In this article, SportsGamer's going to demonstrate a way to throw a curl route that will leave your opponent searching for answers on defense. This tip will be especially helpful to those gamers using teams that have taller receivers. However, even if you plan on using this tip with a 6'2 receiver it will still be extremely effective. Take a look below as we break it down for you step by step.
Shotgun Ace - X Option
In this first image we have come out in the Shotgun Ace X Option play. You can utilize a curl route in any formation, but we have chosen a shotgun formation to give us slightly more time in the pocket. Once our players reach the line of scrimmage the first thing we do is hot route both outside receiver to perform curl routes. To make these changes we press (360 - Y + receiver's icon + D-pad down / PS3 - Triangle + Receiver's icon + D-pad down). In the image to the right you can see that both outside receiver's are now assigned to perform curl routes after the snap.
As soon as our quarterback takes the snap the receivers begin running upfield. The key is to make the throw as soon as our receiver turns around and directly faces our quarterback.
Once the receiver has faced up on the quarterback we make the throw by holding up on the D-pad and lightly tapping the receiver's icon. The whole key to getting the best possible catch animation on this play is tapping the button instead of firmly pressing it down. Otherwise, if you hold the receiver's icon to deliver a bullet pass your quarterback will only throw the ball at eye level, creating an opportunity for the defender to jump in front and intercept the pass. Notice in the second image our receiver is basically posting up as he prepare to haul in the pass.
As the lob pass arrives our receiver leaps into the air to go after the ball. The catch is made easily for a gain of 10 yards on the play. When properly thrown, this may be the most difficult route in the game to defend. Playing one on one against this pass is nearly impossible to stop. Even against double coverage and bump n' run the receiver still has the advantage depending on just how tall he is. The key is to find a way to get a defender underneath the receiver to create a better opportunity for him to jump up and knock it away. Other than that, your best bet is to just smash the receiver as soon as the catch is made and hope that a dropped pass occurs.
The curl route is a great route to mix is several times throughout the course of a game. I like to always have one or two receivers performing a curl route somewhere on the field to give me and outlet just in case no one else is open. If you are using a team like West Virginia that has amazing running ability, then this pass is even harder to defend against because your opponent is most likely focused on stopping the run. All you need to do is sub in 6'8 Wes Lyons and make sure you have enough protection in the pocket to lob a perfect pass on the outside. The curl route is one weapon in NCAA Football 08 that you simply shouldn't be playing without.
