NYKIA: 3-3-5 STACK BREAKDOWN PT. 4: THE OKIE

We check back in with NYKIA with his Ncaa 3-3-5 stack. NYKIA is a great guy and provides amazing content in his youtube page. I recommend you to subscribe to him

NCAA 12: NY_KIA31'S 3-3-5 STACK BREAKDOWN PT. 3: 335 ACROSS

Whats up guys im back again with some more of NYKIAs 335 stack after a long break.. If you havent seen the first two installments you will want to check it out

Part 1

Part 2

And if you have not subscribed to his youtube channel yet ( you are doing yourself a disservice)
CLICK HERE

GAV: Defensive dynamics to build your own plays around

This was a thread that was made by Gav quite some time ago. At the time I doubt that he would have envisioned what this post would turn into. This IS probably a top 10 thread in madden history. And for those who havent gotten the chance to read it, here it is. 

This thread was made on 10-08-2008 so it  is dated somewhat and a few things said may not be true to this day. But take away the concepts and ideas expressed. Always look to absorb concepts at all times !!!!!

This thread was hosted on Maddentips.com

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Defensive dynamics to build your own plays around

Well, I'm not much of an offensive mind when it comes to any edition of Madden. Most of VG's patrons have a greater grasp of offense than I do. I have good ideas, but when I present them to the offensive minds on the site (like Michura and Jersey Jay) - they generally take it way further and make it a much more complete scheme. I know both of these guys have tremendous defensive minds as well, but I can do as they do for me on O for myself on D. I can put defensive schemes through the ringer and improve on them when I get ideas just the same. My understanding of offense and defense are simply on separate levels.

You won't read this thread and leave it with immediate fire to blow up your friends with. I'm writing this to fill you in on a few dynamics that will help you to build your own defensive scheme. Simply giving you plays and setups, in my opinion, would be handicapping your potential. If you're short on time or patience, it may be better to bypass this thread - or read it at another time. Tadow904 posted how the MC's have been filled with copycat schemes. I don't want to add to that on the defensive side of the ball. Instead, I want to help breed creativity on defense.

The way to build your defense from scratch is to visualize what you think will work - and then implement it through trial and error. Start from a building block - such as coverage and gap control - or coverage and pressure - or even limited coverage with fast heat - or coverage with a disguised front - or disguised coverage with stout or loose front. The key is to establish a weapon while either limiting your opponent's tendencies or building off your established weapon.

Establishing gap control means that every blocker in an area is controlled by a defender - without giving ground. I have found that pinching and looping with an inside blitzer - or spreading and crashing with outside blitzers establishes this. What it does when run correctly is keep your user defender clean on running plays so that if you react quickly and take a good angle - you can keep really limit your opponent's ability to run the ball. I utilize these techniques alot - so I usually utilize a fast linebacker or a safety with good tackling skills.

Don't be afraid in these one-on-one situations. See them as opportunities to impose your will and go after him. If you don't take good angles and aren't proficient at finishing runners off with your user defender - utilizing these techniques won't help you a ton at first, but you will improve quickly because you will be mostly unblocked.

Another way to utilize your front is penetration. Penetration is the opposite of gap control. In the simplest of terms, there are a few ways to generate pressure through blitzing. One is reblitzing two defensive lineman in a gap and bringing one or two blitzers right through that gap. The drawback to this is that it is a brute force blitz. It's easy to see - therefore it can be met with blockers and slide protection. I've found that setting it up blatantly with just one blitzer won't get in, but an unexpected outside blitzer from the other will when used sparingly enough to be a suprise. Another way is to pinch the DL, loop it, and bring two blitzers up the gut. 

How is that different from gap control? Spacing is the difference. When you are looking to gap control, leave the LBs back so that the DL engages before them. If you're looking for pressure, bring the blitzers up to the LOS so that everyone meets the OL at the same time. For example, set up the 34 so it looks like the 46 Bear. If you bring 5 rushers, one of those rushers is going to get through unscathed on most plays. Obviously, this technique is not great against the run, but it works against the pass. Other techniques involve outside heat. You need to know dynamics to get the outside heat working quickly. 

 If the outside blitzer is taking an inside blitz from a few steps outside the OT - then reblitz the DE and DT on that side for the best results. These dynamics pre-existing in most plays where the nickel or dime back is blitzing. In most cases, spreading the DL is necessary to maximize this type of blitz. Another way to create this dynamic is to shift the linebackers to one side and re-blitz the OLB on that side. It is usually necessary to either spread the DL and reblitz the DE and DT on that side to maximize it. Some pre-existing OLB blitzes work with this dynamic, but most of those seem to work best if you simply leave the DL where they are and loop them. Different sets and different plays offer different dynamics, but it is important that you work out a few plays so that you can maximize them. Once the cat and mouse game of protection verses pressure begins, you want to have a few blitzes that you have already worked out. 

With the blitzes where you shift the LBs left or right, you can bring the opposite ILB to create inside gap control to couple with your pressure - or you can bring the same side ILB on a blitz (works best if you cheat him out to engage the widest blocker at the LOS) to create an overload instead.

 Some pre-existing OLB blitzes work best when you spread the DL and LBs and line loop to make the pressure so wide that it gets outside the widest blockers. With slide protection and extra blockers, it isn't an exact science. Every now and then, utilize misdirection on your blitzes. For example, You can spread and crash the DL in and spread the LBs while blitzing the ILBs. Without an outside slide protection, this blitz would be dead in the water - but if your opponent slides protection out to match your front - it will usually result in a nano-sack. Establish your weapon (in this case it's pressure) and play off your opponent's counter-move. This is an example of a disguised front.

Disguising coverage generally involves establishing one coverage - then changing it slightly (usually on the outsides where it is difficult to see) - or by utilizing the delayed bump (press, then flip - or - press, then reset your play) and run with pressure to force a quick throw while changing up the underneath coverages. For example, an outside CB in a purple will look exactly like a CB in a yellow until the WR releases off his bump. Generally, a CB in a yellow will aggressively play the inside and short routes while a CB in a purple will defend the deeper sidelines after the WR releases. In cases of compression sets, this can mean all the difference between who is open and who is covered. In the simpler cases of one-on-one, a purple will defend the corner, hook, and post - but will not defend the dig or slant nearly as well as the yellow.

