Madden 20: Your Ultimate Guide To Mastering The Game

So, you're ready to hit the gridiron in Madden 20? Awesome! Whether you're a seasoned veteran or a complete rookie, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know to dominate the competition. We'll cover the basics, dive into advanced strategies, and give you the tips and tricks to become a Madden master. Let's get started, guys!

Getting Started with Madden 20

Understanding the Basics

First things first, let's cover the foundational elements of Madden 20. Knowing the basic controls and game modes is crucial before diving into more complex strategies. When you first boot up the game, take some time to familiarize yourself with the main menu. Here, you'll find options for playing exhibition games, starting a franchise, diving into the Ultimate Team mode, and customizing your settings. Each mode offers a unique experience, catering to different playstyles and preferences.

• Exhibition Mode: This is your go-to for quick, casual games. Pick your favorite teams and jump right into the action. It’s perfect for practicing your skills or just having fun with friends.
• Franchise Mode: If you're looking for a long-term experience, Franchise Mode is where it’s at. You take control of a team and manage every aspect, from drafting players to setting game strategies. It’s a deep dive into the world of football management.
• Ultimate Team (MUT): This is the most popular mode, allowing you to build your dream team by collecting player cards. Compete in challenges and online matches to earn rewards and improve your squad. Be warned, it can get addictive!

Next, get acquainted with the player controls. Madden 20 uses a combination of button presses and stick movements to control your players. Learn the basic actions like passing, running, tackling, and kicking. Spend some time in the practice mode to get a feel for the controls before jumping into a real game. Don't worry about mastering everything at once; just focus on the essentials to start. Knowing how to effectively pass the ball, make crucial tackles, and kick field goals can significantly impact your game's outcome.

Understanding the game's user interface is also key. Pay attention to the on-screen information, such as the play clock, score, and player stats. Use this information to make informed decisions during the game. For example, knowing how much time is left can influence your play-calling strategy. Understanding player stats can help you exploit matchups and make the most of your team's strengths. Experiment with different camera angles to find one that gives you the best view of the field. Some players prefer the default broadcast camera, while others prefer a closer, more immersive view. Find what works best for you and stick with it. By taking the time to learn the basics, you'll build a solid foundation for success in Madden 20.

Choosing Your Team and Playbook

Selecting the right team and playbook in Madden 20 can significantly impact your success. Your team should align with your preferred play style, and your playbook should complement your team's strengths. Choosing a team with a strong quarterback and receiving corps is ideal if you prefer a passing-oriented offense. On the other hand, a team with a dominant running back and offensive line is better suited for a ground-and-pound approach. Different teams have different strengths and weaknesses, so it's essential to choose one that fits your preferences. Some popular choices include the Kansas City Chiefs for their explosive offense or the Baltimore Ravens for their strong running game and defense.

Your playbook is your arsenal of plays, and it's crucial to find one that suits your style. A good playbook should offer a variety of formations and plays for different situations. Look for plays that exploit your opponent's weaknesses and maximize your team's strengths. Experiment with different playbooks to find one that feels comfortable and effective. For example, if you like to pass the ball, look for a playbook with plenty of shotgun formations and passing plays. If you prefer to run, choose a playbook with strong running formations and power run plays. Madden 20 offers a wide range of playbooks, each with its unique set of plays and formations. Don't be afraid to try out several before settling on one that feels right.

Consider your quarterback's abilities when choosing a playbook. A quarterback with high accuracy and throwing power will excel in a pass-heavy offense, while a mobile quarterback can thrive in a read-option scheme. Understanding your players' strengths and weaknesses is crucial when selecting a playbook. Tailor your playbook to your team's strengths to maximize your chances of success. Also, pay attention to your opponent's defensive tendencies. If they're weak against the run, exploit that weakness with a run-heavy playbook. If they're susceptible to the pass, air it out with a pass-oriented playbook. Being adaptable and adjusting your playbook based on your opponent's tendencies is a key to victory in Madden 20. Remember, the right team and playbook can give you a significant edge over your competition.

Mastering Offense

Passing Strategies

Effective passing in Madden 20 requires understanding different passing mechanics and knowing when to use each one. The basic pass is your bread and butter, used for short to medium throws. Simply select a receiver and press the corresponding button to throw the ball. However, Madden 20 offers more advanced passing options for different situations. The lob pass is useful for throwing over defenders, while the bullet pass is ideal for quick, accurate throws in tight coverage. Mastering these different passing types is crucial for becoming a successful passer in Madden 20.

