Madden NFL 24
Madden NFL 24

Basic Offensive Plays & Formations

Learn basic Madden NFL 24 offensive plays and formations. Master fundamental playcalling from formations like the Shotgun Trips TE to move the ball effectively.

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Basic Offensive Plays & Formations

Mastering the fundamentals of offensive playcalling is crucial for success in Madden NFL 24. This section will guide you through selecting basic formations and executing common plays to move the ball downfield.

Understanding Formations

Formations dictate the alignment of your players on the field before the snap. Each formation offers unique strengths and weaknesses, influencing both your running and passing game.

  • Accessing Formations: During play selection, navigate to the "Offensive Playbook" menu. You'll see various formation categories listed, such as "Shotgun," "I-Form," "Singleback," and "Goal Line."
  • Key Formation Types:
    • Shotgun: The quarterback lines up several yards behind the center. This formation is excellent for passing plays, offering more time for routes to develop and better visibility of the defense. Look for plays like "Four Verticals" or "Slants."
    • I-Form: A traditional running formation with a fullback and a halfback lined up behind the quarterback in an "I" shape. Ideal for power runs and play-action passes. Try "HB Dive" or "FB Lead."
    • Singleback: Similar to I-Form but often without a dedicated fullback, featuring a single running back behind the QB. Versatile for both runs and passes, often incorporating play-action. Good for "HB Stretch" or "PA Boot."
    • Goal Line: A heavy formation with extra offensive linemen and tight ends, designed for short-yardage situations and scoring near the goal line. Expect plays like "HB Plunge" or "QB Sneak."
  • Strategy: Match your formation to the down and distance, as well as your team's strengths. If you have a strong running back, lean into I-Form or Singleback. If your quarterback and receivers are elite, Shotgun will be your best friend.

Executing Basic Offensive Plays

Once you've selected a formation, it's time to pick a play. Here are some fundamental plays every Madden player should know:

Running Plays

Running the ball effectively can control the clock, wear down the defense, and set up play-action opportunities.

  1. HB Dive/Plunge:
    • Location: Found in most run-heavy formations like I-Form, Singleback, and Goal Line.
    • Strategy: This is a straight-ahead run designed to gain short yardage. Look for gaps created by your offensive line.
      1. Select the play from the "Offensive Playbook."
      2. At the line of scrimmage, identify the strongest interior lineman on your team and try to run behind them.
      3. Press the "Accelerate" button (R2/RT) after you've cleared the line of scrimmage to burst through.
      4. Utilize "Stiff Arm" (X/A) or "Truck Stick" (Right Stick Up) to break tackles.
  2. HB Stretch/Outside Zone:
    • Location: Common in Singleback and Shotgun formations.
    • Strategy: This play aims to get your running back to the outside of the offensive line.
      1. Select the play.
      2. After the snap, hold the left stick towards the sideline you intend to run to.
      3. Look for your blockers to seal off the outside defenders.
      4. Once you turn the corner, use "Accelerate" (R2/RT) and consider a "Juke" (Right Stick Left/Right) to evade pursuing defenders.
Passing Plays

Passing is essential for big gains and keeping the defense honest. Start with these foundational routes.

  1. Slants:
    • Location: Widely available in Shotgun and some Singleback formations. Often found under "Short Pass" or "Quick Pass" categories.
    • Strategy: Receivers run a few steps straight downfield, then cut sharply towards the middle of the field. Excellent against man-to-man coverage.
      1. Select a play with slant routes (e.g., "Slants" or "Quick Slants").
      2. Identify the receiver running the slant.
      3. After the snap, wait for the receiver to make their cut.
      4. Throw a "Bullet Pass" (hold down receiver icon) to lead them into space.
      5. Be mindful of linebackers and safeties in the middle of the field.
  2. Four Verticals:
    • Location: Primarily found in Shotgun formations, often under "Deep Pass" or "Max Protect" categories.
    • Strategy: All eligible receivers run deep routes downfield, stretching the defense vertically. Great for big plays against zone coverage or if you have fast receivers.
      1. Select "Four Verticals."
      2. After the snap, quickly scan the field. Look for the receiver who gets the best separation or has a mismatch.
      3. If a receiver is open deep, throw a "Touch Pass" (tap receiver icon) or a "Lob Pass" (double-tap receiver icon) to lead them.
      4. Be aware of safeties over the top; sometimes a check-down to a running back or tight end is the safer option if deep routes are covered.
  3. Play Action (PA) Boot:
    • Location: Common in I-Form and Singleback formations, usually under "Play Action" or "Short Pass" categories.
    • Strategy: Simulates a run play to draw in linebackers and safeties, then the quarterback "boots" out to the side to throw to open receivers.
      1. Select a play like "PA Boot Left" or "PA Boot Right."
      2. After the snap, the QB will fake a handoff. Allow this animation to complete.
      3. The QB will then roll out. Look for a tight end or receiver running a short route on the side the QB is rolling to.
      4. Throw a "Bullet Pass" (hold down receiver icon) quickly before the defense recovers from the play-action fake.

Practice these basic plays and formations in "Practice Mode" to get a feel for timing and execution before taking them into a full game.