Now add in man and flat coverages. Man won't defend the curl, but it will defend the downfield routes. Flat will take away the short routes - and do a better job of defending flooded short routes and will more quickly switch off one reciever to defend another. Backed off flat routes will also take away the flats, but won't stay with the reciever on a wheel. How do I defend the wheel? Either get fast pressure or have a purple behind the flat. Inside defenders such as linebackers and safeties can be used similarly to create dynamics that limit favorite pass routes and such. It is a little more limited in that purple and flat zones make them move toward the sideline quickly, but man, yellows, and spies remain more difficult to read until the reciever releases.

With the delayed BnR, the linebackers WILL bump. They will not if you don't call the delay even if the play itself calls for a bump (like Cover 2 or 3), but they will on any play with the delay - as long as they don't have deep responsibility. The main thing to know is that (even with the delayed BnR) LBs will only bump if they are directly in front of a reciever. For this reason, you need to be a little creative in your fronts. You might need to move a linebacker or two - or shift them to match your opponent's recievers.

The delayed bump will help you disguise your coverages, but it takes a little practice to get it implemented effectively. A loose front is when players are manually moved to maximize a blitz or to disguise coverage with the delay. A stout front is one that remains unchanged by manual movement or shifting to disguise where blitzers are coming from (or not coming from). Also, don't completely forget man coverage. Manning a weapon reciever can go further than simply spotlighting him in trying to take him away. Man, when coupled with zone, can help build some very confusing and frustrating coverages.

I know alot more about the 3-4 books than I do about the 4-3 or 4-6 books, but the dynamics broken down in this thread apply to all defenses in Madden. If you can visualize it, it will work. You just need to apply the in-game dynamics to your vision to make it work.

IF YOU WANT TO READ THE WHOLE EPIC THREAD CLICK HERE 

xWkDcLwNx: Getting into your Offense/Defense

I was browsing http://ncaastrategies.com/utopia/ and I came accross a great post by xWkDcLwNx (a poster). I feel the need to share it with you guys

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FOR THE ATTACHMENTS THAT COME WITH THIS THREAD CLICK HERE  

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Generally every year, I go back and start figuring out what offense or defense to start out with in the newest edition of the game. Last year, I focused heavily on the Air Raid going for a 180 from running the Flexbone the year before last. Well, this year is no different. I had to start all over again getting into game and Im going to share the tools I used to do so. 

1st - Playbook - What style of offense/defense do you want to implement this year? What kind of personnel is required to run that style? What teams (base rosters) fit that personnel? Most people jump right into online play without thinking about none of the above. They jump right into the mix and come out with skid marks all over them. Think heavly about what you want to achieve and goals for doing so.

2nd - Practice - How do you expect to run an offense/defense without learning all of the new tricks of that scheme?
I see alot of people pick up offenses and defenses without practing at all, and if you force them outside of their usual bag of tricks, then they start to panic and go beserk. You must put the time in and here is some steps for you to follow. 

A. Learn your PB - Below I posted a Formation Audible's sheet for anyone to use to go through your intended playbook and learn the Audibles of each formation, Unusal Package Subs to throw a curveball at your opponent, combining sets of Personnel together to form groupings, and a place to derive audible schemes to keep you on the fly. I highly recommend you print one out and sit down and learn the PB. Go through every formation and see how subs can help you fit personnel into just about any of your favorite formations (thanks to PSUEagle for showing me alot of subs on 11 that tie into 12). Group your personnel together, there is no need to have 1,2,2 - 3,1,1 - 4,1,0 randomly tossed all over a pb, fit them together for easy retrieval. Learn some audible tricks. I.E. if I audible from Strong I Close into SG Bunch - I am able to put my TE in as Slot Receiver and abuse a usual matchup of LB vs TE, or I-Slot into SG Bunch to put my Slot receiver against a slow LB. 

B. Put a PC Sheet together - Nothing helps out someone new to an offense more than a good PC Sheet. Once you have your main schemes and ideas together, pull them together to one coherent offense. The sheet I have posted allowes you to form your base offense by identifying base runs, screens, play action, man/press beaters, and zone beaters. Then you can derive a set scheme to use in different yardage situations to fit your style. You can also set different schemes to attack the defense in the red zone, and formulate a 2 minute drill that is fool proof.

C. Get to know your defense - Now im working on a sheet for you to get into a habit of checking your defensive personnel versus what you intend on running. I cannot turn a team with 1 good safety that runs a 3-4 into a team that runs the 4-2-5, but based on the defensive line, I could chose to run a 4-4 defense. You have to get used to looking at this. Now Custom Defensive PBs are really starting to make me feel like Wile E. Coyote trying to burn the Road Runner with EA's version of an ACME Rocket, but I havent given in. I am a true believer in an audible system on both sides of the ball, so it pays to know your formation audibles too. 

D. Know that you know youe personnel and the defense to fit them, put together a PC sheet for your defense. Fit together your base zone coverage, man assignments, and blitzes into a situation scheme to best fit any time of the game. You can also focus on what works best in the red zone and what can get those rare Goal Line stops. I also put a section in for you to derive a scheme of FAG D's to combat the cheese, so when someone wants to cheese you, you can shut em down and be called a fag. 

So tryem out... tell me what you think.. and feel free to post completed versions for others to get basic ideas on. Ive also attached my Pitt PC from 2011 so that you can get the idea of how I put mine together.

NYKIA: Pocket Presence and Reading Coverage

Another great youtube video by NYKIA. In this video he is talking about Pocket Presence and Reading coverage...(hence the title)

So check out the video below.

AND MAKE SURE TO SUBSCRIBE TO HIS YOUTUBE CHANNEL Click Here !!!!!!

NCAA 12: NY_KIA31'S 3-3-5 STACK BREAK DOWN PART 2: STACK

Whats up guys im back again with some more of NYKIAs 335 stack.. If you havent seen the first instalment you will want to check it out

Part 1

And again guys, if you havent subbed to NYKIA's youtube page Here!!!! you will want to do so. He is a guy who really knows what he is talking about.

