Everyone knows the effectiveness of the highlight stick when running the ball on Madden 2007. If timed right it is virtually impossible to tackle the running back performing the move. If timed wrong though, it can just as easily lead to a costly fumble. In this Sportsgamer tip, we are going to show you another way of shaking your defender when running the ball, while also decreasing your chances for a fumble on contact. By using the stiff arm feature even small running backs can shrug off the toughest tacklers.
Quick Setup
Step 1 - Time your stiff arm by pressing it right before the would be tackler closes in.
Play Breakdown
Image 1 - The Jacksonville Jaguars have come out in Singleback Big HB Slam, which is one of the most effective run plays in Madden 2007. Even with the small Maurice Jones-Drew at running back we plan on delivering a brutal stiff arm to the first defender we see.
Image 2 - Immediately after taking the hand-off we decide to take it outside.
Image 3 - Jones-Drew turns the corner and sees enormous Carolina Panthers' defensive end Mike Rucker closing in. Listed at 6-5 275 pounds this looks like a bad match up for the 5-6 Jones-Drew. The key is to perfect the timing and throw the stiff arm when the defender nears.
Image 4 - Contact is made and Jones-Drew shrugs off Rucker.
Image 5 - Rucker falls to the ground as the speedy Jones-Drew continues up field.
Image 6 - Here is another example of the effectiveness of the user stiff arm. Once again we decide to break the run around the corner.
Image 7 - We see free safety Mike Minter coming and know the contact will come to the left side of our body. Even with the contact coming from the left, we throw the stiff arm out to the right because it is easy to perform a stiff arm to the right and still hold turbo.
Image 8 - Minter attempts to tackle from the left, but Jones-Drew easily breaks the tackle and get awarded a user stiff arm in the bottom right hand corner. The more you start to use the stiff arm, the more you can expect to see broken tackles. Even if the defender is on the opposite side of your free arm you will get a broken tackle animation when timed correctly. Furthermore, there is virtually no chance that your ballcarrier will fumble when executing a stiff arm because it eliminates the user strip animation that many top players use.
Image 9 - Minter is left on the ground as we look to turn it upfield.
Image 10 - We're able to pick up an additional 5-6 yards after delivering the stiff arm.
Final Thoughts
There are many other keys to using the stiff arm feature. Remember, throwing a user stiff arm before an opponent is able to make contact will prevent the defender from getting the animation needed to attempt a user strip. In essence, it can be used as an alternative to the Y or Triangle button that allows you to cover up and protect the ball when running. It is also important to know that you don’t always have to stiff arm in the direction the defender is coming at you. Most of the time you will get the user stiff arm animation regardless of the direction the defender is coming from. Be sure to hit the lab and practice timing of your stiff arm to get the most out of it.
