(How To) Read Defense Like A Pro [Madden 22]

Today we learn how to read defense in madden 22. We will do a full tutorial on how to easily know what defense your opponent is in and then show a gameplay of me using these tips in a MUT H2H Super Bowl!
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[@DontbeanNPC]

I'm watching the Cowboys vs the 49ers playoff game right as I watch this video for the first time. The Cowboys came out on offense and the DBs lined up with one high safety with one man on every Cowboy receiver. I said "that's Cover One Man" and as soon as they snapped Amari Cooper went to the outside fade route and had one-on-one with the DB for a touchdown. This video worked already. Thank you for the beautiful explanation.

[@WinMadden]

Thanks for the comment and kind words! Much appreciated!

[@GrandmasterFranchise82]

Really like how you broke this down easy and simple.

[@WinMadden]

Appreciate the kind words Roy!

[@globoy7728]

@@WinMadden what if it’s a cover 3 and they press? Where would the db be ligned up?

[@espn2455]

@@globoy7728 put one in motion and see if they follow

[@hhh1200]

@@WinMadden madden is scripted

[@Jakes2hot]

This is phenomenal content bro. Being a dummie at reading defences, I needed this bad. Thank you 🙏🏽👍🏽👊🏽

[@iamshrekowski7659]

Usually with zones the dbs are a certain distance off (5 yards for cover 2, 6 or 7 for cover 3, and further for cover 4 and 6). Once you are able to tell difference between man and zone pre snap it’s not hard to tell what zone it is either unless people know how to disguise

[@deebee0712]

Thank you so much. I've been working to read defenses and still I don't have great success figuring out which defense they are in. This is very helpful and I'm going into the lab now.

[@demonslayer8085]

Great vid, I subscribed! Really useful to see you show the concepts in practice and then to see you showing it again in game! Gonna head on over to the website. Thanks!

[@Scuba_Bro]

I have always been a fan of football and watched games but never really got into the plays or defensive strategies and how to read them… so I often felt like an idiot always losing online despite have been able to earn decent players through challenges… thank you for this! It’s helped me have more fun and actually win more than I lose lol

[@WinMadden]

Glad to hear that this has been helping! Thank you for the kind words and comment!

[@semajaibell25]

Can you do a part 2 breaking down how to read formations so we can know if it’s more linebackers or Db’s on the field (so we know when to pass or run) EX/ 1-4-6, big nickel over g , 3-4. Also how to read when someone is base aligning or man aligning. A lot of ppl online disguise their defense or move players from certain positions that make it hard to make the basic reads

[@pumpalies1711]

Thank you for the complete break down!!

[@mrsinister8943]

Another good way to get familiar with how defenses look is to pay attention to how your defensive players are set up Everytime you play defense.

[@rich7300]

Love the videos brother, post more please

[@paulschneider6202]

This was one of the most instructional madden video I’ve ever seen tbh

[@cvogt12345678]

This video helped me so much. As a brand new Madden player trying to get ready for 23, I really appreciate the tips and advice from this video. Thanks man! Also, Skol! Let's win one before we die

[@realbenmaynard6019]

I don't really comment on a lot of videos but I have to give you major props, this video was great!

[@WinMadden]

Much appreciated, and thanks for the comment!

[@austinnichols3187]

A fellow Vikings Fan! Love to see it!

[@WinMadden]

Skol!

[@alirezarahnama2096]

this is really awesome and to the point thank you

[@WinMadden]

Thanks for the comment and kind words!

[@honeybadgerr2029]

Great video

[@Tarius1]

This was amazing. You’re probably the one whipping my tail online 😂

[@WinMadden]

Appreciate the kind words!

[@stormswarning]

I'm New to Madden and I'm an extremely casual player, your videos are very good, and precise l. There's no hidden agenda with you. If your doing this in 23, I look forward to more videos like this and a ebook. At the time if this video I think for the info your sharing was really good, I've seen big known streamers charging over 100 dollars l, clearly lining there pockets, it's nothing wrong in knowing your worth and even accepting a donation as a thank you, but it's another to take advantage of a situation. You can practice to your blue in the face, but If you don't know some of the fundamentals it's pointless. The trainer ea puts in the game is very useful tie that with your video some practice time, I feel I have a true chance to at least step on the field. Thank you very much for all you do.

[@bloodreaperyt]

Ty for making this looki so easy and understandable

[@robsabella5179]

Stuffs great dude. Keep it up

[@WinMadden]

Much appreciated, rob!

[@brettseaberg5033]

Love the refresher video! I always forget man plays inside and zone plays out when pressed.