Now on to part 2

CrazyOldGuy's Run and Shoot pt.7

This is the final chapter to an epic series.....Its been a fun ride, enjoy this final chapter
maddentips.com
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Plese read these previous posts before reading this one
CrazyOldGuy's Run and Shoot pt.1
CrazyOldGuy's Run and Shoot pt.2
CrazyOldGuy's Run and Shoot pt3
CrazyOldGuy's Run and Shoot pt4
CrazyOldGuy's Run and Shoot pt5
CrazyOldGuy's Run and Shoot pt6

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PART 7: A BRIEF discussion of Screens and Future Concepts

This one's going to be relatively brief.Like the running game, the screen packages have long been a part of the run and shoot.


I use the screens out of trips and balanced shotgun spread formations. We've also talked about the Slot Screen as one of our automatic adjustments.

Again I don't make a lot of adjustments but feel free to use any combination of "hot routes". It does seem like screens are little harder to hit this year and I tend to drop qb back more and allow the time necessary for the S back to get open.

A couple of concepts on the screen. From Shotgun Spread, don't be afraid to motion W over and throw the screen to the Strengthside of the formation.

X...........LT.LG.C.RG.RT...............Z
.........W>>>>>>>>>>>W....Y
..................Q.S


For both this play and the Trips Slot Screen, if you have a good running qb don't be to roll him to the backside (toward X) and take off if you see man coverage, if you decide to do this just forget about going back tothrow the screen, I've never had enough luck with it to make this an accurate pass.

SOME FUTURE CONCEPTS

Really this is an open ended conversation because I think as we discuss the run and shoot A LOT OF YOU ARE GOING TO HAVE BETTER IDEAS THAN I HAVE, so don't be afraid to share them!!!! I remember over on the old Strategies site we really had a terrific thread going and I learned SOOOO MUCH from Bomber,Bronco, REV and so many others who contributed. MY WAY IS NOT THE ONLY WAY. Feel free to test and tinker with it see if you can find something better.

I just want to reiterate that plays I have mentioned are only suggestions. For example the switch route, there is a great switch route in Flexbone Slot, as well as Shotgun Spread. I'm always checking to see if another play will work better.

A concept I discussed with VTHOK, was the idea of a universal calls, these would be plays that we can call that give us 2 good run and shoot plays without using a lot of hot routes, but if we can use hot routes then we only add to the potential. As I said if I get enough of them together I'll post them.

Passing Concepts I'm working on are a Switch Choice, A Switch Go and a play that I call Camden. I'm also working on the double screen from Shotgun Wide (Thanks for the tip AIR RAID!!).

CONCLUDING THOUGHTS:

Just wrapping up the series of post here guys. I'd love to see it continue on for as long as you want to.

I don't make any claims or boast about how effective this offense is especially against the toughest of all competition, human opponents in our living room or on line, I've made it work for me against the computer and lower levels at that!!! I don't have any doubt that if I played all of you I would thoroughly get my butt whipped.

That said I take it as a huge compliment that many of you are trying to implement my ideas. Don't get frustrated if it doesn't seem things are clicking right away, in all honesty I've been trying to run the run and shoot in video games since Madden came out for Sega. Some games, I was absolutely horrible at it. I must confess, I'm a true believer (a zealot if you will) in this offense and I'm going to do everything I can to make it work. But if you tried and it just doesn't work than don't pound your head against the wall!

There are other offensive systems out there for you to try, who knows maybe you are great wishbone guy or a great west coast offense guy find your niche and if you really enjoy what you are doing than PLEASSSSEE post it!!!!

Good luck everybody, I'll try to answer any questions you may have.

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maddentips.com

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To read the whole thread click here

NCAA 12: NY_KIA31'S 3-3-5 STACK BREAKDOWN PT 1: OVERVIEW

Here is the start to a great breakdown of the 3-3-5 in Ncaa 12 by my dude NYKIA.

Heres a brief run down of NYKIA

- Know a ton about X's & O's

- Really high on the Cover 2 Buc

- Air Raid/Run and Shoot Offense kind of guy

- An avid visitor of ncaastrategies.com

- A great Youtuber 

- Played High School Ball

- Favors NCAA, although he plays madden and apf2K8

Thats all I can think about for now so lets get this thing going.....Take it away NYKIA!!!!

Look out for Part 2 soon

NYKIA: Keeping your cool vs cheesers (great msg for all kinds of players)

I ran into this video in youtube from my dude NYKIA (sub to him guys,he makes great videos) and what he says in the video is very important.

Key points
-dont get flustered
-play your game
-keep on chipping away
-look to take away their gimmick

Like I said, sub to him, he is a really good guy. This was a great view for me and I hope you guys enjoy

CrazyOldGuy's Run and Shoot pt.6

This is another segment to the epic thread that is CrazyOldGuy's Run and Shoot. Guys im not bullshittng when I say that this thread was the first to change the way that I thought about playing the game of John Madden Football

Read the previous segments below
CrazyOldGuys Run and Shoot pt.1
CrazyOldGuys Run and Shoot pt. 2
CrazyOldGuys Run and Shoot pt.3
CrazyOldGuys Run and Shoot pt.4
CrazyOldGuys Run and Shoot pt.5

from maddentips.com
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PART 6: Putting the "RUN" in the Run and Shoot

Quick what thing do all these players have in common: Billy Johnson,Barry Sanders,Kimble Anders,Chuck Weatherspoon,Eric Wilkerson, Eric Dickerson,Mike Rozier, Lorenzo White and Craig "Ironhead" Heyward? All of them were Run and Shoot Running Backs at one time in their college or pro career. Obviously with great players like that its easy to see why the Run and Shooters began to call their RB's SUPERBACKS!!!

The Run and Shoot is NOT just a passing attack, like many of the modern spread teams you can have tremendous success rushing the football when you force the defense to spread the field.

Remember in Part 2 when I talked about the basic concepts of the run and shoot. Be prepared to take advantage of reading the box and running against defenses when the numbers are in your favor. In fact in 2k5 because of features like HFA and something I call "passing momentum" there are times no MATTER HOW GOOD your QB's and Receivers are, no MATTER HOW well the plays are designed, you are not going to be able to complete a pass in this game. These are the times when you have to RUN the ball.

Lets go over the 4 run plays that I like to use as a run and shoot team.

