Basic Controls

Play phase:

Controls:

General Controls:

R2, L2 - toggle players when controlling a blocker, lineman, or defender
R1 - Hold R1 and press the corresponding face button to perform specials. Regular passes are not possible when holding R1 as the QB

Runningback -

() - stiff arm
X - press before getting tackled to do a spin move, timing is very tight

Quarterback -

Targeting Accuracy - When the reticule is in the targeting zone, the percentage will rise to a maximum of 100% This represents how connected the receiver is to where the QB will throw the ball. It's possible to throw the ball as low as 60 or 70%(the higher the QB's tactics the better a low percentage pass will be) however you run a high risk of the ball being intercepted. If you want to throw the ball into double coverage you will need a high percentage. Even at 100% the ball can still be deflected or intercepted. It is possible to lead the receivers just move the cursor to the edge of the zone in the direction you plan to lead them(I usually put the reticule outside the zone)

L1 - Hold to move the targeting reticule with the left analogue stick

/\ - brings down the targeting reticule and allows the QB to scramble.

It's still possible to pass from a scramble but the targeting accuracy will be at 0%. However when you bring up the reticule again the TA will be where you left it. You can not scramble past the line of scrimmage. Scrambling once the line is broken then bringing up the targeting reticule does not work too well. When you reset the reticule you have to re-aim and then throw which takes a lot of time. It may also be possible to fumble the ball when scrambling. It has not happened yet, but it would make sense since you can not fumble the ball in the passing posture. Because interceptions spike considerably when a lineman gets knocked over or they start closing in on the QB, scrambling towards the line of scrimmage is much safer alternative.

() - throws the ball.

You will also throw the ball when the counter reaches 0. There is no penalty for letting the counter run down. However, the pass may come out quicker than usual and be too hard for the receiver to catch sometimes.

What effects the Targeting accuracy?
- bumping the receiver
- The offensive line gets pushed back or knocked down

note: Even though successfully knocking down the opponent's center is difficult, interception rates can still go up especially if your power is much higher than the center's.

Receiver -

() - Jumps for the ball

Simple controls for a somewhat tricky position. As the receiver it can be hard to get enough space from the defense and It's harder to catch under double coverage. The position is at it's best when you only have to deal with single coverage. Creating space is much easier and you can get the max yards for the catch(cpu tends to do comeback routes and basically blow the advantage).

Although they do not show up on the stats, there are other factors to pay attention to. Reach(Habashira), Catch, and Height are all factors(Sakuraba owns Ikkyu for instance).

Cornerback controls-

X - this bumps the receiver

/\ - brings up(or brings down) the bump window.

This is the position you start in and comes down once you have bumped the receiver. You move really slow in this position but the percentage damage is greater than a X bump. Use it for the first bump but ignore it from then on(unless you and the other corner manage to trap the receiver).

() - Jump for the ball

Useful for interceptions and knocking over the receiver. In my opinion this is the hardest position to play. Letting the computer play cornerback usually gives you better results.

Kamaguruma, Shin, Ikkyu, and Habashira are exceptions.

Habashira is excellent when cpu controlled but his ability can come in handy when dealing with a quick QB.

What about the line?

The defensive line acts first. You switch linemen with the analog and then press any of the face buttons. The offensive line must then move to the corresponding linemen and press the same face button before the counter expires. If the offensive linemen presses the button before the hatch mark he will push back the D-Lineman. If he presses the wrong button or does not press it in time the D-Line will push the O-line backwards. Two consecutive pushbacks will create a sky blue. Once you knock down the O-Line you can only control the free lineman(although there is enough time to control one last lineman.

Important line stats:

- Power determines the speed of the counter.
- Tactics determines where the hash mark appears.

ex. The O-Line has higher power and higher tactics. The counter will run slower and the hash mark will be closer to end of the counter.

Line theory -When playing the D- line you can work towards two goals. Work on one lineman and try to get pressure on the QB quickly. The other strategy is to work on multiple lineman and lower the Targeting Accuracy to get an interception. If you get it too low the QB will just throw the ball away.

If both players are playing as the line, the O-line has the advantage since it's really easy to hit the buttons before the window runs down. You really need a huge stat advantage to make it at all difficult.