[@WinMadden]

It’s amazing that it stays the same year after year

[@brettseaberg5033]

@@WinMadden Thelin is a goat this year! They actually gave him some speed and with the +1 he's like in top 20 WR that are viable. I'm loving it!

[@jacobsmith7818]

thank you my friend

[@Oh_Zell]

Great vid bruh

[@WinMadden]

Much appreciated Oh Zell

[@ferrariskinniboi4020]

Great video.

[@jaydizzy4470]

Great video man, took all these tips and won 2 games straight away, amazing work!

[@WinMadden]

Thanks for the comment and kind words Jay!

[@Unlimited_Horizons]

This is the simplest read tutorial I've ever watched. Great job.

[@ronp.7552]

This was a gr8 tip.

[@corneliuswilliams506]

🔥 he got my sub!!!

[@tonygrace3435]

Thank you

[@JH-dv2jr]

Good information. Do you have any advise to counter your opponent when they run no huddle offense the WHOLE game?

[@bengandy1127]

Amazing explanation

[@WinMadden]

Glad it was helpful!

[@allengoffinet8700]

Appreciate you , this helps! Can you help with what pass plays to use on these def!

[@allengoffinet8700]

I play with the Cowboys

[@brandoncraft5847]

It is impossible to account for the linebacker who can magically change direction and has a 6 ft vertical with the hands of Jerry Rice.

[@DEADPOTENTIAL]

Don’t throw in the middle of the field when someone is usering it lol

[@brandoncraft5847]

@@DEADPOTENTIAL if you’ve played QB at any level you’d know there are windows and levels to pass in. These are nonexistent in Madden due to the poor physics and mechanics of the game. The old ESPN 2k sports game has much better physics and it’s over a decade old. No excuse for a game with an ever increasing in price tag.

[@DEADPOTENTIAL]

@@brandoncraft5847 what does rl and 2K gotta do with madden? It’s your fault if you throw at someone’s users. Especially if they have a 6ft plus user. Do some scouting lol

[@brandoncraft5847]

@@DEADPOTENTIAL I’m not playing against users. I have a career. I’m playing the game for fun because I love football and only against the cpu in franchise mode.

[@DEADPOTENTIAL]

@@brandoncraft5847 oh well that’s even worse. If you’re looking to fix that I’d recommend looking into slider adjustments. Plus the CPU forces you to make reads and work the pocket more.

[@stx2brxfitness]

Just came across you, good stuff! Im fairly new to online madden (played offline for many years, very different). I am learning but suck very bad at passing (so i run mostly). Do you have an ebook or tuturiol on how to help me get better passing?

[@coxnballs]

2 high safeties pre snap doesn't necessarily mean cover 2 or 4. It can also mean cover 1 or 3 with the SS coming forward after the snap. Some variations of cover 3 might even have both safeties and the mike drop back into deep zones while the corners cover the flats. I am frequently faced with defenses that look like identical to cover 2 but are actually cover 1 or 3. Sometimes it's just a guessing game.

[@tylowe78]

True. One of those safeties could be playing a robber while the other is dropping back even though both are playing high. You have to look real fast at the safeties too come post snap to see if you guessed right or was wrong. That cover 2 could turn into cover 1 or cover 3 especially if the other player is disguising their coverage. For the purpose of the video I understand he is talking about most situations.

[@reliablethreat23]

It is a guessing game! Defenses purposely disguise their coverages to fool the offense.

[@chuckbizzert9098]

It is a guessing game, but the point is to narrow it down to a few defenses and then confirm which one when you snap the ball.

[@WinMadden]

This 👆🏼

[@StephonsDoom]

@@chuckbizzert9098 bingo!

[@cjnuss7]

I wish more people knew this stuff! My defense is designed to be misleading and people knowing usual indicators like these is part of how I hide things!

[@yourenotmydad27]

BRO!!!! THANKS!!!!!!

[@MrMeNopartOfThisWorld]

Appreciate yu! 💯 Now how to beat coverages

[@usarocks9552]

Quick question: you website states your ebooks are for NEXT GEN. I still cannot find one to purchase. Will the Ebooks be just as applicable to Xbox S?

[@globoy5103]

So what about cover 3 when pressed? What leverage do they align in front of the receiver with?

[@ballinwithbailey2426]

Just a great video

[@WinMadden]

Much appreciated! Thanks for the kind words!

[@ballinwithbailey2426]

@@WinMadden no problem. Honestly just like how you got straight to the point. Simple explanation and no “filler content” per say. Got a sub from me

[@thunderingice22]

What if they base align with Cover 3 for example? How do you know that pre-play?

[@inwytstudios13]

You tha 🐐!