1. Draw
2. Speed Option
3. Slot Sweep and Lead
4. Triple Option

THE DRAW PLAY

The draw play is huge tool to run and shoot teams. The draw simulates passing and then hands of to the running back. The goal obviously is to get the LBS and DBs to drop with the recevivers and create lanes for the running back. Any of the draw plays will work from our double slot or trips formations.

There are no changing of assingments for running plays. So basically I
just want to talk about some ideas for when to use a play like the draw.

1. Don't be afraid to run this play on 3rd and Long or 4th and 5+.

2. In shotgun trips, don't be afraid to cut it to the backside especially when you see the lone db running with the X receiver

3. If you are in Shotgun and you get a high snap so the timing is messed up.. DON'T PANIC, try to following the back into the whole or cut outside if its possible, if you pick up 2-3 yards consider it a win!

THE SPEED OPTION

I talked about this as one of our automatic adjustments when the defense does not adjust to the strength of our formation as in the below example:


..............FS.........
................................SS
CB.......LB....LB......LB.............CB
..............LE.DT...DT..RE
X...........LT.LG.C.RG.RT...............Z
.............................W....Y
..................Q.S


Sometimes the CPU likes to cheat the RE a little outside, but if the qb and the back have decent speed they can usually beat this guy even if he comes in unblocked. On option I like to force people to go after my qb if they do then I pitch. If I have a situation where they charge after the SuperBack (RB), then I like to cut the qb up field and pick up as many easy yards as I can.

For whatever reason it seems like my QB's are always fumblers, so I try to have them dive or get out of bounds to avoid turning the ball over.


Another idea, don't be afraid to run this to the weakside if you call it from balance and then motion the receiver to trips:



.......FS...................SS
..........DB<<<<<<<<<<<<DB
CB.....DB.........LB.................CB
............ LE.DT.DT.RE
X...........LT.LG.C.RG.RT...............Z
.......W..Y<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<Y
..................Q.S

Again the number to z's side our in our favor, z should box the CB and then the SS if the only player to stop our QB and Superback.


THE SWEEP:

The Sweep for the Slotback has been around since Tiger Ellison. Modern Run and Shooters though combined the sweep with the "FLY" concept where the Slot RUNNING AT FULL SPEED MOTION would receive the handoff at the snap from the qb. While I was able to create this play with some success for the old PS1 versions, the lack of a play editor means we have to use the slot sweeps from the flexbone formations my personal favorites are Flexbone Slot/WB Sweep WB lead.  Sorry no hand off to the Slot at full speed motion


I sub the HB with the WR who would normally play the Y position. This gives us a little bit of a speed advantage but it also means we can still pass out of this formation. Flexbone Slot has some very nice route combinations.


Don't be afraid to motion the W and then run the play to the backside, if W's man follows him over we gain another numerical advantage and a great running lane!

THE TRIPLE OPTION:

Since we're using the flexbone formations triple options are a good running tool. The Triple Option was used by Ellison (he called it Gangster Run) and Franklin College legend Red Faught also used it. I found just using the dive part of the triple option is a nice mix up to our normal run plays.

These obviously aren't the only running plays from a spread formation in the game there are many more! Feel free to experiment with QB choice and the Weak Off tackle plays all of which have solid use in a run and shoot offense.

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maddentips.com 

CrazyOldGuy's Run and Shoot pt.5

This is the continuation of the great thread made by CrazyOldGuy about the run and shoot offense

CrazyOldGuy's Run and Shoot pt1
CrazyOldGuy's Run and Shoot pt2
CrazyOldGuy's Run and Shoot pt3
CrazyOldGuy's Run and Shoot pt4

maddentips.com
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Part 5: Passing With "balance"

Balance to the run and shooter doesn't necessarily mean 50/50 run/pass!
So far we've talked about the choice and several of our trips routes but the Run and Shoot also attacks through balanced formations.

X...........LT.LG.C.RG.RT...............Z
.......W.........................Y
..................Q.S
<Backside......................Frontside>
As always I explain plays with the frontside always being to the right for brevity. These plays can be reversed and run to either side.


The four primary balanced routes I use are:
1. Streak
2. Switch
3. Smash
4. Flash

1.THE STREAK ROUTE:

The streak is one of the most basic routes in all of football.Vincent White who coached the Run and Shoot at Pacific with some guy name Walt Harris (Yes that Walt Harris) and at SMU, said he tried to run the streak at least 4 times a game if only to keep the defenses honest.

In N2k5, the best play for this route is the Hail Mary out of 4 wides. No adjustments are needed to run this route.


Reads for Streak:


Presnap: All of our automatic adjustments still apply.

Post Snap vs Coverage: Read the safeties to the corner or pick the best match up. Normally I read frontside to backside and then Run.

Post Snap vs. Blitz: If you expect blitz I wouldn't run it, however if you encounter blitz I try to hit the receiver who would normally be covered by the blitzer.

Alternative to the Streak... THE MOUSE DAVIS STREAK:
Mouse Davis used a streak where the backside receivers would read their defenders, if their defenders dropped the X and W would cut inside at about 10 yards and try to get in an open window between the dropping dbs and lbs. Unfortunately our receivers can't read in this game but we can hot our routes to have a decent route. Still using the Hail Mary 4 wide play.

Assignments for the Mouse Streak
X:Will be "hotted" to a IN or can be leave on his Streak
W:Will be "hotted" to a IN
Y: normal Streak
Z: normal Streak
S: Block

The Reads for the Mouse Streak:

Presnap: All of our adjustments to uncovered receivers still apply uncovered or ability to run.

Post Snap vs Coverage: We will start by reading Z to Y and see if we have anything breaking open. If they don't open we come back to W or X on his in. If they are all covered.. tuck and run.

Post Snap vs Blitz: Reverse the reads and go to W and X then to the Y and Z streaks if time is available.



2.THE SWITCH ROUTE:

The switch route comes to us from Mouse Davis. Its derivative of its powerful sister route the Streak (or Hail Mary play everyone is familiar with). For this play I use Shotgun Spread Slot Wheels but other plays are also viable including Flexbone Slot WR Middle. The Switch wants to force inside coverage players like LBS and Safeties to get in a mismatch with inside receivers who are traditionally some of the best receviers the Run and Shoot has.

