Discover Madden NFL 26 tips and tutorials to improve your game to the next level, dominate the gridiron, and win more games.

Playbooks are key to dominating the virtual gridiron. Win more games with this selection of Madden NFL offensive and defensive plays.

Madden 26 screenshot showing playbooks for the Detroit Lions in the foreground with Lions players in a huddle in the background.

M26 Tips Top Offensive Playbooks

Best Offensive Playbooks in Madden NFL 26

Image showing the EA SPORTS Madden NFL 26 logo and the words TIPS & TRICKS in black on a grey background.

M26 Tips & Tricks Hub image 16x9

Madden NFL 26 Tips & Tricks

Beginner Tips

Offense Tips

Defense Tips

X-Factor Tips

Ultimate Team Tips

Competitive Tips

Pro Tips

Playbook Tips

Celebrations Tips

Game Modes

Superstar Tips

Franchise Tips

EA SPORTS MVP Bundle

MVP Bundle

Madden NFL 26 pack icon representing the MVP bundle exclusive elite player item.

bundle_exclusive_elite_player_item

Bundle Exclusive MUT Elite Player Item

Madden NFL 26 Deluxe Edition

Deluxe Edition

A stack of green plates with a center P representing the icons for madden points.

madden_points_icon

4600 Madden Points

Maximize your Madden NFL 26 rewards with the Deluxe Edition*, or make game day, every day with the MVP Bundle to get College Football 26 and even more rewards*.

Buy the MVP Bundle

MVP Bundle & Deluxe Edition

Luna

PlayStation®

Xbox

Nintendo Switch 2

Steam

Epic Games

Image of the EA SPORTS logo in black on a white background

EA Sports logo

Base Game (PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S)

Madden NFL 26 Standard Edition

A dynamic football scene from Madden NFL 26 shows Saquon Barkley of the Philadelphia Eagles leaping over another player during an intense game. The background is filled with cheering fans and stadium lights.

Madden NFL 26 Final keyart STD 16x9

Cover of Madden NFL 26 Deluxe Edition featuring a close-up of football player Saquon Barkley in an Eagles uniform, helmet on, under dramatic blue lighting. The player's name "Barkley" is visible on the jersey, with EA Sports and NFL logos.

Madden NFL 26 Official Deluxe Edition Keyart 16x9

Burst upfield like Saquon with updated player movement to reflect the explosive athleticism only the NFL can deliver. Physics-based interactions now include catch tackles, stiff-arms, and trucks for improved collision control.

Xavier Worthy in a red Kansas City Chiefs uniform is dodging a tackle in an action-packed moment from Madden NFL 26, with EA Sports and NFLPA logos visible.

madden_nfl_26_xavier_worthy_16x9

Explosive NFL Gameplay

Build your dream football team with NFL Legends and current stars, then compete online with the best. Check out all the latest features, content, and more coming to Ultimate Team.

Image showing Madden 26 cover star Saquon Barkley in his Philadelphia Eagles gear alongside the words NEW MADDEN UT FEATURES, with confetti flying in the background.

Madden 26 MUT features

Ultimate Team

Create your coaching legacy by choosing from four exciting new archetypes, or step into the shoes of your favorite NFL head coach, each bringing their authentic strategies to Franchise. 

In-game screen from Madden NFL 26 showing a head coach of the Los Angeles Chargers giving a press conference to a room of reporters.

Madden 26 Franchise chargers press conference

Franchise

Madden NFL 26 brings a new level of authenticity with team-specific field art, mascots, sounds, and motion graphics created in collaboration with all 32 NFL teams. From iconic pregame traditions to blackout games and stadium anthems, every game feels like a true NFL spectacle.

Image from Madden 26 simulating a TV studio with a message for a Monday Night Primetime broadcast. Above the neon yellow lettering is the Madden NFL logo. 

Madden 26 MNF Primetime Broadcast

Presentation

Each week of your career brings unique storylines, new goals, new challenges, and even a bit of drama. Manage on-field performance and off-field relationships through the new Sphere of Influence system, and balance usage and Wear & Tear as you improve.

