Using motion to improve your running game is one aspect of Madden that is underused. The use of motion can help provide an extra block for your runner to spring free to the outside, help pick up tough yards up the middle, or even simply be used as a decoy when running to the opposite side that the motion is taking place. In this tip, we're going to show you hot to get your receivers more involved in the running game to help you improve your yards per carry in Madden 08.
In this first image the Jacksonville Jaguars have come out in the Strong-I Normal Counter Weak. The Counter Weak is designed for the right guard and the fullback to pull across the field and act as a lead blocker for our running back. The weaknesses in calling counters is that they take longer to develop and often times a defender can shoot the vacated opening in the offensive line.
To ensure this play's success we move the icon onto receiver Reggie Williams on the far right side of the field. The plan is to send Williams in motion to the left and snap the ball just before he gets behind the pulling right guard. The reason we want to snap the ball at this point is to make sure that we have a blocker to fill the open gap in the line. It will be to your benefit to also use motion in some passing plays to prevent your opponent from getting a read on what you're trying to accomplish.
We send Williams in motion and snap the ball just before he gets behind the right guard. The point at which you snap the ball when sending your receiver in motion will be different for every running play. It will be up to you to find out how to use the motion from your receiver to benefit certain plays. The best way possible to find out the strengths and weaknesses in a running play is to head into practice mode and work on each one over and over again until you know what should happen every time you call it.
Immediately after the snap, quarterback Byron Leftwich turns to hand the ball off to the running back as both the right guard and the fullback pull behind the offensive line. Meanwhile, wide receiver Reggie Williams immediately turns upfield and looks to make a block on a defender as he fills the vacated area.
The strong defensive tackle tried to shoot right through the opening in the line as the right guard pulled. However, our use of motion before the snap provided us with a big block from Williams to stop the defensive penetration in the backfield. The extra protection in the backfield allowed this play to go off smoothly. Now all we have to do is follow behind our two lead blockers to turn this into a nice gain.
Both of our lead blockers lock down on the approaching defenders as we break it to the outside with running back Fred Taylor. We turn the corner with Taylor and race for the endzone.
The strong safety races across the field to make the tackle.
There's no doubt that speed is one of, if not the, biggest factor when it comes to Madden. However, if you can learn how to incorporate the use of motion and set up your running plays as efficient as possible, then you won't always need a fast back to run the ball well consistently. Remember, also try to use motion when calling passing plays from many of your same running formations to prevent your opponent from ever really getting a read on what you're doing offensively.
