New to the game but not new to the game

Hello all.

I thought I would briefly introduce myself on here as you seem a friendly bunch.

My name is Gary and I am from the other side of the water. Yup, that's right - the U.K. (please don't hold that against me though!)

I have followed the NFL and College scene since 1981, have played as a running back across the pond in the U.K. div 1 league when I was younger and have coached quite a bit too.

I love (and sometimes hate) Madden, have Madden 11 on the PS3 but never played online - ever! The reason? Well, the wife and kids eat up my time and although I get to put quite a few hours a week into gaming and play offline, looking at what you guys do in terms of adjustments etc takes the game to a whole new level.

I do know quite a bit about the game in real life but what you lot do in a few seconds is a little mind blowing and intimidating to anyone wanting to have a crack online. The answer? Well I would like to grab some of your knowledge to get myself to a slightly competitive level and to have at least a chance without the scoreline being embarrassing.

I have read some of the posts, watched a few vids etc but really need an inside scoop on the basics to being, at least a little bit, competitive.

Thanks for your co-operation.

Apologies if this post is in the wrong place.

welcome!

ill respond to this a bit later when i have more time to sit down. headed out for right now!

Gazerra,

I will direct you to Mad-Den TV - https://www.youtube.com/user/MaddenBible#p/u

There is over 8 hours of Madden 11 plays, tips, recommendations etc. You gotta check some of those out!

First and formost I think you will want to decide on a team that you want to use and I recommend sticking with that team. Your next step is to find a offensive playbook taht you want to use.

I always recommend starting out with the ATL playbook for anyone that is just starting out and coming into the Madden online scene.

When using the ATL book you will use only 5 plays to start out.

Gun Tight- Falcon Cross
Gun Tight- HB Draw
Goaline - Counter Weak
Goaline - Power O
Fullhouse - WR DBL Shake

Gun Tight - Falcon Cross- you will come out in this play everytime. One of the main reasons you will come out in this play everytime is because you can read if its man or zone as the play call screen breaks. Look to the defensive backs - if they start wide and slide in , it is zone- if they start lined up across from there man, it is man to man. After you read its man to man or zone it is hands down the best play in the game and requires zero hot routes or adjustments.

Reads
1. Look to both flat routes (HB wheel route and the far left WR) if either one is open hit them
2. Next look to the crossing routes and hit which one opens up
3. Next look to the deep post over the middle of the field.
4. Next look to the Wheel routes streaking down the sidelines

Gun Tight- HB Draw- if your opponent starts dropping d-linemen into coverage look to call upon the HB draw and pick up yards

Goaline - Counter Weak- This is your run left. When you want to run the ball motion the TE off the LOS left (will be a WR when you audible down) and snap in the left of screen A gap.

Goaline- Power O- This is your run right. When you want to run the ball motion the TE off the LOS left ( will be a WR when you audible down) and snap in the right of screen A gap

Fullhouse- WR DBL Shake - this play is great for quick passing. when you need a quick throw that you want to be confident compltetion look to hit the L1 route after the snap. Next look to the right flat and finally the releasing blue rotue!

This is a little mini scheme to work on until you get more confident then we can expand on this!

Thanks for the initial information. Simplicity is always key, I feel, when starting out so as not to get too confused too quickly!

With regards to picking a team. Are there specific teams that statistically hold an advantage online? I see a lot of people picking the Raiders. As I am a Raiders fan (from the U.K and a Raiders fan - boy, am I going to be loved!) and they've just mullered the Bolts tonight I feel it could be a match made in heaven

Anyway, I will run with the Raiders and the ATL playbook over the next day or so in exhibition matches (All Madden) to get a feel of the plays and reads then take it online and will get back to you with the results.

Again, thanks for the welcome and I will definitely start going through the vids

Gary,

Show 37 has some GREAT defensive info! Also show 42? is one of my favorites lol.

Raiders IMO are the best team in the game and allow you play lock down defense!

raiders smh... lol jk use them!

Yes although Raiders for newer players can be challenging due to lack of an Accurate QB, however, their defense is the only one in the game that can lock up. Their Offense is pretty good overall, but if you struggle a little with a dropped pass or overthrow, don't get discouraged.

Make sure to set their depth chart up correctly.

Ware at S
Huff at 4th CB
Howard at MLB
Groves at DE

Use the 4-6 Speed package