[@garyjones1464]

That helps thx

[@tylerlyons2168]

Thanks for this video I’m picking the computer apart 🔥🤣

[@dzmoneey6674]

Great vid . I feel like a idiot tho bc I don’t know the “coverage beaters” . Like I know a post beats cover 2. Attacking the seam beams cover 3, and zig routes can beat man. But there’s more to it that I don’t know. Do you have a vid abt coverage beaters ?

[@jakes714]

I typically won't try disguising my coverage, but I do man align even when I'm in zone and always change the CB shade to what I feel my opponent is doing. For those man beater/out routes you run I would go nickel Tampa 2, play inside and then switch to underneath just before you hike it, after the motion. I'm in zone but the CB would follow. I could easily flip the defense if the CB is going to run back across the field but with the ROLB I would put him spy and force you to the opposite side, man the LOLB to the motion player to double the cpu beater.

[@tylowe78]

You must be undefeated...

[@jakes714]

@@tylowe78 I wish, I have a high win percent compared to losses but I'm not undefeated.

[@walkaway.]

​@@jakes714 lets see some of your game play? whats ur twitch man

[@jakes714]

​@@walkaway. I dont stream, you wanna run one?

[@FlexileTheWolf]

@@jakes714 I'm always looking for good competitors/ lab partners. That defense does sound legit imo

[@thejmd3267]

What would the situation be if the opponent base aligns? Would the corners still be outside/inside leverage depending on the type of coverage?

[@quietmoodmusic]

I would figure as much because for cover 4 zone press it showed them aligned center, we didn't see cover 4 man, but I don't think they would line up center for man coverage as well. I reckon they would line up with inside leverage.

[@coachsmitty5841]

Amazing..do you have any videos on redzone hb scissors..i wannt get better at mixing up as u know that y route is unguard against zone only man..but i struggle with man and when they nase aline..anu help id appreciate

[@_Tezdadon]

Not gone lie u deserve more than 2k likes for this vid if I could hit it more than once I would 💯💪🏽

[@WinMadden]

Much appreciated Tezmaniannn! Thanks for the comment and the kind words! I also wish you would it it more!

[@eliasvazquez6787]

Can you tell us which routes to use for Zone coverage?

[@Adultory]

Is there anything i can do if they quickly do base align or show blitz

[@justinchapman6383]

I set my practice mode up just like you where I'm controlling both Dfence and offense. I chose gun doubles four verticals as my offensive play and put defense on random play after each play the computer generates a new defensive play and I try to guess the coverage before looking at the play art to reveal the answer. The issue is I keep running into plays that are contradicting the tells that I'm looking for. For example I'll see 2 high safety but the play art reveals it to be a cover 3 zone or I'll see 1 high safety but it turns out to be cover 2. Now most of the time I do guess correctly and yes I'm aware that there are 3 bluff art options because I'm in a 2 player practice but why is this dose it have to do with the formation or are there other things I should be looking for? Oh i also noticed sometimes is cover 3 zone I'll move one of my wide receivers and the defense will move to look like a cover 2 zone. Any advice, answers and additional information would be greatly appreciated. Thanks again anyways your videos are very helpful I took a long break from madden my self mine spanning from Vick and qb vision 04 to his predecessor on the cover of 21. That just hit me kinda funny considering I'm not big on either of the 2 I feel like that qb style has a shorter success period yeah they'll be around for a while but only really good for a few years especially when they first target is keeping the ball

[@matts.441]

Any tells for base aligned or mike blitz 3 which looks like c4 presnap

[@1Danner1]

As a new Madden player, this is insanely helpful. I played against a real person one time (to date, my only time) and noticed he constantly adjusted his defense; like he knew what I was doing. I've never played football so I don't know what I'm doing or how to read anything on the field. I just hope the ball gets caught lol. After seeing this video and many others, I have a newfound respect for the game and it's allowed me to appreciate the game even more. Kudos.

[@WinMadden]

Thank you for the comment and kind words! I’m very glad this was helpful to you and I wish you the best in you’re future games!

[@shane3085]

Same here man… just started my madden journey🖤 hope yours has been nice

[@scorpio-yp3hu]

Can you do a post snap video? At times pre snap you see two safeties high but post snap at times they close MOF and become single safety high so in that case where do I attack??? I don't see much people doing post snap videos. Thanks for any help or anyone in general

[@larryransaw5292]

Golden video

[@WinMadden]

Much appreciated!

[@cskilz]

When you change setting from default to base. It gives you the same look. What’s the best way to read that

[@ry-an2]

I just have one question, isnt there a play called cover 3 show 2?

