Mastering the controls in Madden 25 can be the key to winning games and dominating the field. But with so many different actions, buttons, and advanced maneuvers, learning all the commands can feel overwhelming. This guide breaks down everything you need to know about the controls for PlayStation and Xbox, helping you take your Madden game to the next level.
TL;DR: Key Takeaways
- Get a quick rundown on core offensive and defensive controls to improve your Madden 25 gameplay.
- Learn advanced commands for plays, ball carrier moves, and tackling to outplay opponents.
- Master pre-play commands to control audibles, hot routes, and line adjustments.
Offense Controls: Execute Your Plays with Precision
Basic Offense Controls for PlayStation and Xbox
Starting with the basics, these core offense controls will help you navigate, snap the ball, and make simple throws with confidence.
- Snap Ball
- PlayStation: X
- Xbox: A
- Show Play Art
- PlayStation: L2
- Xbox: Left Trigger
- Call Timeout
- PlayStation: Touchpad
- Xbox: Options Button
Passing Controls: Delivering the Ball with Accuracy
Passing is the heart of Madden gameplay. To make the perfect pass, it’s essential to understand the various throwing options.
- Lob Pass: Tap the receiver’s button (Square, Triangle, Circle, X) for a high pass.
- Bullet Pass: Hold the receiver’s button for a faster, tighter throw.
- Touch Pass: Press and release the receiver’s button quickly for a balanced throw.
Pro Tip: Use High Pass (L1 on PS, Left Bumper on Xbox) or Low Pass (L2 on PS, Left Trigger on Xbox) to place the ball precisely where defenders can’t reach it. This is especially useful in the red zone when defenders are crowding your receivers.
Ball Carrier Controls: Mastering Jukes, Spins, and Sprints
Once you’ve got the ball, the next step is maneuvering to get downfield. Use these essential ball carrier controls to avoid defenders.
- Sprint
- PlayStation: R2
- Xbox: Right Trigger
- Juke Left/Right
- PlayStation: Right Stick Left/Right
- Xbox: Right Stick Left/Right
- Stiff Arm
- PlayStation: X
- Xbox: A
- Spin Move
- PlayStation: Circle
- Xbox: B
Advanced Ball Carrier Tips
For seasoned players, pulling off advanced moves like the Truck and Hurdle can be game-changers.
- Truck (Power through tacklers): Right Stick Up
- Hurdle (Jump over defenders): Triangle (PlayStation) / Y (Xbox)
- Dead Leg: Right Stick Down (unique to consoles)
Secret Tip: For added style and intimidation, hold L2 (PS) or Left Trigger (Xbox) to enter Celebration Mode. But beware—if you’re tackled mid-celebration, it’s game over for that play!
Defense Controls: Shut Down Opponents with Style
Basic Defense Controls for PlayStation and Xbox
Defense is about timing, strategy, and knowing when to make a big move. These basic defense controls will help you tackle, cover, and intercept like a pro.
- Switch Player
- PlayStation: Circle
- Xbox: B
- Defensive Assist
- PlayStation: L1
- Xbox: Left Bumper
- Dive Tackle
- PlayStation: Square
- Xbox: X
Advanced Defense Controls: Mastering Coverage and Tackles
With advanced defensive controls, you can blitz, cover, or take down even the most elusive opponents.
- Strafe (line up the tackle): Hold L2 (PlayStation) / Left Trigger (Xbox)
- Ball Hawk (for interceptions): Triangle (PlayStation) / Y (Xbox)
- Hit Stick (for big hits): Flick Right Stick Up
Pro Insight: Use Ball Hawk mode when you’re in a close one-on-one situation. Press and hold Triangle or Y to increase your chances of intercepting the ball, especially on deep passes.
Pre-Play Controls: Make Strategic Adjustments
Pre-Play Offense Adjustments
Pre-play controls give you the ability to make adjustments before the snap, allowing you to read the defense and set up better plays.
