If you’re new to Madden 24 or returning after a break, these 28 tips will help you get started on the right foot. Let’s dive in and set you up for success!

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1. Catch Types and When to Use Them

Aggressive Catch

• Input: Hold Y (Xbox) / Triangle (PlayStation)
• Best Use: In tight coverage, deep passes, or one-on-one jump balls
• Pro Tip: Hold LB/L1 for a high throw to maximize height advantage.

RAC (Run After Catch)

• Input: Hold X (Xbox) / Square (PlayStation)
• Best Use: When the receiver has space to gain extra yards after the catch. Avoid in traffic.

Possession Catch

• Input: Hold A (Xbox) / X (PlayStation)
• Best Use: To secure the ball, avoid hits, or stay inbounds near the sideline.

User Catch

• Input: Press B / Circle to switch to the receiver, then use appropriate catch input.

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2. Mastering the Read Option

• Keep or Hand Off: Hold X (Xbox) / A (PlayStation) to hand off. Release to keep.
• Key Read: Watch the defender marked with an “R.” If they crash, keep the ball.
• Defending It: Set Option Defense to Conservative via the pre-play menu (Right Stick).

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3. Effective Running Moves

Sprinting

• Input: Hold RT (Xbox) / R2 (PlayStation).
• Tip: Some moves execute faster without Sprint.

Juke

• Input: Flick Right Stick left or right.
• Best Use: Just before a defender reaches you.

Spin

• Input: Press B / Circle or rotate Right Stick.
• Best Use: Close proximity to defenders.

Dead Leg

• Input: Hold Sprint, flick Right Stick down.
• Best Use: To dodge side tackles.

Stiff Arm

• Input: Hold A / X
• Best Use: With strong runners versus side pursuit.

Hurdle

• Input: Press Y / Triangle
• Tip: Use with Sprint + Left Stick for a directional hurdle.

Truck

• Input: Flick Right Stick up.
• Best Use: With power backs to run through defenders.

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4. Diving and Sliding

• Full Dive: Hold X / Square
• Receiver Dive: Tap X / Square after a catch
• QB Slide: Tap X / Square while running to prevent fumbles

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5. Defensive Controls

Swat the Ball

• Input: Hold X / Square
• When: Out of position for an interception.

Hit Stick

• Input: Flick Right Stick up (high) or down (low)
• Tip: Use low hits for power backs like Derrick Henry.

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6. Customizing Your Playbook

• Favorites: Mark go-to plays and find them in the Favorites tab.
• Audibles: Press LT / L2 on formations to edit audibles in-game.

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7. Advanced Passing

Pump Fake

• Input: Double-tap the receiver’s button
• Use: To freeze defenders or bait coverages.

Audibles

• Input: Press X / Square pre-snap
• Tip: Use D-Pad to switch to other formations in the same personnel group.

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8. Ball Security

• Switch Ball Hands: Tap RB / R1
• Cover Ball: Hold RB / R1 to reduce fumbles

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9. Celebration Moves

• Input: Hold both triggers + X (Xbox) / A (PlayStation) while running

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10. Key Defensive Tips

• Use Linebackers: More versatile than linemen.
• QB Contain: Double-tap RB / R1 to limit mobile QBs.

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11. Smart Play Calling

• Use Complementary Plays: Pair runs, passes, and play-action in the same formation.
• Match Formations: Use 4-3 or 3-4 vs 2 WRs, Nickel vs 3 WRs, Dime vs 4 WRs.

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12. Clock Management

• Burning Clock: Let the play clock run under 5 seconds when ahead.
• Late Game: Drain clock to limit opponent possessions.

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By mastering these 28 tips, you’ll be better prepared to compete in Madden 24. Practice, adapt, and dominate the field. Stay tuned for more advanced strategies—and good luck out there!