[@globoy7728]

So what ab wen one corner is looking like he’s in man? Lined up above the wide receiver. And the other corner is back ? Are those 2 separate coverages? Or

[@terencedorsey8049]

That’s normally gonna be when the defense is running cover 6. Which is cover 2 to the short side or boundary side of the field, and on the other side you have cover 4 being run between the field safety and corner.

[@terrywilson8240]

That is the reason I pick a play, like cover 4, bring my DBs up for press, then, specific field adjustments on DBs by using inside coverage audible. Just to throw off anyone whose good at reading defensive sets

[@fabianwiley3580]

I really appreciate you for this but What defense can stop a HB Screen? I have a hard time stopping that play. Thanks in advance. Jersey Love

[@WinMadden]

Honestly the best defense for HB screens is being aware of them and going to get them with your user. Often times if you’re properly watching for them, you can get easy INTs or tackles for loss

[@DEADPOTENTIAL]

Like irl, take what the defense gives you. Flats/check downs will save you and set up the big plays down field

[@Vorkutatx]

Does this work for both next gen and current gen?

[@team624811904]

This is a good concept to use

[@alliance_365_6]

do you know how to get Kam Chancellor @ MLB in the 43 Even 61 Defense?

[@colbykier4788]

What play book do you use

[@Tarius1]

Can you do a vid rocking the niners playbooks

[@WinMadden]

I’m planning on doing a few of them with the 49ers book. I’m out of town right now but when I return gameplays are coming!

[@KingAmaniImani]

👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾 now that's how you break down a video.

[@edwingarcia5950]

What happens if they press man and play outside coverage? What’s the man coverage that beat?

[@jonathanowens3266]

So what about defense tips on how to disguise these coverages and still shut down . Do you Also have defense ebooks too or just offense?

[@WinMadden]

your timing is great! Just released a defensive Mini-Scheme on the website 5 minutes ago!

[@MADDENAMERICASVIDEOGAME]

#LEGIT. This was really helpful.

[@xPOSTALx]

That’s why I run base alignment sometimes

[@keeganjacobs5913]

what about cover 2 Man , and they manually do press vs Cover 4 press ? Aren't all corners lined up at the line of scrimmage ?

[@WinMadden]

That’s covered in the video too. Even if their pressed, you can see the difference

[@keeganjacobs5913]

@@WinMadden try DIME cover 4 palms zone , and press them down. It looks identical to DIME Cover 2 Man .

[@BayleeO-30]

This is great for casual games/leagues. But, play against anyone that disguises and most of this breaks down. You have to pay attention after the snap and adjust. Some man or base align and all of this is mute until the snap.

[@jibranjaved9]

I'm new to reading defenses. Why does a single high safety leave a possibility only for a Cover 1 man or Cover 3 zone? Why can't a transition be made to a Tampa 2 where one DB goes Man and another drops into a deep zone next to the single high safety?

[@ashyknees653]

there is no man coverage in a tampa 2 and he explained why a single high safety is either cover 1 man or cover 3 zone, two high safeties could still be cover 1 or cover 3 tho, one safety could drop down in front of the other after the snap

[@ChatGPTsportslist]

Easy way to see where cb are lined up against my wr put your wr on a streak. Where is the cb lined up? Is he shaded on the outside of your streak line?? Cover 2 or Cover 3 Is your opponents cb lined up inside your wr?? Man coverage. Is your opponents cb even with the streak line then its Cover 4, Cover 4 match and Cover 3 or Cover 3 match. Having a 3 wr set is more helpful. If your wr is head up with the cb but the slot cb is shading inside or outside your wr that's when you make post snap reads. Now if the slot cb is head up with your slot wr man coverage. If they press and one of them safteys come down twards the line of scrimmage its cover 3 if they press and the sateys dont move then its cover 4.

[@Hittzzy]

As far as the playbooks, will they still be as good for current gen?

[@WinMadden]

Yes, for sure

[@Hittzzy]

@@WinMadden definitely gonna join!

[@johnvancoppenolle5111]

Very easy to disguise coverages that the key to madden defense

[@ceruleanskylinemusic]

Good man/zone beaters out of gun bunch of gun ace slot?

[@TDm781]

What plays are cover 3 and cover 1 beaters

[@dsteplight]

Don't think about it as plays, just think about it as routes. Stop N Go, Zig Zag/Double Moves/Slants. Any crossing route, and even fades against a press can beat cover 1. Outs and flat routes beat cover three corners, streaks that attack the saftey that drops beat cover 3 safties. Those are just some quick tips off the top of my head.

