How to be A Real Maddenite

Illustration by Tracy Jackson | VOX Staff

By Chad White| VOX Staff

1. Find a Team, Stick with Them - Go for the one that you know is the fastest and can block best.

2. Find What You’re Good At - Are you a passer, a runner or a blocker? The easiest way to find this out would be to go to Superstar mode and make your own character.

3. Know Your Opponent - Whether it’s a rivalry game or a scrimmage, know who you’re playing. Do they run a 3-4 defense, or do they have a go-to receiver?

4. Trade - Does your team have great receivers but a horrible QB? Trade him for a Smart QB (who knows the plays and routes of receivers and backs) or a Speed QB (who can run at any sign of a sack).

5. DON’T CHEESE - Cheesing is abandoning the principals of Madden Football by taking advantage of glitches in the game.

6. Follow the Blockers - It’s common knowledge that if you run into the open field with no protection, you’re going to get lit up. Just let the linemen do the hard work.

7. Read the Defense - If it looks like the defense is setting up a good play for your pass, change the play at the line, but watch the play clock.

8. Improve Your Football IQ - There is a new feature on Madden 09 that tests your Madden IQ. Be sure to take these tests regularly to know what to do in tough situations and for good, balanced training.

9. Use Your Running Backs and Receivers - The typical back is fast and strong, so use his attributes to your advantage. Most receivers have to know how to catch and be fast enough to run a route.

10. Use EA Rewind and Backtrack - Did your play not go so well? Watch for the new feature, Backtrack, and listen to the announcer. He gives an in-depth look at your play. He’ll tell you what you did wrong and what you should have done right. Along with that comes a feature that lets you rewind your bad play with the touch of a button, but it’s limited in some cases. Use it wisely.