Screenshot from Madden NFL 26 showing player character Malcolm Baggs, QB #10 with a 70 overall rating and improviser style. Features include Pass Rating, Pass YD, Inner Circle, and Influence Modifier.

M26_superstar_featured_16x9

Superstar

Madden NFL

Sports

Cover of Madden NFL 26 Deluxe Edition featuring a close-up of a football player in an Eagles uniform, helmet on, under dramatic blue lighting. The player's name "Barkley" is visible on the jersey, with EA Sports and NFL logos.

Madden NFL 26 Official Deluxe Edition Keyart Main Hero

*Conditions &amp; restrictions apply. See [https://www.ea.com/games/madden-nfl/madden-nfl-26/game-disclaimers](https://www.ea.com/games/madden-nfl/madden-nfl-26/game-disclaimers) for details.

†Conditions, limitations and exclusions apply. See [EA Play Terms](https://tos.ea.com/legalapp/eaplay/US/en/PC/) for details.

© 2025 Electronic Arts Inc. Electronic Arts, EA SPORTS, and Ultimate Team are trademarks of Electronic Arts Inc. The mark “John Madden” and the name, likeness and other attributes of John Madden reproduced on this product are trademarks or other intellectual property of Red Bear, Inc. or John Madden, are subject to license to Electronic Arts Inc., and may not be otherwise used in whole or in part without the prior written consent of Red Bear or John Madden. All rights reserved. Officially Licensed Product of NFL PLAYERS INC. and NFLPA.COM. Officially Licensed Product of the National Football League. 

Includes optional in-game purchases (includes random items).

Image showing the EA SPORTS Madden NFL 26 logo in white on a black background.

IN-game Madden NFL 26 screenshot of a play about to commence on a snow-covered field featuring the Phildelphia Eagles and Minnesota Vikings.

Madden 26 gameplay first look thumb

Madden NFL 26 Gameplay first look

Madden 26 Official Gameplay First Look

Image showing Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley hurdling a tackle with a ball in his hand. On the left is the EA SPORTS™ Madden NFL 26 logo in white.

Madden 16 Reveal Trailer Thumbnail 

Madden NFL 26 Official Reveal Trailer 

Madden 26 Official Reveal Trailer

Wide Receiver Xavier Worthy dodging a tackle in an action-packed moment from Madden NFL 26, with EA Sports and NFLPA logos visible.

madden_nfl_26_buy_screenshot4

Jayden Daniels in a Commanders uniform, number 5, prepares to throw a pass in Madden NFL 26. The stadium is filled with fans wearing yellow, creating a lively background. Logos appear below.

madden_nfl_26_buy_screenshot1

Running Back Saquon Barkley running through snow, holding the ball, pursued by a player in a yellow and green jersey (#33). Madden NFL 26 logo and NFLPA logo are visible at the bottom.

madden_nfl_26_buy_screenshot2

Split image of two football coaches in Madden NFL 26, featuring Andy Reid in a Kansas City Chiefs outfit holding a playbook and Nick Sirianni in a Philadelphia Eagles hoodie, both wearing headsets.

madden_nfl_26_buy_screenshot3

T.J Watt from the Pittsburgh Steelers celebrates by leaping in the air, with a stadium background. The image is from Madden NFL 26, featuring EA Sports and NFLPA logos.

madden_nfl_26_buy_screenshot5

Justin Jefferson from the Minnesota Vikings runs onto the field, surrounded by smoke and purple lighting in a stadium filled with cheering fans. Madden NFL 26 logo is visible.

madden_nfl_26_buy_screenshot6

Buy EA SPORTS™ Madden NFL 26 - Electronic Arts

EA SPORTS™ Madden NFL 26

Image showing the NFL Logo, featuring the letters NFL in red beneath 8 white stars and a white football on a white and blue shield.

NFL Logo

Image of the NFLPA logo, featuring a white outline of a football player on a red background, above the letters NFLPA.

