[vicious776]

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!

[Hollywood055]

I have a tip. I run a west coast offence so what I do is call a fake formation using the r button
usually trip bunch with the TE playing flanker and go to split backs this way if the defence goes in motion to follow the WR to the left side then it is man. If not it is zone. Then I try to steal the signal with Montana. Look at my match ups, first I see who is covering rice if there is no safety coverage over the top then I hot route to a fly and try my luck usually he breaks one. if not I will try to look to my TE and see what his matchup is if its man and a LB sticking him then it's over or if I think it's cover 2 a audible him to a fly pattern and wait for the ROLB to pass him on to the safety the throw it to him in the window. Basically I just read the defence and plan what Im ganna do before the ball is snapped.

[f0kk3r]

Good tips guys!

[Stiler]

Some good tips, I was wondering how to change the run direction once I see their line is quite better on the side I am supposed to run toward.

[FullCollapse3k]

What I'm doing is using a real run and gun offense with Marino/Rice/John Taylor/Cliff Branch, and then I have only one legend o-lineman and Christian Okoye; the power run game gets the yards even without a bunch of linemen. It's definitely nice to have two-three o-linemen and a big time HB, but I don't think it's necessary to have a potent ground game. If you can get a block or two (which, obviously, comes much easier with a legit line, but it's not impossible for your generics to open things up for you) you can make things happen on the ground.

Then, through the air, you really can't line up enough DBs to cover Rice/Taylor/Branch. If I come out running three or four wide sets, if you want to blanket Rice you can go for it, but that's gonna leave some no-namer defending either John Taylor or Cliff Branch, that's usually all it takes; especially when you have Marino throwing the ball. The only downside is that I sometimes don't get the time I'd like to have to throw because my only lineman is Korey Stringer. That's not a big deal with Marino though, usually if I see a guy open I can get it to him with time to spare.

My defense isn't bad either, three legend DBs (Tatum and Browner deep is lethal) and William Perry/Too Tall Jones on the line.

[alliance4g63]

Good writeup. I find that the times I have fugged up alot on offense is depending on the legends soley. I found myself only trying to get Rice the ball because I knew he would come up with the rock. Big mistake! I still tend to do it sometimes,especially in big play needed moments. But I have a 156 rating when I go back to my old style of pre-reading the defense and selecting receivers.

This game is not 2k5!

[FullCollapse3k]

Originally Posted by alliance4g63

Good writeup. I find that the times I have fugged up alot on offense is depending on the legends soley. I found myself only trying to get Rice the ball because I knew he would come up with the rock. Big mistake! I still tend to do it sometimes,especially in big play needed moments. But I have a 156 rating when I go back to my old style of pre-reading the defense and selecting receivers.

This game is not 2k5!

I'll say that even with two other legit threats at wideout, I still have a tendency to throw to Rice around ten times a game.

[DeusExMachina]

Jerry Rice is pretty insane on the game but with most players putting at least another silver or gold CB on him it nuetralizes him most of the time.

[vicious776]

One other thing I forgot to add.

When passing, use the pocket to your advantage. When you press "A" to hike the ball, don't pull back on the left stick; let the computer do a 3 or 5 step drop for you. Then, if you need extra time, don't go backwards, actually move forward a little bit. If you move backward, the defensive ends will certainly sack you since they're moving on the outside anyways. In this game, just like real football, your offensive tackles will pull back, trapping the QB in a little ring (aka the pocket). If you need more time, step up. When you do this, the d-ends have now have to cut back up field to get you, and you gain valuable time to throw the ball. USE THE POCKET!

[vicious776]

Bump for new players