Tips for those having problems with kick returns...

[Beeks]

I figured out a way to stay right on par in Franchise with kick return average. I used to average no more than 18-19 yards per return, and never even came CLOSE to scoring a TD.

In my last season with Noel Devine, I averaged 25-26 per return, and ran 2 back for TD's in the regular season, and 1 back in the playoffs, even earning him the Return Specialist role, (which I can already feel a huge difference with this season).

Here is what I do, if someone hasn't already mentioned this.

Make sure the guy you want returning kicks is #1 on the kick return depth chart. At #2, put in a relatively fast guy that has good run blocking skills. I usually sign a free agent WR with good run blocking if I don't have on on my roster. Put that guy as the #2 on your depth chart.

When selecting your return, do NOT choose any of the returns that end with a '2'. You'll have two guys deep, wasting a blocker. Also, do not choose a return to the right, or left. If the kickoff goes the opposite way, you'll be all by your lonesome with 8 defenders making a b-line towards you.

ALWAYS choose Return Middle. NOT Return Middle 2. This will place your main return man deep, and have the guy you assigned as #2 right in front on him.

Now, when the ball is kicked, control your return man, and while holding the strafe button, back him up from the landing spot of the ball while it's in the air. Back him up about 3-5 yards from where the ball is supposed to land. When the ball is about to land, start sprinting forward to catch the ball on the run. (This part is a little tricky, but once you get the timing down, you can do this about 95% of the time... you'll miss the odd one that will bounce past you for a touchback, but nothing super negative will happen).

This saves you from entering that ridiculous kick catching animation that not only takes a second to complete, but you have to basically get your guy to go 0-60 in 2 seconds. If you catch it on the run, he'll be at the 10 yard line before he would have even been out of that catch animation.

This method ALONE will get you an extra 5-10 yards per kick return.

If you want more success scoring TD's, do all of the above PLUS the following:

If the kick goes to the left of your screen, run straight ahead up the left side of the field. You will have 4-5 blockers in front of you, and only 3 or 4 defenders coming down. I'd say 7/10 times, your blockers are able to handle those defenders, and if you can find a way through them, or around them, you're off to the races. What I normally do is stay right behind my blockers, and when they engage, I decide if I am better off going inside or outside based on how they engage... most of the time, you're better off inside, and usually the kicker is there, but he's slow so after you're past your blockers, just cut back outside and avoid him.

If the kick goes to the right, do the same thing... and if the kick goes to the middle, go straight up the gut and hope for a lane... you'll have more success with kicks to the sides, but I've gotten lucky with a couple up the middle and broke 40-50 yarders.

Anyways, I hope this helps... I don't think it's 'cheese', since it's getting realistic results, and I actually feel like I'm having to make cuts and avoid defenders - feels like real kick returns now.

Let me know if you have any questions/concerns!

[TNT713]

Good post... Its nice to see Special Teams get some love.

The technique for catching kicks on the run has been usd for a while, but I haven't tried it on 12 yet. I will. ;D

Later

[scoonie05]

Great info

[delimeat567]

Catching kicks on the run always feels like a borderline exploit to me. But, the WR with good Impact Blocking can REALLY help out. Hines Ward, for example, has pretty good blocking skills.

[Beeks]

Quote: Originally Posted by delimeat567

Catching kicks on the run always feels like a borderline exploit to me. But, the WR with good Impact Blocking can REALLY help out. Hines Ward, for example, has pretty good blocking skills.

I totally get what you're saying... but the way I see it, I'm getting realistic results... not returning every kick for a TD, and just 'keeping up with the Jones' when it comes to Franchise stats and averages.

I would definitely prefer not to HAVE to do it, but it's better than being frustrated by a terrible return game, right?

[rc1882]

At the same time, I feel like catching kicks on the move is pretty common in the NFL. So, I feel less like it's an exploit. Especially because I don't hit the 40 hardly ever.

Sent from my Droid using Tapatalk

[TNT713]

Seriously guys... If we're even considering the way we catch kicks as an 'exploit' it's no surprise that every ounce of user interaction becomes part of the 'grey area.'

Playing the game isn't an exploit.

Later

[Beeks]

Personally, I'd rather not have to catch the ball while running. I would love to see the kick catching animation play out... but then I get smoked on every return, and it's just not cool.