Assigments for the Switch:

X:Leave on the the switch post
W:Leave on his switch streak
Y: "Hot" to a streak or a hook, the streak route tends to hold the saftey and the lb
Z: "Hot" to a hook
S: Block

The Reads for the Switch:

Pre Snap read: All of our adjustments to uncovered receivers still apply.

Post Snap vs Coverage: We read the front side Z hook to Y hook/streak so that we can allow the backside switch to develop. If those front side is not open, I look first to W and then to X. If you are good at reading safeties you may want to work the Y to X to the w trying to take advantage of the two deep or single on top safeties.

Post Snap Vs Blitz: Z's hook or W's streak which can break against Man coverage.


3.THE SMASH ROUTE:

The Smash route is another great route that nearly every team uses. From Shotgun Spread- HB GO we have a great route in 2k5 to duplicate this look. This is another route that needs no adjustment but I like to add a little run and shoot touch. Its a great route to run against two deep or man defenses.

Assigments for the Smash:

X: your choice leave the hook or hot to a streak or slant
W: Hot to a Slant
Y: Leave his corner route on
Z: "Hot" to a hook to or leave his hook to cross route on
S: Block

Pre Snap: All adjustments still apply, can we get a gimme uncovered or a run?

Post snap vs coverage: Read the db over Z, if he fades back hit z on his hook...or if you didn't hot him let him start on his cross. If the DB covers down Z try to hit Y on his corner route, if things look muddy come down to the W Slant out to the X or run the ball.

Post Snap vs blitz: Hook or slant, slant especially if the inside lb's bring the pressure.


4.THE FLASH ROUTE:

The flash route we get from Rob Spence who worked as an OC at Hofstra and under Mark Duffner at Maryland. Coach Spence is now the OC at Toldedo, and is recogonized as one of the best offensive minds in college football. A true innovator Coach Spence is one of the new run and shooters who is pushing the offense to the next level. The flash route also allows us to make our HB a receiveing threat as their is no need for him to block. This is another play to that we can get to through other selections but the best I have found is Shotgun Spread- WR Curls.

Assigments for the Flash:

X: leave his route on
W: leave his route on
Y: "Hot" to a slant
Z: leave his hook on
S: leave his flat on

Pre Snap: All adjustments still apply, can we get a gimme uncovered or a run? But we need to be aware of any pressure appearances from the backside is the W player in a potential blitz position? (Hugging the DE, aggressive stance)

Post Snap vs Coverage: The read is always Y on his slant keying the mlb if he drops or goes to the frontside we hit Y, if he sits then we move on to Z on his hook, if he is not open we go to S on his flat. You can go back side and red X to W, run or throw it .


Post Snap VS Blitz: If the pressure is coming from the backside (the guy who is over W?) then we want to go to w, otherwise we go to Y vs any pressure up the middle.

This would be a better route if only we could get S to SWING is route,we don't need him to run ot the flat right away. Alas no play editor for NCAA yet


Thanks to everyone for the many kind words and encouragement! Again I'll be posting a semi bibliography and credits,because I can't take credit for any of this stuff. I'd love to hear about the other systems out there so please don't let this intimidate anyone in anyway my way isn't the ONLY way... if you have an offense or a defense you are passionate about PLEASE POST IT!!! 

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maddentips.com 

CrazyOldGuy's Run and Shoot pt.4

This is a continuation on the epic thread of CrazyOldGuy's Run and Shoot.....Enjoy!!!!

CrazyOldGuy's Run and Shoot pt.1
CrazyOldGuy's Run and Shoot pt.2

CrazyOldGuy's Run and Shoot pt.3

maddentips.com

--------------------------------------

PART 4: Tripping the Defense Fantastic, Exploiting the Strength side of the Trips

Last post I talked about the weakside/backside of the trips formation in the run and shoot but less the defense forget we have three receivers to the strongside and we have some great routes to that make use of them

X.....LT.LG.C.RG.RT...................Z
...............................W...Y
............Q.S
<<weak/backside..by the virture of 3 recievers strong\frontside side>>>>

Those routes are

1. Slide
2. Go
3. The Double Go

1. THE SLIDE ROUTE:
I've previously talked about this route as an automatic adjustment vs. a defense that doesn't cover all of our receivers, but its also a great route ANYTIME. The Slide route was one of the orginal run and shoot routes that Tiger Ellison used although he referred to it as Frontside Gangster.

The route that we use will be Shotgun Normal Arrows.

This route of course starts out in a balanced double slot formation


..X......LT.LG.C.RG.RT........Z
.......W...................Y
...
...............Q.S

We will ALWAYS MOTION Y to create the trips formation:


X...........LT.LG.C.RG.RT...............Z
......W..Y
..................Q.S

(again these plays can be flipped and run left or right)
Assignments for Slide Route:

X:Will be "hotted" to a slant
W:Runs his arrow
Y: "Hot" to a streak or a hook, the streak route tends to hold the saftey and the lb, if they stay outside of Y, he becomes our primary receiver.
Z: He can run his normal "short" (?) route or be "hotted" to any other route
S: Block


The Reads for the Slide:
Presnap: Since the slide naturally takes advantage of the uncovered we certainly don't mind if the defense does not adjust to the trips look, however shotgun trips option and slot screen remain viable if we want to use them. My main look is how are they covering Y? Does it look like the LB and Safety will stay on him? are they playing outside of him so I could hit him for an easy gain?

Post Snap vs Coverage: My key is usually the inside LB. After the snap I read Y: is he open have the lb and saftey flown outside him to cover the slant and the arrow? If they have flown outside of Y, I try to hit him in the 10 yard range. If they have covered him the we look to X on the slant, with inside LB dropping with Y or staying the X coming inside on his slant can become wide open. Our last option is the Arrow, because 2k5 defenders fly to the outside so well he normally is well covered by the DB, BUT if that DB comes inside with the X or the DB gets picked off by the X Arrow can also be wide open.

Post Snap vs the Blitz: With at least two receviers "hotted" and the arrow route the slide has great answers for the blitz, especially if its our key that inside lb blitzing! If its him X's slide should be open and we will look to him, next will be the arrow and third will be the streak.