NFLPA

Standard Edition

EA-APP

Buy Now*

A dynamic football scene from Madden NFL 26 shows a player in a green uniform leaping over another player during an intense game. The background is filled with cheering fans and stadium lights.

madden_nfl_26_standard_coverart

Madden NFL 26 Trailer

Madden NFL 26

Advertising


Live the entire football journey with the Kickoff Bundle. Go from high school recruit to Heisman with the College Football 26 Standard Edition, then take your talents to the league and play your way to the Super Bowl in the Madden NFL 26 Standard Edition. Make game day, every day. 


Learn More

Composite image of the standard edition cover images of Madden NFL 26 featuring Saquon Barkley and College Football 26 featuring Jeremiah Smith and Ryan Williams.

EA SPORTS™ Kickoff Bundle 16x9

Buy the Kickoff Bundle

Sales

Buy Now

Live the entire football journey with the Kickoff Bundle. Includes the Madden NFL 26 Standard Edition and EA SPORTS™ College Football 26 Standard Edition.

Cross Sell

EA SPORTS™ Madden NFL 26 leverages a new AI-powered machine learning system trained on  thousands of plays from nearly a decade of real NFL data to deliver more explosive gameplay—with new player-specific traits, authentic playstyles, and adaptive counters that match on-field tendencies and strategies of NFL quarterbacks and coaches.

From the Skol chant in Minnesota to the light show in Baltimore, immerse yourself in new presentation across the NFL including game-impacting weather, team traditions, and dynamic halftime shows with Scott Hanson.

Built from Sundays. Real NFL data powers the realest Madden to date.


Madden NFL X

Madden NFL YouTube

Madden NFL Instagram

Madden NFL Twitch

Madden NFL Facebook

 See the latest in EA SPORTS™ Madden NFL 26.

Madden NFL 26 Most Feared Challenge promotional image featuring the EA Sports logo and MCS crown logo.

m26-mcs-most-feared-challenge

Most Feared Challenge

Play trials of select new games for up to 10 hours.

Unlimited access to a collection of top EA titles.

Score new rewards every month in the hottest EA titles.

Save 10% off EA digital purchases—including game downloads, points packs, and DLC.

Image of the EA Play logo, featuring the EA logo in a coral-colored circle and the word Play in coral lettering on a blue background with a coral gradient.

EA Play

Day 1 access to full, premium editions of select new games, packed with added content and extras.

Unlimited access to a library of premium edition EA titles.

Image of the EA Play PRO logo, featuring the EA logo in a coral-colored circle and the words Play Pro in coral lettering on a blue background with a coral gradient.

EA Play Pro Logo

EA Play Pro

PC Download


Feeling stuck with your current team? Here&#39;s how to request a trade in Madden NFL 26&#39;s Superstar mode.

Your career progresses through chapters, with every action building your influence. Perform well, hit your targets, and gain your agent&#39;s trust. Once you&#39;ve earned enough influence, you&#39;ll unlock the option to request a trade at the end of the season.

Take control of your career. Choose the team you want to join, and your agent will handle the rest. You&#39;ll be playing for your new team before the next season starts.

Keep in mind, getting traded in Superstar mode brings new challenges: a new playbook, new coaches, and potentially earning your spot again.

Madden NFL 26&#39;s Superstar mode is about your journey. Career chapters, Game Day Beats, and your Sphere of Influence all contribute to your legacy. When you’re ready for a change, build your influence and make the call.








 Image of a player in Madden 26 wearing a blue and white jersey alongside the Madden NFL 26 logo and the words How to Request a trade in Superstar Mode.

M26 Tips Request a trade in Superstar Mode

How to get your player traded in Madden 26 Superstar mode


After leaving your mark in *College Football 26*, it&#39;s time to take the next step. Whether you finish your junior or senior season, you’ll have the opportunity to bring your custom player into *Madden 26* and chase greatness in the NFL.
## **Step 1: Transfer to Madden 26**

- Once you wrap up your college career, launch *Madden 26*.
- Head into **Superstar Mode** and select the **position** you transferred over.
- You&#39;ll see a summary of your **college stats, accolades, and accomplishments**.