[@isaac1994ir]

This why playing against me on defense is like going up against ray lewis I understand how to read offense formation Nd understand game flow Nd situations I might come out in base cover 2 but once I pre snap ya offense I’m most always goin switch to the right play to stop so Watchu might read pre snap will almost always be a different defense at the snap 😂😂😂

[@AP-84]

how did you make it like that when u were picking plays.

[@littlecandyvann3868]

How do we get those clear empty zones?

[@texasjmd]

Good stuff. But you didn’t go over some of the Cover 3 defenses that show 2 high safeties. Also base aligning

[@WinMadden]

I mean for sure, there is the possibility of making this video 2 hours long.

[@texasjmd]

@@WinMadden The video is only 14 minutes. Wouldn’t take long to point out base aligning and cover 3 alignments with two high safeties. I was trying to help by offering a constructive suggestion.

[@Mak35hiFt]

🔥🔥🔥

[@robertcaine2634]

Most important thing to know on offense.

[@WinMadden]

So true, so true

[@chinchillaa1264]

Bruh ! 🔥

[@josephmortellaro7634]

I run a franchise, I can't ever beat my co commissioner he's a unique player, could I pay you if i sent you 2 streams of him & gave me some tips on what to do offensively & defensively?

[@julianhogrefe2676]

What about Cover 3 Cloud, Cover 6, Blitzes?

[@everett8114]

You need to do video on offense.

[@ItsLorV2]

Man I run bunch and it’s so annoying cause all of our pre snap read logic doesn’t apply to formations like nickel, 335, 335 wide, etc. 😭 it’s so annoying. When I run Trips TE it’s super easy to tell though Edit: In Nickel 335 Wide the outside corners lineup in the same exact location in Cover 2, 3, and 4.

[@alexquintero2187]

I run trips TE could u explain more how it’s really easy to tell? I know it might sound stupid but I’m kinda new and barely read defenses 😂

[@WinMadden]

Yeah it’s part of the reason 335 wide is so meta. It does a decent job of hiding coverages

[@globoy7728]

And what about a cover 3 and if they press? Where do they line up in front of the reciever?

[@terencedorsey8049]

If they press in a cover 3 look, the alignment of the corners will still be head up with your receiver. In that case slants can beat that, or you can deep route a receiver or tight end or slot guy and force the single safety to make a choice

[@globoy7728]

@@terencedorsey8049 yes head up,, but will they be aligned to the inside ? Or outside? Or directly over them like man

[@terencedorsey8049]

@@globoy7728 in cover 3, the alignment for corners that’s taught is outside shade off the LOS. so that you don’t get outrun deep and that receiver doesn’t release behind you (sideline). For video game purposes, unless you’re playing online against someone with football knowledge. The corners will most likely be lined up “ head up” on your receivers. Head up simply meaning they aren’t cheating to take away the inside release or cheating to take away an outside release either from your receivers. I hope that was helpful without being too in depth

[@Yzeencmyziews]

You ever thought about coaching like IRL I feel like youth players would learn a lot from you

[@MoneyKingGaming]

First game after watching: 9 of 12 145 yds two touchdowns. He quit before half. Thanks.

[@WinMadden]

Thanks for the comment and keep killin it!

[@bobbywatkins3912]

i mean honestly no disrepect but your running plays that are design to beat any type of coverage run a whole set of new plays dont line in bunch te every play man would love to see that still love your videos bro keep up the good work just think that the certain formation you are running is what is broken

[@WinMadden]

Appreciate the comment! I’m actually not running plays in this video that are universal beaters. Dig return was run as a man beater, spacing switch was run as a cover 3/4 beater, verticals against all zone. Additionally, this tips actually work with any formation in the game (not just bunch). Admittedly, is is a bit harder to tell with some of the tight formations, gun tight, singleback tight, etc… I’m also not trying to be a jerk. I really do appreciate the comment and the support! I promise you though, if you learn these they will help you a ton!

[@expandingdesignsinc]

@@WinMadden What does "verticals against all zone" mean? Did you mean all other zone defenses that aren't cover 3 or 4?

[@domination4892]

Will this work against Base alignment or man alignment

[@ZelGoesHard]

Won't work against people who do both like me 🤣

[@domination4892]

@@ZelGoesHard You do man align with zone?

[@ZelGoesHard]

@@domination4892 you can, but don't have to. I man align and play zone against formations like trips and bunch where I want it to look like I’m in man then roll into a cover 3. I base align against just about anything else.

[@domination4892]

@@ZelGoesHard Ok

[@jonathanowens3266]

How do I tell if the defense is based everything looks the same

[@qtip4747]

I have a dumb question: Why does everyone use 'formation' in the playbook instead of ''concept'' or ''play type''?

[@rossreinoso8375]

Substitutions