2. THE GO:

The "Go" route comes to us from Mouse Davis. Unfortunately because of 2k5's weak defenses it can really become a "money" play so I've cut back on my usage of it significantly from 2k4. But you may find the alternative "Double Go" a little bit more enjoyable. We actually have a good "Go" route in 2k with Shotgun Spread Deep Attack. This however is another route that we can call any play and get to it through "Hot" calling our receivers.

Like all of the routes in this post it is thrown from a trips look

X...........LT.LG.C.RG.RT...............Z
................................W....Y
..................Q.S

Assignments for the Go:
X:I will leave his streak route on
W:"Hot" to an OUTSIDE slant, in other words make his slant run toward the z!
Y: Leave his post route on
Z: Runs his streak
S: I will normally hold into block.

The Reads for Go:
Pre-snap I want to make sure the defense adjust to the strength of the formation, if they don't then I'll go with a slot screen to Y or run speed option to the trips side. If the cover everybody down then I want to take a look at the player who is going to take responsiblity for W. He will be our key.

Post snap vs coverage: W is going to be the key on his outside slant,90% of the time in 2k5 he is almost always covered however if he is not I hit W has he goes outside on his outside slant. If the defense converges on the W outside slide, I look to Y on his post, usually he will split a two deep or quarters look or he will become open between a lb and saftey vs a three deep. Because the Deep throws are not coverd well he can become wide open and very easy to hit.

Post Snap Vs Blitz: Normally W would work open on a hot route, but with 2k5 defenders so dedicated to covering the outside Y will be our primary read vs a blitz or if we get pressure.

3. THE DOUBLE GO:
We can use the same route Shotgun Spread Deep Attack, but not be so Cheezy by changing two assigments. This is the double go that June Jones uses at Hawai'i.

Assignments for THE DOUBLE GO:
Are all the same as GO except:
Y: Will be "Hotted" to the outside slant run toward Z
W: Will be "Hotted" to an out

Reads for the Double Go:

Pre snap reads: Again Pre-snap I want to make sure the defense adjust to the strength of the formation, if they don't then I'll go with a slot screen to Y or run speed option to the trips side.

Post Snap vs. Coverage: This time we will read Y on his outside slant for whatever reason he's usually not covered as tight as W normally is on the GO. If the coverage is on Y we look to x coming open on his out, then to Z on the streak.

Post Snap Vs. Blitz: The Double Go provides better answers vs the blitz with the two hot routs coming open quickly I still read Y to W to Z.


We have other routes we can use extremely well out of trips but we'll cover those as we go over the Balance passes.

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maddentips.com 

CrazyOldGuy's Run and Shoot pt.3

This continues on from CrazyOldGuy's Run and Shoot pt.1 and CrazyOldGuy's Run and Shoot pt.2

maddentips.com

------------------------------------------

Part 3: The Choice Route and Concept

The Choice Route


A major part of this offense has always been throwing to the weakside receiver. And you've seen how by using motion we can force defenses to expose a major weakness. It has become the main tool, I like to use to attack this weakness is the choice route. Since this is such an importnant concept to the Run and Shoot offense I'm going to cover the Choice concept first and sepearte from all the other trips formation concepts.

While NCAA 2k5 , Shotgun Spread and Shotgun Trips have a lot of great routes that could be converted into a Run and Shoot Choice route the play that I have like the best is Shotgun Trips Slot Cross.


The choice will always be thrown from a trips formation look.

.......FS...................SS
............................DB
CB................LB.............DB........CB
............ LE.DT.DT.RE
X...........LT.LG.C.RG.RT...............Z
.................................W....Y
.....................Q.S

Assignments for Choice Route:

X:Will be "hotted" to an out,a hook, a slant or he will be allowed to run his fade
W:Runs his 10 yard Crossing route
Y: "Hot" to a hook, I found that by hoting to the hook it forces better horizontal stretch cleaning up the reads among the receivers as they make their breaks vs. leaving him on his crossing route, I found if I leave that default route on, Y and W usually wind up crossing the field together making it easier for the defense to cover and harder for me to read who is open.
Z: Runs his post
S: I will normally hold into block although his check and release to the wide side is a good call especially if the defense is playing deep and not a threat to blitz.


The Reads

Pre-Snap: Pre-snap I want to make sure the defense adjust to the strength of the formation, if they don't then I'll go with a slot screen to Y or run speed option to the trips side.

If the defense has adjusted then, I like to get a feel for how the corner is playing x and make the hot adjustment off of it.

If the cb is tight, I will leave the X's Fade on. I haven't had a chance to incorporate the match-up stick but I would say if its showing your receiver is clearly better than the DB this may become more of a primary option.
If the cb is deep, I will "hot" to a hook route or a slant.
If the cb is at normal depth (usually 5 yards) I "hot" to an out, its been my experience that I throw the out about 90% of the time.

Post Snap vs Coverage:
On the snap, I am reading the coverage of X. If the corner's coverage is not tight I will hit the x as he comes out of his break. If the corner does a great job, I read W crossing to see if he is open, unless its a blitz, 2k5 LBs do a great job of running with this receiver so I normally hit Y on his hook. Z never really becomes a factor, but I always see he breaks open deep and late, it just seems I like to hit the throw to quickly for me to go to wait for Z to break.

I try to roll the QB to X, as it makes hitting the out route easier.

Post Snap vs Blitz:
Since I'm using so many Hot routes with X he is normally the guy I will stick with as his out and slants make excellent blitz handlers .But if the CB plays great, W crossing usually ends up wide open.


Goaline/Short Yardage Choice:
This year I've found that the choice route works even better on the goaline than it did last year. I'm still staying with the same play Shotgun Trips- Slot Cross.

In the tighter confines though I have to make a small adjustment.

Assingments for the Goaline/Short Yardage Choice:
X: The "hotted" slant becomes a major tool but the out is still there.
W: To help the X slant open up even more and because the Crossing route goes to deep to be effective on the goaline, I like hot W to a Hook.
Y: Still "hotted" to a hook
Z: Leave his post on.
S: almost always "hotted" to block on the goaline

Presnap: All the automatics are still on (hit uncovered or checking to a run to strong side if their is no adjustment). As in the field I will study the CB covering X to make a decision if it looks like the "hotted" hook is there as opposed to slant or out.

Post Snap vs coverage: Remain the same reading X to W to Y to Z.

