10 Tips I Guarantee Will Help You Win More Games!

Look — most of you are losing games because you're making the same mistakes over and over. Not because your opponent's better. Not because the game's broken. Because you're doing basic stuff wrong.

These 10 tips? They're stupid simple. And they work. I've taught over 2,000 members these exact strategies at Civil.GG, and they're winning more games than ever.

Here's the thing — you don't need to be a pro to win online. You just need to know what actually matters. These aren't complicated schemes or fancy plays. They're the fundamentals that separate winners from losers.

How Do I Stop The Run When My Opponent Keeps Pounding It?

User the safety. That's it.

The CPU-controlled safety? He's terrible at run defense. Watch any replay — he backpedals when the ball's snapped, then slowly jogs toward the play. By the time he gets there, your opponent's already gained 8 yards.

Here's what you do:

• Call Cover 3 (preferably) or any coverage with a high safety
• Switch to the safety pre-snap
• Stay about 10 yards back — NOT in the box where linemen can block you
• When the ball's snapped, YOU control him coming downhill

Your user is the most important player on the field for run defense. Period. When you control that safety, he becomes an extra defender in the box who's actually making plays.

But what about play action?

Always be ready for it. Watch the wide receivers and tight ends at the snap:

1. If they release downfield — it's play action. Push UP on left stick to get your safety back
2. Right stick DOWN to switch to a hook-curl defender
3. Press Triangle/Y and down on right stick to shade coverage underneath

This takes away the quick throws and prevents easy touchdowns on streaks. GET OFF that deep middle blue zone when you see play action — either switch stick or run back yourself.

Why Does My Guy Do A Weird Rip Move When I Switch Stick?

You're pushing the right stick too hard.

This drove me crazy forever. You switch stick to make a play, and your linebacker does this stupid rip move animation that delays everything. You miss the interception. You miss the tackle. Game over.

The fix? Use LIGHT pressure on the right stick when switching. Just barely push it. The window is fragile — too much pressure triggers the rip move.

It happens more with linebackers than DBs (they have that rip move in their animation set). So when you're switching between linebackers, be extra careful.

Small thing, but it'll save you games.

What's The Best Way To See My Run Blocking Before The Snap?

Hold Left Trigger + push Right Stick LEFT on any run play. Do this EVERY run.

• Red lines = one-on-one blocks
• Blue lines = double teams that'll chip to the next level

This shows what your play is DESIGNED to do. Sometimes your linemen lose their blocks — that's football. But at least you know where the play's supposed to hit.

Advanced adjustments:

Untarget defenders — Flick UP on right stick to put a fire icon on someone. They won't get blocked. Use this on backside defenders who won't factor into the play. Frees up a blocker for double teams.

ID the Mike — Press LB/L1 + A/X, then place the "M" on a defender. Changes blocking assignments. Can get unexpected defenders blocked, like putting a double team that chips out to a corner.

Be careful — wrong adjustments can blow up your run. If you untarget a defensive tackle who was supposed to get blocked, he's coming free.

How Do I Use The Right Stick When Running The Ball?

Left stick only when cutting. Right trigger when you see your lane.

Most people hold right trigger the whole time. That's wrong. Here's when to use what:

• Left Stick Only — Use this for cuts and direction changes. Gives you way more control
• Right Trigger — ONLY hold this when you're in open field with a clear lane to burst through

Think about it — when you're trying to cut back inside or bounce outside, you need precision. Right trigger kills that precision. Keep it left stick only until you identify your lane, THEN hit the gas.

What's The Best Kickoff Coverage To Prevent Return Touchdowns?

Kickoff Left + create a funnel. Works every time.

1. Select "Kickoff Left"
2. Push left stick all the way left
3. Aim accuracy meter slightly left (not right)
4. Max power on the kick

Now create the funnel:

1. Tap B/Circle to select a coverage player — slant him all the way OUTSIDE
2. Tap B/Circle again for another player — bring him INSIDE
3. This creates a funnel with nowhere for the returner to go

The outside guy holds contain on the edge. Inside guy holds contain interior. They force the returner into a box where your other defenders can make the tackle.

Even if it looks like you're dragging guys out of position, they get back into the play. Way better than those random kick return TDs where nobody's in position.

