Madden NFL 17: Passing Tips in the Red Zone

As you run out of field when you enter the red zone in Madden NFL 17, you have to adjust your style in order to continue to have consistent success in the passing game.

Routes like vertical routes aren't as effective when you are less than 20 yards from the end zone, and stretching the field vertically becomes more of a concern. This year, with the defense actually playing a more competent zone defense, finding softer spots to attack is harder than ever.

There are a few different things you can do to maximize red zone success:

1. Change how you throw. Do things like High Point passing or throw it low and outside to a receiver running an out route just as a couple of ideas. A big part of red zone passing in football (especially goal line passing) is putting the ball where only the receiver can get to it. It goes without saying, but turnovers in the red zone = bad.
2. Instead of stretching the field vertically, stretch it horizontally. In a sense, this means you try to find a lot of slants, ins, corners, crossing type of routes. Your receivers need space. You can't call plays intended for the middle of the field in the red zone. The game changes as the field shrinks.
3. If the defense is bunched towards the middle, a quick screen may work. I've had *some* success calling a Bubble screen or even a slip screen. But it all depends on the defensive call on if a screen works (this applies to the entirety of the field).
4. Timing routes are literally all about timing. If you are throwing a slant or an out or an in -- the receiver is most open in a short field just as they make the cut. You have to anticipate this and be ready to throw as the cut is happening.

What strategies are you using to maximize success down in the red zone in Madden NFL 17?

Video: ZFarls on YouTube