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Step 1
Learn how to pass. Passing in Madden 08 can be dangerous but it is also a great way to make some huge plays. Once you choose a pass play, use the "A" button to snap the ball. You can then use the left analog stick to drop back with your quarterback and maneuver him in the pocket. Choose the receiver you want to throw to and press the corresponding button. For instance, if you want to throw a pass to wide receiver "X" who is running a post path, wait for him to get open and hit the "X" button to throw to him.
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Step 2
Call some running plays. Running is a great way to get those short first downs and to keep your opponent on his toes. When you snap the ball on a run play, the quarterback will automatically hand off or pitch the ball to the running back. Once the running back has the ball, you take control. Once you have the ball, you can spin with the "B" button, stiff-arm with the "A" button, jump with the "Y" button and dive with the "X" button. You can also use the right analog stick to juke left and right, juke backwards or to lower your shoulder and run over someone.
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Step 3
Play some defense. Defense can be tricky, but being a master on defense can give you a definitive advantage. First, you need to choose which player you want to control with the "B" button. After the snap, you move with the left analog stick and hold down the left trigger to strafe. Use the "A" button to swat down a ball and the "Y" button to try to intercept. Use the left bumper and right bumper to get pass a blocker. To lay on a big hit, use the "X" button to dive or use the right analog stick as the hit stick to lay someone out.
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Step 4
Choose your game mode. You can start a single game or you can explore some of Madden's more in-depth game modes. The franchise mode will let you play through many seasons as your favorite team and have control over on not only the field performance, but also personnel, business decisions and more. The NFL superstar mode allows you to create a player at a specific position and play him through his career. There is also a fantasy mode for fantasy football fans, a tournament mode and several mini-games that can help you perfect your skills.
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Step 5
Decide how you would like to call plays. Play calling is of vital importance, both on offense and defense. You can ask John Madden for advice on which plays to call if you are unsure. If you have a basic idea, try picking plays by play type. This will let you pick offensive plays by categories like shotgun passes and defense plays in categories like run defense. If you know football well, you can pick plays by formation. So on offense you can pick Power-I plays and on defense you can browse all of your 3 to 4 options.