## **Step 2: Customize Your Player**

- Before hitting the field, you’ll be able to fully customize your NFL version of the player.
- Choose or modify your:

    - **Archetype**
    - **Skills**
    - **Body type**

- This allows you to tailor your pro build exactly how you want before entering the draft process.

## **Step 3: NFL Combine**

- Once your player is set, you’ll get the chance to participate in the full **NFL Combine**.
- Execute each drill with precision to boost your draft stock and showcase your talent.
- The better your performance, the higher your chances of being selected early in the draft.

## **Step 4: Begin Your NFL Career**

- After the Combine, it’s time to prove yourself on Sundays.
- Make plays, earn your reps, and build your legacy as the league’s next great superstar.


Transferring from *College Football 26* to *Madden 26* lets you carry your story forward — from Saturdays under the lights to becoming a legend in the NFL


Madden 26 screenshot showing a player in black wearing number 26 and options to create a new career as a player in various positions.

M26 Tips How to transfer players from College Football To Madden 26 Superstar Mode

How to Transfer Your Player from College Football 26 to Madden 26


With all the available game modes in Madden 26 Ultimate Team to play it’s important to find the ones you enjoy the most. In this video I go over everything that’s available and all of the rewards that come with playing each game mode.

- Solo Challenges - Shorter game experiences matching up against the CPU to earn rewards from the latest programs in MUT 26
- Events - A combination of H2H and vs CPU game modes reflecting ongoing programs with pack and coin rewards
- Vs CPU - Take on the CPU and earn rewards in new game modes like Solo Champions and Solo Seasons - The Run
- Head 2 Head - For all the competitive players! Take on other users in H2H Seasons, play with your friends in Squad Seasons or go after the best players in the world in H2H Ranked






Madden 26 Ultimate Team screenshot showing game node selection with options to choose the difficultly level for Solo Champions.

M26 Tips Best MUT game modes

The Best Game Modes To Play In Madden 26 Ultimate Team


Team building in Madden 26 Ultimate Team is more important than ever. Check out the lineup tools and game modes to play to earn players for your MUT 26 squad!

- Earn free pack and player rewards from things like Solo Challenges and Field Passes
- Visit the store for packs containing the latest items in MUT 26
- Head over to your lineup screen and add the latest players you acquired onto your roster and hit the field with them





 Madden 26 in-game screenshot showing an Ultimate Team screen with information on building your MUT team and displaying a selection of player items.

M26 Tips how to build team MUT

How To Build & Upgrade Your Team Madden 26 Ultimate Team


This year in Madden Ultimate Team 26 there are a ton of different ways to play and earn free rewards to build your team!

- Focus on Field Passes and Field Pass objectives to earn the latest rewards in MUT 26
- Find the game modes you enjoy playing the most like Solo Challenges, H2H Events or the new Solo Champions mode to get pack and coin rewards






 Madden 26 in-game screenshot showing an Ultimate Team screen with info on earning coins and displaying the player card for JJ McCarthy.

M26 Tips how to earn rewards

 How To Earn Coins & Rewards In Madden 26 Ultimate Team


Whether its Season Pass Players or Welcome Pack Items this is how you upgrade players in Madden 26 Ultimate Team.

- Acquire base item (Welcome packs, Field pass objectives, Solo Challenges, Events)
- Go to upgrade path of base item
- Add required tokens (or items) to upgrade the player





Madden 26 in-game screenshot showing the player item for Khalil Mack, along with info on how to upgrade an item in MUT.

M26 Tips how to upgrade items

How to Upgrade Items in Madden 26 Ultimate Team


Let’s break down the Top 3 Offensive X-Factors you need to know about in Madden 26. Whether you’re slinging dots, going deep in single coverage, or breaking ankles in space, these are the abilities that can turn any drive into a highlight reel.
## **Run &amp; Gun**

Run &amp; Gun gives you perfect accuracy when throwing on the run.