Reading the defense is also essential. Before snapping the ball, take a look at the defensive alignment and identify any potential blitzes or coverage weaknesses. Adjust your play call accordingly. If you see a blitz coming, consider using a quick pass or a screen play to get the ball out of your quarterback's hands quickly. If you spot a mismatch in coverage, target that receiver with a deep pass. Pay attention to the safety positions; a single-high safety indicates Cover 1 or Cover 3, while two safeties suggest Cover 2. Adjust your passing strategy based on these reads. Don't be afraid to audible at the line of scrimmage if you see something you don't like. Madden 20 gives you the tools to make adjustments on the fly, so use them to your advantage. Reading the defense is a crucial skill that separates good passers from great ones.

Effective route combinations are also critical. Don't rely on the same routes every play; mix it up to keep the defense guessing. Combine short, intermediate, and deep routes to stretch the field and create opportunities for your receivers. Experiment with different route combinations to find what works best for your team and playbook. Some popular route combinations include crossing routes, slant routes, and post routes. Use your receivers' strengths to your advantage. If you have a receiver with good speed, send him on a deep route. If you have a receiver with good hands, target him on a short or intermediate route. Understanding your receivers' abilities and using them effectively is key to a successful passing game. Practice your timing and accuracy in practice mode to improve your passing skills. With the right passing strategies, you can dissect any defense in Madden 20.

Running the Ball Effectively

Running the ball effectively in Madden 20 requires more than just selecting a running play and hoping for the best. It involves understanding different running styles, reading the defensive line, and making smart decisions. Madden 20 offers a variety of running moves, including the juke, spin, and stiff arm. Mastering these moves can help you break tackles and gain extra yards. The juke is useful for making defenders miss in the open field, while the spin move is effective for avoiding tackles in tight spaces. The stiff arm can create separation and allow you to gain a few extra yards. Practice using these moves in different situations to become a more versatile runner.

Reading the defensive line is crucial for identifying running lanes. Before the snap, look at the defensive alignment and identify any potential gaps or weaknesses. Adjust your running play accordingly. If you see a wide gap on one side of the line, run to that side. If the defensive line is stacked, consider running to the opposite side or using a fullback to lead block. Pay attention to the linebackers as well. If they're blitzing, you may need to adjust your blocking scheme or use a quick pass instead. Being able to read the defensive line and make adjustments on the fly is a crucial skill for any successful runner. Don't be afraid to audible at the line of scrimmage if you see something you don't like. Madden 20 gives you the tools to make adjustments, so use them to your advantage.

Patience and discipline are also key to a successful running game. Don't try to force a run into a crowded box. Instead, be patient and wait for an opening to develop. Follow your blockers and trust them to create a lane for you. Sometimes, the best run is a short gain of two or three yards. Consistently gaining small yardage can wear down the defense and open up opportunities for bigger runs later in the game. Mix up your running plays to keep the defense guessing. Use a variety of formations and running styles to keep them off balance. Vary your attack between inside runs, outside runs, and draws. The more unpredictable you are, the harder it will be for the defense to stop you. With the right running strategies, you can control the clock and wear down your opponents in Madden 20.

Dominating on Defense

Defensive Strategies and Play Calling

Playing effective defense in Madden 20 requires more than just selecting a random play and hoping for the best. It involves understanding different defensive formations, reading the offensive alignment, and making smart play calls. Madden 20 offers a variety of defensive formations, including 4-3, 3-4, and nickel. Each formation has its strengths and weaknesses, so it's essential to choose one that suits your team's personnel. The 4-3 is a balanced formation with four defensive linemen and three linebackers, while the 3-4 features three defensive linemen and four linebackers. Nickel formations are used in passing situations and typically involve five defensive backs.

Reading the offensive alignment is crucial for anticipating the play. Before the snap, look at the offensive formation and identify any potential run or pass tendencies. If the offense is in a run-heavy formation, select a run defense. If they're in a passing formation, choose a pass defense. Pay attention to the personnel on the field as well. If the offense has a tight end in the game, they're more likely to run the ball. If they have multiple wide receivers, they're more likely to pass. Use this information to make informed play calls.

Adjusting your defense during the game is also important. If the offense is consistently running the ball, consider adding an extra defender to the box. If they're throwing deep, adjust your coverage to prevent big plays. Pay attention to your opponent's tendencies and adjust your defense accordingly. Don't be afraid to experiment with different coverages, such as Cover 2, Cover 3, or man-to-man. Mix it up to keep the offense guessing. Also, consider using blitzes to pressure the quarterback and force turnovers. However, be careful not to blitz too often, as this can leave your defense vulnerable to big plays. With the right defensive strategies and play calling, you can shut down even the most potent offenses in Madden 20.

Mastering Defensive Techniques

Madden 20 gives you a range of defensive techniques to disrupt the offense and force turnovers. Mastering these techniques is essential for becoming a dominant defender. One of the most important techniques is tackling. Proper tackling involves approaching the ball carrier with the correct angle and timing. Aim for the legs to bring the ball carrier down quickly and prevent them from gaining extra yards. Avoid diving headfirst, as this can lead to missed tackles and injuries. Practice your tackling technique in practice mode to improve your consistency.