Post Snap vs Blitz: The X slant will really open up here if the defense decides the blitz, provided the recever gets a good break. W,Y however remain solid choices.


Concluding thoughts on the choice routes and concept:

The choice route has been causing that lone backside DB nightmares for 40 years and using the above I like to think I cause the cpu a few nightmares .

I want to call again that there are other great routes out of Shotgun spread and Shotgun trips that can be used instead of the Slot Cross. Obviously by "hotting" routes with a little creativity we can convert a lot of routes in to Choices.

--------------------------------
maddentips.com 

CrazyOldGuy's Run and Shoot pt.2

This continues on from the CrazyOldGuy's Run and Shoot part 1   

this is from a thread on maddentips.com

I cant stress enough about how powerful of a thread this was. learn all you can from it

-------------------------------------------------

Basic Run And Shoot Formations And Concepts

PART 2: Basic Run and Shoot Formations and Concepts.


Let's take a look at basic run and shoot formations:

..X......LT.LG.C.RG.RT........Z
.......W.........Q.......Y
...
...................S

The basic double slot. Please note I've now labled the receivers so that as we go over the plays you can understand what the assignments or routes would be.
X= far left receiver
W= left slot
Y= right slot
Z= far right receiver
S= Running back although staying true to Run N Shoot terminology they call their running back the SUPER back


Same formation in Shotgun:


..X......LT.LG.C.RG.RT........Z
.......W....................Y
...
...................Q.S

and Trips:

X.....LT.LG.C.RG.RT..........Z
...........................W...Y
............Q.S


For brevity and clarity, I will diagram formations and motion to the right, however readers should note play and formation can be flipped and run from the LEFT.

In NCAA2k5 the following formations will allow us to get these looks:

Flexbone
Flexbone Slot
Ace Spread
Shotgun Spread
Shotgun Normal
Shotgun Trips


Basic Concepts of the Run and Shoot:

There are several important concepts that a coach most understand in order to employ the Run and Shoot.

1. Throw to Uncovered Receivers
2. If there are 5 or less in the box---RUN THE FOOTBALL
3. Use Motion and Formation to force the defense to react

Thankfully and for the first time in a long time NCAA has given us the tools to capitalize on all of these concepts.

Throwing To Uncovered Receivers

Since the infancy of this offense back at Middletown High School a basic concept that applies even more today than it did then is throwing to uncovered receivers. The computer is not dumb enough to leave a WR (X and Z) uncovered at the beginning of a play. However slot receivers (W and Y) are often left uncovered.

Modern spread formation coaches have help to define the concept and give it more clarity. When you have an uncovered receiver that can gain 4 or more yards and down and distance are in your favor, than go ahead and throw it to him.


Let's take a look at the uncovered concept. First from a balance formation:

.......FS...................SS
.....
CB.............LB....LB....NB...........CB
............ LE.DT.DT.RE
X...........LT.LG.C.RG.RT...............Z
.......W.....................Y
..................Q.S


In the above example the defense aligned in a nickle formation and has lefts its two LB's too far inside and the fs too deep to effectively cover the W receiver, in this case he would be open and uncovered. For a run and shoot team now would be a perfect time to call an audible to a play that will that advantage of an obvious defensive weakness.

In past versions of NCAA, Shotgun Normal Arrow was a great play to take advantage of the above defense, W running a virtual bubble route was easy to throw to. In 2k5, the defense has a tendency to FLY to cover the outside edge routes like the arrow W would run it exposes itself to
another weakness that I attack by using a route called SLIDE which I will talk about in DETAIL in a future post because it can be very effective route even if defense does cover all of your receivers.


Let's take a look at uncovered from a trips formation:


..............FS.........
................................SS
CB.................LB......LB.............CB
..........LB..LE.NT.RE..LB
X...........LT.LG.C.RG.RT...............Z
.................................W....Y
..................Q.S



The defense aligns in a more agressive 3-4 front, while the outside lb close enough to cover W...the SS depth is such that Y is the receiver that is left open and uncovered. Again Run and Shooters will want to audible to plays that will take advantage of this weakness. My prefered play for this scenario is Shotgun Trips Slot Screen. I try to hit the Y as quickly as possible and like wise when he catches I usually duck outside and sprint for the sideline to try to pick up and easy 4 or 5 yards.


By forcing defense to cover down on ALL of your receivers you will gain a significant advantage with your running game and it will make it much easier to attack a defense.


If There Are 5 IN The Box: RUN THE FOOTBALL


Remember this is the RUN and shoot, the running game has always been an extremely important element of the offense.

But what exactly is the box?

The box is defined as the area between the offensive tackles.


.......FS...................SS
.....
CB.....DB..*<.....LB....>*......DB...........CB
...........*< LE.DT.DT.RE.>*
X...........LT.LG.C.RG.RT...............Z
.......W.........................Y
..................Q.S


I've used the *< and >* to denoted the area of the box. In this case the total number of players (LE,DT,DT.RE, LB) is 5.

Now would be a great time to call a draw or to qb choice. Any running play that attacks the box while still leaving extra defenders outside covering receivers. I'd be hesitant to call for example a Goaline HB ISO because 1) it breaks the spirit of the run and shoot's philosphy of creating horizontal and vertical stretch on the defense and 2) audibling to this play could bring more defenders into the box by virtue of its tight formation eliminating the numerical advantage of the offense.


Using Formation and Motion To Force The Defense To React:

By using the concepts of hitting the uncovered receiver and running when there are 5 in the box Run and Shooters are forcing the defenses to adjust to them. We can further make the defense's life miserable by motioning and using obvious strength formations to attack the defense and force it to reveal the schemes its using.

Starting with a balance formation


.......FS...................SS
.....
CB.....DB.........LB.......DB...........CB
............ LE.DT.DT.RE
X...........LT.LG.C.RG.RT...............Z
.......W........................Y
..................Q.S



The Run and Shoot can motion W to the right creating strength to the right:

Before the snap with > motion with the defense reacting
.......FS...................SS
........DB>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>DB
CB................LB.........DB...............CB
............ LE.DT.DT.RE
X...........LT.LG.C.RG.RT....................Z
.......W>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>W....Y
..................Q.S

Before the snap AFTER motion with the defense adjusted:


.......FS...................SS
...............................DB
CB................LB................DB........CB
............ LE.DT.DT.RE
X...........LT.LG.C.RG.RT...............Z
..................................W....Y
..................Q.S


The reaction by the defenese now put it at a disadvantage to X's side and Run and Shooters have a major tool to take advantage of this called the Choice Route. Also we can run to X's side using QB choice or Weaskside Off Tackle, both from the Shotgun Spread playbooks. If the defense does not react then the offense has numerical superiority to the right and should attack this area using the uncoverd principles, many of the routes we will discuss and a healthy dose of speed option.