Superstars like Joe Burrow thrive outside the pocket and with this X-Factor, they can hit tight windows on the move with laser precision.

Run &amp; Gun ability is perfect for players who love to scramble, roll out, and create big plays off-script.  If you like to extend plays and still deliver dimes, Run &amp; Gun is the move.
## **Double Me**

Double Me grants **dominant catch animations in single coverage**.

That means players like **Justin Jefferson** become an absolute nightmare for DBs. You throw a pass, he goes and gets it.

Ideal for aggressive players who love to throw deep and trust their superstar receivers to win 1v1.  If you want highlight catches and huge momentum swings, Double Me delivers.
## **Phenom**

Phenom ability gives a **high chance to win the first interaction** with a defender.

Players like **Saquon Barkley** can take full advantage with jukes, stiff arms, spin moves, or other ball carrier moves.

Once your player is hot, he can shred defenders in every way imaginable.This X-Factor gives you that same game-breaking energy.

Perfect for versatile backs or WRs who win with shiftiness and explosion.


  Madden 26 in-game screenshot showing the stats and X-Factor ability for Justin Jefferson of the Minnesota Vikings.

M26 Tips Top 3 Offensive X-Factors

Top 3 Offensive X-Factors in Madden 26


Let’s break down the Top 3 Defensive X-Factors you need to know about in Madden NFL 26.

Whether you love sending pressure or locking down the field in coverage, these are the abilities that’ll completely change your defensive game this year.
## **#3 – Dual Threat**

Dual Threat gives you a higher chance to defeat pass blocks and disrupt catches.

When players like Micah Parsons get activated, they become a nightmare in every phase. You’ll feel the pressure in the pass rush and in coverage.

Great for hybrid defenders who can blitz, cover, and move all over the field. Micah’s the prototype — and this X-Factor reflects how dangerous those guys really are.
## **#2 – Blitz**

When activated, it wipes resistance bars from all blockers on the field.That means if you’ve got a player like Dexter Lawrence, every offensive lineman is in trouble.

Perfect for collapsing the pocket fast and consistently. This is a momentum-changer — use it right, and the offense won’t know what hit them.
## **#1 – Universal Coverage**

Boosts coverage ability and catch knockouts in both man and zone.

It’s the ultimate shutdown X-Factor, and still one of the most dangerous in the game.

Players like Fred Warner are elite because they can handle anything the offense throws at them — sideline to sideline, zone or man.

If you want to take away the middle of the field, dominate with knockouts, or bait throws like a pro, Universal Coverage is the one to use.






 Madden 26 in-game screenshot showing the stats and X-Factor ability for Myles Garrett of the Cleveland Browns.

M26 Tips Top Three Defensive X-factors

Top 3 Defensive X-Factors in Madden NFL 26


Let’s talk about **celebrations and hotspots** in Madden 26 from open-field swag to brand-new endzone animations.

This year, there are more ways than ever to style on your opponent after a big play. Here&#39;s how to make it happen.
## **Celebrating on the Way to the Endzone**

Hold **both shoulder buttons** + **X on PlayStation** (or **A on Xbox**) while running.

Perfect for wide-open breakaways or showing out after making someone miss.

It’s a great way to add personality to your game before you even score.
## **New - Madden 26 Hotspot Celebrations**

Once you hit the endzone, Madden 26 introduces **9 new hotspots** you can sprint to each one tied to unique celebration animations.

Examples include:

- **Boxing the goalpost**
- Custom team-specific animations
- Endzone boundary dances and more


Where you run matters — each corner or edge has its own animation trigger.
## **Full Celebration Menu**

From the **pause menu**, head over to the **Celebrations** tab to see everything that’s available.

Here’s what you’ll find:

- **Touchdown celebrations**
- **First Down celebrations**
- **Interception celebrations**


There are over **20 solo celebrations,** plus additional animations tied to **hotspots** around the field

Whether you’re scoring, getting a stop, or picking off a pass  there’s a celebration for the moment.






Madden 26 screenshot showing Minnesota Vikings receiver Justin Jefferson celebrating after scoring a touchdown.