This is one free tip on special teams strategy. Members get the full Special Teams Guide with 8 more formations and coverage setups, updated weekly. → civil.gg/become-a-member

How Do I Stop Drags And Underneath Routes?

Zone Drop Hooks at 5 yards + Cover 3 with Hard Flats.

Nothing's more annoying than someone throwing underneath all game. Here's how to shut it down:

1. Click right stick in for adjustments
2. Scroll to Zone Drops
3. Set Zone Drop Hooks to 5 yards
4. Call any Cover 3
5. Press Y/Triangle, then DOWN on right stick (shades coverage underneath)

This converts your flats to Hard Flats — they play 0-5 yards from the line. Completely shuts down drags and flat routes to the halfback.

Known bug: Hard flat defenders can get sucked inside sometimes. Make sure you shade underneath to minimize this.

Important: On 3rd and 15? Set your hooks to 15 or 20 yards, NOT 5. Match the down and distance or you'll give up easy completions.

What's The Best Route Combo From Bunch Formation?

Flood concept with corner route, slot fade, and drag.

This beats almost every coverage:

1. Outside WR — Corner Route with Stem
   • Select with Y/Triangle
   • Hot route to corner
   • Custom stem DOWN two ticks (hold LB, press down on D-pad twice)
2. Point WR (first inside) — Slot Fade
   • Select with Y/Triangle
   • Press LT for slot fade
3. Inside WR — Streak
4. Someone else — Drag
   • Can be halfback or isolated WR
   • Essential for the flood to work

The corner route beats most zones. If it's covered, check the slot fade deep, then the streak up the seam, then the drag underneath. Use outside pass lead on the corner — pass leading is a BIG DEAL.

Works from any playbook with bunch or tight formations. Don't run a passing offense from under center — it's not nearly as good.

How Do I Beat Texas 4 Man Pass Rush?

Roll out. They can't stop it.

The Texas 4 Man creates crazy interior pressure, but look at the right side:

• Right defensive end loops INSIDE
• Right defensive tackle stays INSIDE
• The outside is WIDE OPEN

Here's what you do:

1. Don't double team — not necessary
2. At snap, hold Right Trigger + push left stick in rollout direction
3. Roll to your QB's strong hand (right for right-handed QBs)
4. Have multiple routes attacking that same side

Pro tip: Whatever beats YOU when you run a defense? Start doing it on offense. If rollouts annoy me when I'm running Texas 4 Man, that means I should be rolling out too.

How Do I Prevent Fumbles In Critical Situations?

Hold Right Bumper (R1 on PlayStation) before contact. Every time.

The "Conservative Ball Carrier" setting? It says "AI ball carrier protects the ball." Key word — AI. If you're usering the running back, that's not AI. I still set it as a placebo, but it doesn't actually help YOU.

What actually works: manually cover up with Right Bumper. Even if you don't see the cover-up animation (like you do it right before getting hit), you still get the protection benefit.

Yes, it slows you down. Who cares? A 3-yard gain is better than a fumble that loses you the game.

Why Are Tight End Drags So Good?

They get open against everything. Use them.

I went 6 for 6 on Heisman difficulty throwing the same tight end drag. Stock play: Gun Slot Offset - Wheel Post Drag.

Key points:

• Run drags from the slot or tight end spot — NOT from wide
• You need routes on that side pushing defenders toward the sideline
• Don't run a drag left if there's nothing attacking the right side
• When you have complementary routes stretching the defense, the drag opens up

If you're not using tight end drags in your scheme, you're missing free completions. Hot route them or find plays with them stock. One of the best routes in the game, bar none.

What Game Settings Should I Use?

Coin Toss:

• First choice: Kick
• Second choice with win: Wind
• Strategy: Kick to start, receive at halftime for more control

Pass Mechanics:

• Use: Placement and Accuracy (just Placement if QB has "Dot" ability)
• Slow down: OFF
• Pass lead increase: None
• Reticle speed: 7

Defensive Settings:

• Auto defensive play call: ON (unless you're advanced with specific reason)
• Ball Hawk: ON
• Heat Seeker Assist: ON
• Heat Seeker Window: 200%
• Defensive Switch Assist: ON
• Controlled Player Art: ON

Don't touch sliders. Turn crossplay ON. These settings work for both Madden and College Football.