OK, I am older than most gamers (early 40's) but like the Madden games. I have not played since the first X-Box came out but now have a PS3. I have seen guys on TV that are just incredible at this game. Is there a good way to learn the intricacies of the game, not just the basics. There is a manual you can buy, is it worth the money? I want to learn how to read defenses and know where they are weak, etc. Suggestions for a beginner?

OK, I am older than most gamers (early 40's) but like the Madden games. I have not played since the first X-Box came out but now have a PS3. I have seen guys on TV that are just incredible at this game. Is there a good way to learn the intricacies of the game, not just the basics. There is a manual you can buy, is it worth the money? I want to learn how to read defenses and know where they are weak, etc. Suggestions for a beginner?

http://www.sportsgamer.com/madden/

It doesn't get much more involved than that from what I've seen. Those guys will tell you everything you need to know. The number of articles detailing different sets and plays is insane. Should definitely get you started and then some.

I'd be interested in a manual...a manual that describes the defensive play calling. All those colors confuse me...and i consider myself pretty football savy!

I'm with you sdranger. Shiny things distract me sometimes too! ;)

I'd be interested in a manual...a manual that describes the defensive play calling. All those colors confuse me...and i consider myself pretty football savy!

Well, I'm an older dog like you guys so I'll see what I can add in snippet form (though I really do recommend checking out that SportsGamer site).

In your defensive play-calling screen you'll see your various sets: Cover 2, Monster Blitz, etc. Basically there are three things to look for:

1. Colorful Circles
- Blue indicates coverage areas for DB's. Largest area to be covered.
- Yellow is a middle range.
- Orange is a much smaller area. Usually means a linebacker is spying.

2. Orange Lines With Arrows indicate that the defensive player is blitzing.

3. X's for your players with no lines or coverage circles means that player has a man to man assignment.

Now, when you're at the line (if you're fast enough), you can conceivably change what each person in your defensive set is doing using audibles indicated in the pre-snap menu (R3 to show if hidden). If you've got a linebacker blitzing but would rather he spy the QB, you can change that. If you've got a CB playing coverage and want to send him on a blitz, you can change that too.

You can also shift your line, linebackers and coverage. Each one has a different button assignment.

Example: Triangle will pull up your coverage audible menu. This will allow you to shift your coverage to one side of the field or the other. You can also make your DBs show like they are blitzing to try and confuse the offense. Similar things come into play for the line and linebackers (i.e., shifting where they are on the field - I believe L1 is for linebackers and L2 is for the d-line).

I find it rather difficult to make those adjustments on the fly with the limited amount of time before the snap so if I need something crucial taken care of I'll usually just take control of the necessary player manually and make the adjustment on the fly.

Those are some basics. Hope that helps somewhat.

Ha, do you guys post at Sportsgamer also?

I'm a mod there. :D

I guess my question is a little different. Before you can make adjustments, you have to know what you are looking at! How can I learn what the different plays are likely to do? I was hoping there were some clues when you get to the line of scrimmage so that you could at least have an educated guess as to what the offense or defense is going to do

Ha, do you guys post at Sportsgamer also?

I'm a mod there. :D

Cool! I don't post over there mainly because when I first found it there was hardly anything going on. The articles and features they have there are fantastic though. Some good stuff.

Ha, do you guys post at Sportsgamer also?

I'm a mod there. :D

I personally don't post there. But the information in the articles is the best I have seen on the web. Top notch info.



In your defensive play-calling screen you'll see your various sets: Cover 2, Monster Blitz, etc. Basically there are three things to look for:

1. Colorful Circles
- Blue indicates coverage areas for DB's. Largest area to be covered.
- Yellow is a middle range.
- Orange is a much smaller area. Usually means a linebacker is spying.

2. Orange Lines With Arrows indicate that the defensive player is blitzing.

3. X's for your players with no lines or coverage circles means that player has a man to man assignment.



Thanks very informative. What about offense? I know yellow is for a pass route. But I recall the run route is also yellow. Or is it another and Im am just color blind :eek:. There is also another cyan like color what does that mean?

I am also confused with the hot routes (I read the manual 1 time though). When pressing R2 you go up and you see your routes but what are the ones when you move left while pressing R2? Is that alternate routes? Or bluff?

BTW, I saw no bump coverage from the playbook. Is that something you have to do with the R3 menu?

1. Colorful Circles
- Blue indicates coverage areas for DB's. Largest area to be covered.
- Yellow is a middle range.
- Orange is a much smaller area. Usually means a linebacker is spying.


Ahh yes very great info! Thanks! This is exactly what I was looking for. But i thought the blue circles were the area the safety would cover?

I personally don't post there. But the information in the articles is the best I have seen on the web. Top notch info.


Thanks very informative. What about offense? I know yellow is for a pass route. But I recall the run route is also yellow. Or is it another and Im am just color blind :eek:. There is also another cyan like color what does that mean?

I am also confused with the hot routes (I read the manual 1 time though). When pressing R2 you go up and you see your routes but what are the ones when you move left while pressing R2? Is that alternate routes? Or bluff?

BTW, I saw no bump coverage from the playbook. Is that something you have to do with the R3 menu?Now on offense I'm a little more savy...or so I think I am. :D

A run route if I'm not mistaken comes up in Orange in your playart. Just run and try to find blocks from your guards/fullback. The Cyan looking route I believe is a sort of secret type play...the RB or FB will act as a blocker momentarily but then run out so you can throw the ball at them. Their button (usually L1) comes up only when they're done pretended to block for you.