goal, check out these Offensive Tips from the Madden NfL 09 Official Game Guide:

When running outside, let your run blockers set up their blocks before using the Sprint button. You don’t want to outrun your blockers on plays like sweeps, tosses and counters.

• The relative size of your blocker compared to the defensive player is very important when it comes to using the lead blocking control. Don’t expect to be able to flatten larger defenders with a pancake block. You will want to use a cut block in these situations.

• The past few Madden Challenge winners have utilized basic offensive and defensive schemes. Keep it simple and move the chains. You want plays that give you multiple options and easy reads.

• Use motion to add an extra run blocker to your play. Many top players will package a tight end into the slot and motion him into the designated running hole. This adds an instant run blocker to the mix.

• There are two major mistakes that you want to avoid as a quarterback. You don’t want to take a sack, and you don’t want to throw it into coverage. If you don’t see any of your receivers open, get outside of the tackle box and throw it away.

• Spend some time in practice mode learning to beat bump-n-run man coverage. You can bet you will see a heavy dose of it when playing against human opponents. Most players that call bump-n-run man coverage normally call some type of blitz. Look for quick passing plays that get the ball out of the quarterback’s hands in a hurry.

Presenting 12 tips from our author team of the NCAA Football 09 Prima Official Game Guide:

Offense

Learn which types of run plays work best against each defensive front. For example, inside run plays are best to attack 3-4 defensive fronts. Outside run plays are usually more effective against the 4-3 defense.

If nothing develops on your outside run plays, don’t be afraid to cut back inside and pick up what you can. Don’t try to make something happen and end up losing yardage. Patience is key to the running game.

If the running play has a fullback, follow him through the designated hole. He will often break open running lanes for you to pick up yardage. As soon as you see some daylight, use the juke or spin move to get into the open field.

When using the pinch slide protection you may need to leave a running back in to pass block to the outside. The offensive tackles will block inside leaving the outside pass rushers unblocked.

Calling plays from Twin formations is the simplest way to tell if your opponent is in man or zone coverage. This only works against base defenses like the 4-3, 3-4, 4-4, 46 or 5-2. If the cornerbacks line up on the same side as the twin receivers, then it is man coverage.

Defense

The quickest way to get the quarterback is right up the middle. Having defenders coming up the gut will put fear in most quarterbacks and make them get happy feet. When they see this type of pressure they tend to throw hurried, inaccurate passes.

Overload blitz schemes are effective because they put more blitzing defenders in one area of the field than the offense can block. Using shifts and manually moving defenders are the standard methods for creating overloads.

Look for defensive plays where linebackers are blitzing the A and B gaps. The linebackers are more aggressive at attacking the inside run gaps than if they were playing in man or zone coverage.

Many players like to control one of the safeties to defend outside runs and the option. Human players with good stick control on defense normally do not fall for fakes like the CPU AI defenders do.

As a general rule, zone defenses are better at containing the mobile quarterback than man defenses since the defenders are not chasing receivers all over the field. Instead they keep themselves facing forward and are able to keep an eye on the quarterback.

Don’t put slow defenders in QB Spy such as defensive tackles when you are going up against a fast quarterback. A good mobile QB will simply outrun them. You are better off having them rush the passer or dropping them into zone coverage.