vicious776
July 21st, 2007, 07:18 PM
So after playing about 20 games or so, I've decided to write down what I've learned about the game. Hopefully, this will help some players out that are struggling on the offensive side of the ball (I know I was when I started out). Remember, this game has a steep learning curve. You're not going to mastering it any time soon, but hopefully these tips will give you a good place to start practicing.
Running:
If you have a running-focused team, make sure you get some legend o-line players (I have two). And make sure you have a gold RB (I have Earl Campbell). After you choose a play and when you get up to the line, actually count your blockers and your opponents defenders. Do you have more blockers? Is he obviously heavily guarding one side? From here, make some audibles if need be ("Y" then a click of the right stick switches the run to the other side). Always make sure that you have more blockers than they have defenders. If you don't, that extra guy will get through and probably make the play.
After you snap the ball, look for the hole. Sometimes it's smart to bump it outside (if you WR has a good block on the corner), but sometimes it's better to keep it inside and follow your blocking. Remember, keep tapping "A", and if you do break into the secondary, it's a good idea to hold "A", and then use a shoulder charge (Y) or a spin (B) to cut down the weaker players. Also remember that the stiff arm is a great tool in this game (Left and Right Bumpers). This next tip is huge. ALWAYS FOLLOW YOUR BLOCKING. If you have a blocker ahead of you, use it to your advantage. Let him stay in front of you, and when he blocks someone, go past your blocker's back. Using your blockers effectively can really revamp your running game.
With respect to jukes and special moves, I wouldn't advise using them that much unless you have a speedy back with one or two defenders in your way. Your best chance of success is with the left stick. Unlike Madden, APF 2k8 actually allows RB's to cut using the left stick. So, for example, if you're running up the middle, you could always fake right, then use the left stick and push it left. Your runner will make a nice cut that usually fakes out 1-2 defensive players. But once again, utilize your blocking! If all your blockers are clogging up the middle, use the left stick to cut outside for a nice gain, or even use your blocker kind of like a wall, in that you can go on either side to force the Defense to pick.
Play selecting-wise, try to be smart. Don't run straight all day, but also don't abuse the counter. For your first few run plays, you'll probably want to run Iso's and some stretches, but make sure that you mix in a few counters to keep the D honest.
Passing:
This is one aspect of the game that, to me, has the steepest learning curve. At first, it was almost impossible for me to pass, but I hope these few tips will give you that advantage to make your passing game all it can be.
When you go up to the line, and you have a passing play selected, ALWAYS choose, before the snap, two receivers. Designate one your Primary Receiver and another your Secondary. Once you have these selected, memorize their respective routes and buttons. When you hike the ball, watch the line of scrimmage for about half a second, just to see if any blitzes are coming, or if a D-lineman gets through real quick. If you do see a blitz, I would advise throwing to your running back (usually who the linebackers cover), and if a d-lineman gets through, try to move around in the pocket so that a blocker picks them up, giving you extra time.
Once you decide that it's OK to pass, look at your primary receiver. As soon as you see that he's open, chuck him the ball. If he's covered, switch to your Secondary receiver, and most of the time they'll be open. Make sure that when choosing each receiver, you make the primary one somewhat of a quick route (hitch, short out/in, slant), and the secondary one a longer route (deep hitch, deep out/in, drag, fly). Usually, if your secondary receiver isn't open, you should get out of the pocket and throw it away because the d-linemen will probably be coming.
Play-calling-wise, just like running, make sure you mix it up. Use the run for a while, and then throw in a Play Action on a 1st down to throw off your opponent. Likewise, use the pass to set up a RB draw.
Oh, and I almost forgot, whenever you hike the ball, HOLD IN "A". This will allow your QB to charge up, and you'll get a much better throw.
So now i'm basically really tired from typing all this, but I hope this helps (especially the two receiver style of passing). Anyone who wants to share some more tips, feel free to post. This is to help all those that are struggling to put up points in the game. I'll add more at some other point, and maybe make a defensive tip thread also...hope this helps!
Running:
If you have a running-focused team, make sure you get some legend o-line players (I have two). And make sure you have a gold RB (I have Earl Campbell). After you choose a play and when you get up to the line, actually count your blockers and your opponents defenders. Do you have more blockers? Is he obviously heavily guarding one side? From here, make some audibles if need be ("Y" then a click of the right stick switches the run to the other side). Always make sure that you have more blockers than they have defenders. If you don't, that extra guy will get through and probably make the play.
After you snap the ball, look for the hole. Sometimes it's smart to bump it outside (if you WR has a good block on the corner), but sometimes it's better to keep it inside and follow your blocking. Remember, keep tapping "A", and if you do break into the secondary, it's a good idea to hold "A", and then use a shoulder charge (Y) or a spin (B) to cut down the weaker players. Also remember that the stiff arm is a great tool in this game (Left and Right Bumpers). This next tip is huge. ALWAYS FOLLOW YOUR BLOCKING. If you have a blocker ahead of you, use it to your advantage. Let him stay in front of you, and when he blocks someone, go past your blocker's back. Using your blockers effectively can really revamp your running game.
With respect to jukes and special moves, I wouldn't advise using them that much unless you have a speedy back with one or two defenders in your way. Your best chance of success is with the left stick. Unlike Madden, APF 2k8 actually allows RB's to cut using the left stick. So, for example, if you're running up the middle, you could always fake right, then use the left stick and push it left. Your runner will make a nice cut that usually fakes out 1-2 defensive players. But once again, utilize your blocking! If all your blockers are clogging up the middle, use the left stick to cut outside for a nice gain, or even use your blocker kind of like a wall, in that you can go on either side to force the Defense to pick.
Play selecting-wise, try to be smart. Don't run straight all day, but also don't abuse the counter. For your first few run plays, you'll probably want to run Iso's and some stretches, but make sure that you mix in a few counters to keep the D honest.
Passing:
This is one aspect of the game that, to me, has the steepest learning curve. At first, it was almost impossible for me to pass, but I hope these few tips will give you that advantage to make your passing game all it can be.
When you go up to the line, and you have a passing play selected, ALWAYS choose, before the snap, two receivers. Designate one your Primary Receiver and another your Secondary. Once you have these selected, memorize their respective routes and buttons. When you hike the ball, watch the line of scrimmage for about half a second, just to see if any blitzes are coming, or if a D-lineman gets through real quick. If you do see a blitz, I would advise throwing to your running back (usually who the linebackers cover), and if a d-lineman gets through, try to move around in the pocket so that a blocker picks them up, giving you extra time.
Once you decide that it's OK to pass, look at your primary receiver. As soon as you see that he's open, chuck him the ball. If he's covered, switch to your Secondary receiver, and most of the time they'll be open. Make sure that when choosing each receiver, you make the primary one somewhat of a quick route (hitch, short out/in, slant), and the secondary one a longer route (deep hitch, deep out/in, drag, fly). Usually, if your secondary receiver isn't open, you should get out of the pocket and throw it away because the d-linemen will probably be coming.
Play-calling-wise, just like running, make sure you mix it up. Use the run for a while, and then throw in a Play Action on a 1st down to throw off your opponent. Likewise, use the pass to set up a RB draw.
Oh, and I almost forgot, whenever you hike the ball, HOLD IN "A". This will allow your QB to charge up, and you'll get a much better throw.
So now i'm basically really tired from typing all this, but I hope this helps (especially the two receiver style of passing). Anyone who wants to share some more tips, feel free to post. This is to help all those that are struggling to put up points in the game. I'll add more at some other point, and maybe make a defensive tip thread also...hope this helps!