How do I become a better Madden player?

Hello all,

 Prior to this year i was a casual Madden player. I usered the D-line and let the computer do most of the work?

Thanks to some very helpful people on this site I now user a safety or LB.

I'm wondering what my next step would be? How do I learn to read the defense or offense? 

I still use Madden recommended plays. 

So I'd like to work at becoming better before Madden 23.

Thank you in advance and always

KEEP POUNDING

Use youtube/twitch plays

I'd suggest playing a full- or half-game challenge on easy (any of the Campaign games works) and use the "Formation" menu. This is a no-stakes game, so you don't have to worry about delay of game penalties, plays not working well, etc., and you can repeat as often as you'd like. You don't have to run each and every play, but try out different plays/formations and see if there are some formations that have multiple plays you like. Once you know which of these formations you like, you'll be able to quickly get to the play you want during a real game.

Also take note of which personnel are used (and where) in that formation, which may cause you to tweak your lineup to get certain players on the field in a given situation/formation. You can view the replay to zoom in on names to see who's on the field and where, if needed.

For example, I use the Steelers playbook and like several of the plays/route combos out of the Gun Tight Doubles formation, so that's one of my go-tos. With Hot Route Master on my QB, I can further tweak any of those.

I also like some plays out of Gun Wing Slot Offset, and I realized that Bo Jackson was on the field in this formation. This caused me to move Cordarrelle Patterson to my starting HB role to get him on the field, instead, and Bo is my Power Back 1, who comes in for I-formation runs.

I'm not an expert on reading offenses/defenses, but in solo battles, if I see extra linebackers/safeties on the side I'm planning to run to, I'll audible to a run up the middle. Only 1 safety deep usually means Cover 1 and possibly man coverage on the outside, so deep routes can get open if your receivers can get separation. Make sure to look at the "Previous Play" that pops up when the play selection menu comes up for the next play so that you can start to recognize what is being used against you.

You can also use the "Play Type" and "Concept" menus to select the type of play you want. These menus don't change the options/order like the "Coach Suggestions" menu.

I use Colts Gun Bunch Offset, and I got the ebook off of YouTube from Mayzomatic, so just don’t be afraid to use an ebook, whether it be free or bought. That will help improve your scheme a ton.

learn to run the ball if you wanna play H2H.  Everyone is so geared to using/stopping glitch pass plays to the point where everyone overlooks getting 5 yards by just simply running.    

if you can run the ball effectively it eats clock and you can minimize your exposure on the defensive side.  If you can avg 3-4 yards a carry and get 3 first downs you’ve already ate up a whole quarter of time and you have complete control of the game.  Very quickly your opponent will bring the house to stop it and that when you hit them with the play action deep.     

with running the ball you don’t have to be some expert audibling every route every Play.  Passing is hard as it is and everyone’s usering LB taking away the open guy.  Most teams are running acrobat to the gills on every DB too. This effectively forces you to counter into 3rd-4th options.    

if you’re gonna pass, utilize the comeback routes on the outside.  They’re usually always available because they don’t user towards the outside.    

also take advantage of people usering the LB.  They’ll pull him out of position on a deep cross leaving a gap on defense that you can exploit.  Just audible a route in that area when he leaves to defend the deep crosser.  Hell then counter by usering the SS and then you can run the ball.  It’s just a chess match.

I’ve beaten guys who are 100 times better than me because of time of possession.  I’m not what you’d consider a good player Either.

Also get strategy cards  tailored to you play style.  I use Oline and Dline.   

everyone is using DB strategy cards but neglecting Oline/Dline strategy cards.  People don’t even know how game changing Strat cards are for your lines.  Running is so much easier.    

not to mention the pressure on Dline can’t be overstated.  If u can get pressure without committing extra guys u got it made.    

also always run contain on pass happy ops.  Most guys can’t pass in the pocket I’m serious.  It’s like 80% of players have to be scrambling and throwing on the run to be effective.  Plus the glitch deep passes require the QB to get to the outside for the passing angle to work.  Take that away and the INT and sacks start piling up.