Pass rushing is another crucial defensive skill. Madden 20 allows you to use a variety of pass-rushing moves to get to the quarterback, including the swim move, the bull rush, and the spin move. Each move has its strengths and weaknesses, so it's essential to know when to use each one. The swim move is effective for getting around offensive tackles, while the bull rush is useful for overpowering them. The spin move can create separation and allow you to get to the quarterback quickly. Experiment with different pass-rushing moves to find what works best for you. Timing is also crucial when pass rushing. Time your jump off the line to coincide with the snap of the ball and try to anticipate the quarterback's movements. The better you get at pass rushing, the more pressure you'll be able to apply to the quarterback, leading to sacks and turnovers.

Coverage skills are equally important. Madden 20 allows you to control your defensive backs and make plays on the ball. When covering a receiver, stay close and try to anticipate their route. Use the strafe button to stay in front of the receiver and prevent them from getting open. When the ball is thrown, try to intercept it or break up the pass. Timing is crucial when making a play on the ball. Jump at the right moment to maximize your chances of making a catch or a deflection. Pay attention to the receiver's hands and try to disrupt their catch attempt. The better you get at coverage, the fewer completions you'll allow, leading to more stops and turnovers.

Advanced Tips and Tricks

Utilizing Audibles and Hot Routes

In Madden 20, audibles and hot routes are essential tools for making adjustments on the fly and exploiting defensive weaknesses. Audibles allow you to change your entire play at the line of scrimmage, while hot routes let you modify individual receiver routes. Both can be used to adapt to different defensive looks and create mismatches. To use audibles, simply press the audible button (usually the X button on PlayStation or the A button on Xbox) before the snap. This will bring up a menu of available plays. Choose the play that best suits the situation and snap the ball. Knowing when to audible can be the difference between a successful play and a turnover.

Hot routes are equally important. To use hot routes, select a receiver and press the corresponding button (usually the triangle button on PlayStation or the Y button on Xbox). This will bring up a menu of available routes. Choose the route you want the receiver to run and snap the ball. Hot routes can be used to exploit defensive weaknesses, such as a cornerback playing too far off the line or a linebacker lined up against a speedy receiver. Experiment with different hot routes to find what works best for your team and playbook.

Effective use of audibles and hot routes requires a good understanding of the game and your opponent's tendencies. Before the snap, take a look at the defensive alignment and identify any potential weaknesses. If you see a cornerback playing too far off the line, consider using a quick slant route to exploit that weakness. If you see a linebacker lined up against a speedy receiver, consider using a deep route to create a mismatch. Don't be afraid to experiment and try new things. The more unpredictable you are, the harder it will be for the defense to stop you. With practice, you'll become a master of audibles and hot routes, giving you a significant advantage over your opponents.

Mastering Special Teams

Special teams are often overlooked in Madden 20, but they can be a crucial factor in determining the outcome of a game. A well-executed kickoff return or a perfectly placed punt can swing the momentum in your favor. Mastering special teams involves understanding the different aspects of the kicking game and knowing when to use each one. Kickoffs are an opportunity to pin your opponent deep in their own territory, while punts can be used to flip the field position. Field goals can be a game-changer, especially in close contests.

Kickoff strategies are important for maximizing your chances of success. You can choose to kick the ball deep, try an onside kick, or kick it short to avoid a dangerous returner. Each strategy has its risks and rewards, so it's essential to choose one that suits the situation. A deep kick is a safe option that ensures your opponent starts deep in their own territory. An onside kick is a high-risk, high-reward play that can give you possession of the ball. A short kick can be used to avoid a dangerous returner, but it also gives your opponent better field position.

Punting strategies are equally important. You can choose to punt the ball deep, try a directional punt, or kick it out of bounds. A deep punt is a safe option that ensures your opponent starts far from your end zone. A directional punt can be used to pin your opponent near the sideline, making it harder for them to return the ball. Kicking it out of bounds can be used to avoid a dangerous returner, but it also gives your opponent a free 15 yards. Field goal kicking requires precision and accuracy. Use the kicking meter to time your kick perfectly and aim for the center of the uprights. Practice your kicking technique in practice mode to improve your consistency. With the right special teams strategies, you can gain a significant advantage over your opponents.

Conclusion

Madden 20 offers a deep and engaging football experience. By understanding the basics, mastering offensive and defensive strategies, and utilizing advanced tips and tricks, you can become a dominant player. Remember to practice regularly, experiment with different playbooks and teams, and adapt your strategies to your opponent's tendencies. With dedication and perseverance, you'll be well on your way to becoming a Madden master. Now get out there and dominate the gridiron!