Dominate ‘Madden 16’ With These Pass Catching Tips

There’s a violent kind of ugly poetry to smashmouth football and blowing someone up over the middle while playing Madden, but as in the NFL, you almost certainly need a dominant quarterback to win a championship. The thing about having a dominant quarterback, though, is that it’s a mirage if you don’t have capable receivers. And in Madden 16, if you don’t know how to control the aerial game on both sides of the transaction, then you’re gonna be tortured by pick 6s and incompletions until you throw your controller through a wall in an effort to vent your frustrations and actually hit an intended target. So, because we want the very best for you and your weekend Maddening, we sought the wisdom of Zach Farley from Prima Games and the Official Madden 16 Strategy Guide. So, here’s Farley with five must-know play types that will help you dominate the passing game.

5. End Zone Route

Control: Hot route, right stick up, aggressive catch

Make sure your WR gets off the jam before throwing him a fade; otherwise, it is unlikely to be a success.

If your offense slows down when you get inside the 10-yard line, try this hot route to open it back up. Target a big WR on the outside and try to throw a high-point pass for an aggressive catch! This is something you have seen on Sundays, and now, with a little practice, you can win a one-on-one.

4. Sideline Catch

Control: Hold A (Xbox) or X (PS) when near the sideline/back of the end zone.

Use the sideline catch on passes like corner routes, especially in the fourth quarter. You can pick up big chunks of yards and keep the clock on your side!

If your WR is approaching the sideline, hold down the button and he will attempt to drag his feet. Great players use the entire field on offense, and attacking the outside of the field is crucial to making an opponent feel vulnerable.

3. Conservative Catch

Control: Hold A (Xbox) or X (PS) after the ball is thrown.

On third and short, consider going with the conservative catch to make your WR get down after he grabs the ball. This will limit the chances of a defender coming in and ripping the ball loose, which would force a punt.

The conservative catch is perfect for balls thrown into congested areas of the field. If you like to target TEs or slot WRs on slants and drags, especially over the middle, the conservative catch is for you.

2. Run After Catch (RAC)

Control: Hold X (Xbox) or Square (PS) after the ball is thrown.

Make sure your receiver has the space to turn upfield if you go for the RAC move. If you turn into a big hit from the defender, he may drop the ball.

The RAC is perfect for turning a quick pass into a big gain. This is especially useful for tight ends and halfbacks who catch short passes in the flat. You can quickly cut upfield and get yards rather than taking “gather” steps to get your balance or running out of bounds. Now, a 2-yard gain turns into an 8-yard gain, and your drive marches on!

1. Aggressive Catch

Control: Hold Y (Xbox) or Triangle (PS) after the ball is thrown (you do not need to be controlling the WR)

For maximum success, make sure your WR is 6’3 or taller and has the aggressive catch trait! You can use smaller WRs every now and then, but the bigger the size advantage you have over a DB, the better.

When taking a shot downfield, the high-point throw comes in handy. If you call a shot play from your playbook and see your WR with a one-on-one match-up downfield, give it a try! Hold down the catch button as early as possible to give your WR a chance to make a play.

You can find out more about Prima and the Official Madden 16 Guide here

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