M26 Tips How to celebrate

How to Celebrate in Madden 26


In Madden 26, we&#39;re equipping you to dominate your rebuilds—from scouting top talent to executing major trades.
## **Scouting Essentials**

To excel in scouting, start by clearing out your scouting team each season. Rehire scouts based on your team’s needs and the strengths of the draft class. Always assign your **Tier 3 scout** nationally for maximum coverage and value. Use the **Regional Breakdown** screen to allocate your Tier 2 and Tier 1 scouts.

Each scout specializes in two positions. Match these specialties to the strongest positions in their regions for improved efficiency. Remember these key weeks:

- **Week 1:** Hire &amp; assign scouts

- **Week 3:** Focus on regional scouting

- **Week 8:** Focus on national scouting

- **Week 13:** Select 3 players for focused scouting

As you progress, your scouting information becomes more detailed:

- **20%:** Archetype identified

- **45%:** Skill grade ranges

- **70%:** Narrowed skill ranges

- **90%:** Revealed draft talent

- **100%:** Exact letter grades

**Mock drafts** occur five times per season. Use them to monitor player trends, but remember: projections don’t equal talent. A projected first-rounder might be a Day 3 bust without deep scouting.

**Pro Tip:** Look for traits in player notes such as “elite throw power” or “avoids sacks” to identify potential stars.

**Private Workouts** happen during the free agency recap. Manually select three players for workouts—don’t let the CPU decide. This is your chance to distinguish true talent from hype.
## **Trading Strategies**

Leverage the **Trade Finder** tool—it’s a hidden gem. Match salaries, review contracts, and check years remaining to prevent cap hits. If a deal needs adjustment, use **X/Square** to counter and refine the offer.

For an O-line upgrade, trade a player with one year left for someone with more potential. For example, swapping Jalen Ramsey for Peter Skoronski secures your lineup and future control.
## **Building a Winning Roster**

There’s no wrong way to build your team. But by scouting smartly, making strategic trades, and utilizing your tools, you’ll create a super team ready to chase the Lombardi Trophy.






Image of a game screen showing College Players eligible to be scouted for a pro team in Madden NFL 26.

M26 Tips Scouting, Drafting and Trading Tips

  Scouting and Trading tips in Madden 26

## **Read the coverage**
Learning to read defenses is crucial in Madden 26, and you can master it in three simple steps:

1. **Count the Safeties:**

- One safety deep usually indicates Cover 1 or Cover 3.
- Two safeties suggest Cover 2, Cover 4, or Cover 2 Man.


2. **Use Motion or Formation Flip:**

- If a defender follows your receiver, it&#39;s man coverage. If not, it&#39;s zone.
- For one-high safety and a defender follows, it&#39;s Cover 1. No follow means Cover 3.
- With two-high safeties, a follow indicates Cover 2 Man. No follow likely means Cover 2 or Cover 4.


3. **Check Corner Depth:**

- Corners 7–10 yards off often signal Cover 4.
- Corners at 5–6 yards usually mean Cover 2.

## **Slot Fade Bombing**

Here&#39;s how to defeat common defenses using the slot fade hot route:

**Bombing Cover 2:**

- Assign a slot fade to your slot receiver and a streak to the inside receiver.
- After the snap, wait for the safety to pull in, then throw the slot fade for a big gain.


**Bombing Cover 3 and Cover 4:**

- Use a deep out route for your outside receiver and stem the slot fade four times.
- The outside corner will pull down, allowing you to throw the slot fade over the top.

## **Blocking Common Blitzes**

To block common blitzes effectively:

- Against heavy blitzes, block your tight end.
- For overload blitzes to one side, half-slide your protection in that direction with the right stick.
- If blitzes come through the middle, flick the right stick up for empty protection.

## **Improve Your Pocket Presence**

A strong pocket presence is vital for a successful offense. Here&#39;s how to improve it:

- Practice against a four-man rush in practice mode.
- Hold the left stick up before the snap to take your first step forward. This prevents bad habits and gives you more time to throw and scramble.