The reaction of the defense also gives a clue as to the play the defense is using. While it requires that you definately study the defenses you can be pretty sure that if the defense doesn't follow motion its playing some type of Zone defense. If it does follow motion its likely to be using a man coverage and/or blitzing.

By keying on the reacitons of the defense to motion and to formation it can defniately make it obvious how you want to attack and maybe more importantly the time that you have to attack.

If you have a hard time reading defenses and you don't want to delve into that level of the game, don't worry the routes that the run and shooters use do not require that you have to read the entire defense instead like many pass offense it is only reading one or two defenders. For the most part when I employ this concept I am reading one defender and then looking for open defenders. I'll explain that as we get into the routes.

-----------------------
maddentips.com 

Maddenbible.com Mad-Den #112

Here is another great Mad-den episode from maddenbible.com.

CrazyOldGuy's Run and Shoot pt.1

Over the years I have read lots of posts that have changed the way I thought about offense in madden/ncaa but this one is crazy good. It was the first write up that made me look at madden from a different angle

I will be posting bits of this thread from Maddentips.com
I will start from the top...enjoy
------------------------------------------------

The Run and Shoot for NCAA

DISCLAIMER/WARNING: While I have made these concepts work for me I make no claims that what I do will work for others, online or against the cpu. What I post in this thread maybe considered EXTREME CHEESE by the dairy judges or even MONEY PLAYS for those who have talent much richer than mine..


"Mouse Davis, June Jones and John Jenkins taught me the art of the passing game. Passing was never so much fun."~ Hall of Fame Quarterback Jim Kelly


"Fun Football leads to Optimistic football which proceeds into Positive football that gives birth to Winning football"~ Glenn "Tiger" Ellison, the inventor of the Run and Shoot

My intent in this thread is to merely pass along a way that I have found extremely fun to play the game. I hope by writing about my love for one particular style of offense that I can spur others into having has much fun with their style even if it isn't run and shoot. Study the game and love the game, it will make every football game enjoyable regardless of who is playing or the style of offense or defense they use. If you get one idea to tinker with than that will make this worth it for me. I take no credit for what is here these are the concepts I learned from others much greater and far more knowledgable in the game of football than I could ever wish to be. While I orginally wrote this thread for the NCAA05 version of the game, the routes and conversions remain almost identical in 06. If you have any questions feel free to ask.

Finally thank you to Mad Bomber, VG Bert, Kobra and the rest of the VG gang for allowing us such a wonderful place to share our ideas.

So Let's have some fun! or "TEE IT UP AND DO THE DEAL" as Mouse would say!




Part 1: A Brief History of the Offense

In the 1950's, Tiger Ellison was a true believer in the power run game, but his Middletown Ohio football team was on the verge of its first losing season, something that was totally unacceptable. Ellison was about to lose his job, when on a weekend he watched a couple of grade schoolers playing a little school yard football. What he witnessed that day inspired in him one of the greatest football concepts of all time, the Run and Shoot Offense.

At first though, it started out in a crazy formation Ellison and his staff called Lonesome Polecat (Oh for a play editor)

LE.LT.LG.RG.RT.RE.............C...........
HB................................................ ......FB.....HB
.....................
.....................
.....................................QB


It saved the season for Ellison and the next year he decided to get a little more balance and somewhat more predicitable with the run and shoot formation that is now widely recognized.

WR........LT.LG.C.RG.RT...........WR
...........SB......Q......SB
....................FB


Ellison described this all in his ground breaking book Run and Shoot Football Offense of the Future, with Woody Hayes himself doing the forward. The reasons the book was revolutionary were it was the first time anyone had advocated early motion on every play, it was the first time anyone suggested using hand signals and the first time automatic adjustments were done based on how the defense aligned and the first time the offense attacked based on how the defense reacted. The attack was so adjustable Ellison explained that there were nights that they just couldn't figure out "how to turn it off".

The Ellison style offense was and is still highly succesful on the high school level. In the 1960s, though ,Darrel "Mouse" Davis begin to refine the system and make it even easier to execute while attacking the modern defenses that football was beginning to introduce. Davis had so much success that he went to Portland State University where coaching Neil Lomax and June Jones they rewrote the NCAA record books.

In the 1980s, Davis took the offense to the CFL and the USFL. His Houston Gamblers lead by Jim Kelly had legendary perfomances. The USFL folded but like many of the Hall of Fame players from that league the offense gained national recognition and during the late 80s and early 90s the offense spread like wildfire through out college and the NFL.

Davis himself coached both Detroit and Atlanta where both teams (to that time not exactly NFL powerhouses) were very successful in implementing his ideas.

Meanwhile Davis protege's Kevin Gilbride,John Jenkins and June Jones had great success at the college and pro levels. Currently almost every college and professional football team uses the concepts that Coach Ellison and Coach Davis brought to fruition over 40 years ago.

Like all football offenses it continues to evolve and continues to pose significant headaches for its opponents.

---------------------------------------------
Maddentips.com

Onebacks Under Front Defense

I have been knee deep in X's and O's the last few weeks preping for this madden 12 season and I decided to share with you all a favorite thread of mine. This thread helped me learn the basics of a defense that I have taken quite a liking to.

Hopefully this thread can get your wheels turning justas it did mine


http://ncaastrategies.com/utopia/topic/73068-onebacks-under-front-defense/

Academic Game Theory (Maddenbible.com)

This article was written by my friends at www.maddenbible.com for Madden 09

This article will jump into the topic of Game Theory. If your not familiar with Game Theory here is a definition : Game theory attempts to mathematically capture behavior in strategic situations, in which an individual's success in making choices depends on the choices of others. While initially developed to analyze competitions in which one individual does better at another's expense.

Read more »