Although not as important as it was back in the mid 80s and early 90s, a consistent running attack is still important in the NFL. It helps stop a team from becoming one-dimensional, and forces opposing defenses to plan for multiple outcomes. That concept is not lost in Madden 16, as having a solid running attack truly helps setup one’s entire offensive scheme. Unfortunately for some, that is easier said than done, and that’s why I wanted to offer some basic tips and examples on how to improve your running game in Madden 16. 

 

1. Understand the Defense

 

There are two phases to this suggestion. First, take time before the snap to scan the opposing defensive setup, and how it matches up with the current play call. If you’re playing a misdirection to the right, and you see an opposing linebacker shading towards that direction, or a safety creeping up, you may want to audible out of that play. This is just one example, as there are obviously multiple looks a defensive unit is going to throw at you, but please take the time to look pre-snap, and assess what is happening on the opposite side of the ball. 

 

Second, understand the personnel of both the defensive front seven and your offensive line. If you have a left guard and tackle who are rated in the high 70s, and they are facing defensive players on that side that are higher rated, obviously your chances for success are much lower than if reversed. Both of these suggestions seem extremely simple, but I am amazed at the amount people I play who just line up, snap the ball, and complain about their lack of success.

 

2. Know Your Running Back

 

It seems so simple, but if you have a running back whose strengths are speed and agility, but he lacks size and weight, consistently running the ball up the middle may not be the best approach. Now I’m not suggesting that you abandoned the idea of piping the ball between the center and guards, but unless you enjoy a three yards per carry average, and watching your running back sit on the sidelines injured, you may want to utilize the edges, and allow his strengths to work for you. Misdirections, pitches and tosses work great depending on the defense that is being called, and should allow your speed back to find more freedom on the outside.

 

3. You Both Analog Sticks 

 

It doesn’t matter what system you play on, the left stick is the directional stick, the right stick is the skill stick, and of course your face buttons allow one to perform the stiff arm, spin, dive and hurdle. I want to focus on using the analog sticks, because if used in conjunction with each other, they can really open up the running game for any user. What’s important to note here is that you don’t need to push the directional stick to maximum extremes, as the running backs movement coincides with that. Use subtle pressure to the left and right, as this allows one to move their running back in a more agile and fluid motion. Why is that important? Because many times you will find the line in front of you shifting quickly, and you will need to see the new opening and adjust accordingly. If you are controlling the left stick (or directional) with full pressure on every play, you are making things way too hard on yourself. In regards to the right stick, please make yourself familiar with subtle but quick movements here also. Just know that pushing up is trucking, a quick push to the left or right will result in a subtle but useful juke, and pushing down is a back step or regaining your balance.

 

4. Practice

 

Why yes, we are talking 'bout practice. It’s easy to sit here and talk about how to have a successful running game, but the implementation of it is entirely something else. Go into practice mode and keep practicing all that is listed above. It takes time to learn how to be an effective runner in Madden 16, and the more time you put in on the practice field trying different scenarios, the easier it will come when playing an opponent for real. 

 

As described in the beginning, these are pretty simple techniques that a lot of Madden regulars will scoff at, and that’s fine. The tips mentioned here are for those who are new to Madden, have been on a hiatus, or simply just struggle with the running aspect. 

 

How are you finding the run game in Madden 16?