- Audible (change the play)
- PlayStation: Square
- Xbox: X
- Hot Route (customize a receiver’s route)
- PlayStation: Triangle
- Xbox: Y
- Fake Snap (to draw defenders offside)
- PlayStation: R1
- Xbox: Right Bumper
Pre-Play Defense Adjustments
These defensive pre-play commands can help you counter any offensive setup.
- Shift Defensive Line
- PlayStation: L1 + Left Stick
- Xbox: Left Bumper + Left Stick
- Shift Linebackers
- PlayStation: R1 + Left Stick
- Xbox: Right Bumper + Left Stick
Game-Changing Tip: Use hot routes to change a receiver’s assignment based on the defensive alignment. If you spot a mismatch, a quick hot route can turn an average play into a touchdown.
Special Teams Controls: Mastering Kicks and Punts
Special teams play a huge role in controlling the field, especially in close games. Here’s a breakdown of essential controls for kicking, punting, and special teams plays.
- Kick Power: Hold the kick button, then release at the power level you desire.
- Aim: Use the Left Stick to adjust your kick direction.
- Fake Kick (field goals/punts)
- PlayStation: Square
- Xbox: X
- Squib Kick
- PlayStation: Hold R1
- Xbox: Hold Right Bumper
Player Locked Controls: Take Control of Individual Players
When controlling just one player, Madden 25 allows for greater flexibility and skill moves. The Player Lock feature enhances realism by letting you experience the game from a single-player perspective.
- Footfire Release (for a quick start)
- PlayStation: Right Stick
- Xbox: Right Stick
- Call for Ball (if you’re a receiver)
- PlayStation: X
- Xbox: A
Player Lock Mode is particularly useful in multiplayer games when each player on a team takes control of an individual player. This feature allows each teammate to use their skills without relying on AI decisions, adding to the realism and competitive excitement.
Essential Tips and Strategies for Mastering Madden 25 Controls
1. Customize Your Control Layout
Every player has a unique style, so try experimenting with custom control schemes to fit your preferences. Some gamers find alternative button mappings more intuitive, making them feel more in control of key plays.
2. Use Practice Mode
The only way to truly master these controls is to get reps in. Use Madden 25’s Practice Mode to work on timing, test control combinations, and learn muscle memory for more complex actions.
3. Read the Defense Pre-Snap
One pro move is to use pre-play controls to show the play art. This lets you read the defensive alignment and anticipate how the play might develop, so you can call audibles or hot routes accordingly.
4. Master the Hit Stick and Ball Hawk Techniques
Defensive success in Madden often comes down to timing. The Hit Stick (Right Stick Up) and Ball Hawk (Triangle/Y) are essential for big plays but require precise timing. Practice using these moves to get familiar with when to deploy them effectively.
5. Celebrate Smartly
Celebrations are fun, but they come with risk. Use celebration controls only when you’re sure you won’t be tackled. They add style but can lead to turnovers if misused.
Conclusion: Taking Your Madden 25 Game to the Next Level
Mastering Madden 25 controls on PlayStation and Xbox is all about practice, timing, and understanding the flow of the game. By honing your control over each play and making adjustments on the fly, you’ll become a more versatile and strategic player. Whether you’re throwing a Hail Mary, intercepting a deep pass, or stiff-arming a defender, these controls and tips give you the tools to dominate on the field.
FAQs
How can I improve my passing in Madden 25?
Use touch passes and practice high/low passes to improve your precision. Practice Mode can help you learn timing.
What is the best way to force turnovers?
Use the Hit Stick (Right Stick Up) for fumbles and Ball Hawk (Triangle/Y) for interceptions to increase your chances.
How do I change a receiver’s route in Madden 25?
Press Triangle (PlayStation) or Y (Xbox), select the receiver, and assign a new route for customized play adjustments.
How can I shift my defensive line?
Hold L1 (PlayStation) or Left Bumper (Xbox), then use the Left Stick to shift the line in the desired direction.
What does the Player Lock feature do?
Player Lock lets you control just one player, ideal for simulating a realistic experience or focusing on a specific role.