## **Don’t Hold R2**

Avoid holding the right trigger behind the line of scrimmage for better performance:

- When running, holding the trigger lets the defensive line win their shed attempts, reducing your yardage.
- When passing, it enables the defensive line to win their pass rush, increasing the risk of a sack.
- Refrain from using the right trigger to burst through open holes in the run game and gain extra time in the pocket during the pass game.






Madden 26 screenshot showing Miami Dolphins receiver Tyreek Hill watching the ball come down while he is pursued by an opponent from the New York Jets.

M26 Tips Top Five Offensive Tips

Top 5 Offense Tips in Madden NFL 26


Here are 5 pro-level defensive tips to take your Madden 26 game to the next level.
## **Run Fits**

Start by using defensive run fits to shut down your opponent’s running game. 

In Cover 2, the outside corners are involved in run fits, making it effective against outside runs. 

Cover 3 includes one safety in a run fit, while Cover 4 has two safeties, making them ideal for stopping inside runs. In man coverage, players react to the run based on their awareness ratings, so it’s best when you have a strong overall defense.
## **3-Man Pass Rush**

This tip is about achieving a pass rush with only three players. If done incorrectly, your opponent will have ample time to make a play. To succeed, blitz your user and approach the line, creating the illusion of being a pass rusher. This tactic will prompt the defensive line to shed blocks aggressively.
## **Defensive Line Stunts**

For those who prefer direct pressure instead of relying on sheds, use the new defensive line stunt feature. To set up a stunt, press left on the d-pad and the right bumper. Navigate through different stunts using the d-pad. A popular choice among pros is the Texas 4 Man stunt, where defensive ends aim to penetrate through the middle effectively.
## **Man Shading and Route Committing**

If you favor man coverage, this tip will help you shade your defense and commit defenders to specific routes. Press Triangle or Y, then use the right stick to choose shading options: overtop, underneath, inside, or outside. For instance, if you’re struggling against outside routes, shade outside to counter them. When shading isn’t enough, use route committing by pressing the right bumper and flicking the left stick inside or outside. Guess correctly, and your defense will effectively cover the route; guess incorrectly, and you risk getting beaten.
## **Custom Zones**

Explore the new custom zones feature and some strategies for utilizing them. To customize a player’s zone, press Triangle or Y twice, select the player, hold the left bumper, and move the left stick down to shorten the zone or up to extend it. This is useful for adjusting short-side hook zones to cover drags crossing the field. Additionally, you can deploy hard flats on one side while adjusting the other side to counter deep routes.



Madden 26 Ultimate Team screenshot showing New York Jets quarterback Justin Fields being tackled by Kyle Van Noy of the Ravens.

M26 Tips Top 5 defensive tips

Top 5 Defense Tips in Madden NFL 26


There are 3 ways to Show Blitz in Madden 26. This helps you disguise your blitzes in a variety of ways. 
## Show blitz for the linebackers

Press right on the D-Pad then RB on Xbox / R1 on PlayStation. This will move the linebackers closer to the line of scrimmage.
## To show blitz for the secondary

Press Y on Xbox /△ then RB on Xbox / R1 on PlayStation. This will move the entire secondary closer to the line of scrimmage.
## Universally show blitz

Press RB on Xbox / R1 on PlayStation then RB / R1. This will move the linebackers and safeties towards the line of scrimmage.


 Madden 26 in-game screenshot showing Steelers linebacker Alex Highsmith attempting to rush the Chicago Bears quarterback.

M26 Tips how to show blitz

How to Show Blitz in Madden NFL 26

Knowing when and how to go for an interception or a swat is crucial to winning games in Madden 26.

Here is how to swat and intercept the football:

- If you’re a couple yards away from a receiver, press X on Xbox / ▢ on PlayStation to swat the ball down.
- If you’re playing tight coverage on a receiver, press Y on Xbox / △ on PlayStation to intercept the ball.

Madden 26 in-game screenshot showing DaRon Bland of the Cowboys making an interception against the Chargers.