Madden 23 Controls Guide (PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X|S)

By Patches ChanceUS Sports Editor

Another year brings similar Madden 23 controls, though many of the nuances of how you'll use them have changed.

We've got details on everything in this Madden 23 Controls Guide, and some more advanced guides if you're looking to step things up a notch.

Latest - Skill Guides

We're now over a week into Madden 23, and this year's game has clearly changed gameplay in major ways.

If you're looking for a little more guidance on how to execute specific moves or navigating the Skill Based Passing system, we've got more details in the guides below:

If you're wondering how the full game looked to us, you can find our official Madden 23 Review here.

Madden 23 Controls Guide for PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X|S

If you were familiar with the controls for Madden 22, there's good news as very little has changed in the core Madden 23 controls.

There are some nuanced adjustments like Skill Based Passing which uses the duration of a pass button press and movement of the stick during that press to pinpoint an exact location, but that's not outlined in the controls and is only for PS5 and Xbox Series X|S.

BUY NOW: Get Madden 23 and start your journey today

Here are all the Madden 23 controls you'll need for PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X|S.

Madden 23 Controls: Offense

When you're handling things on the offensive side of the ball, the Madden 23 controls are key in getting extra yardage.

Utilizing a properly timed Truck or Jurdle can make a massive difference when you're trying to move down the field.

Ball Carrier Controls

Whether you've got the ball as a quarterback, receiver, or running back, these are the Madden 23 controls you'll need to keep things moving.

PS4 / PS5

The Ball Carrier controller layout for PS4 in Madden 23
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JUKE: Shift your way through the defense in Madden 23
  • Stiff Arm - X
  • Dive - ■
  • Spin - O or Rotate RS
  • Hurdle - ▲
  • Jurdle* - ▲+LS
  • Pitch - L1
  • Sprint - R2
  • Protect Ball - R1
  • Truck - RS Up
  • Dead Leg - RS Down
  • Juke Left - RS Left
  • Juke Right - RS Right

Xbox One / Xbox Series X|S

The Ball Carrier layout for Xbox in Madden 23
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SPIN: Take control of the field in Madden 23
  • Stiff Arm - A
  • Dive - X
  • Spin - B or rotate RS
  • Hurdle - Y
  • Jurdle* - Y+LS
  • Pitch - LB
  • Sprint - RT
  • Protect Ball - RB
  • Truck - RS Up
  • Dead Leg - RS Down
  • Juke Left - RS Left
  • Juke Right - RS Right

Blocking Controls

You won't often be taking over the offensive line yourself, but doing so in the right moments can provide the perfectly necessary block.

PS4 / PS5

The blocking layout for PS4 in Madden 23
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PANCAKES: Lay some clean blocks in Madden 23
  • Player Movement - LS
  • Switch Player - O
  • Aggressive Impact Block - RS Up
  • Aggressive Cut Block - RS Down

Xbox One / Xbox Series X|S

The Blocking layout for Xbox in Madden 23
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CUT BLOCKS: Make open lanes for your runners with good blocking
  • Player Movement - LS
  • Switch Player - B
  • Aggressive Impact Block - RS Up
  • Aggressive Cut Block - RS Down

Catching Controls

While Skill Based Passing has made some slight adjustments, you'll still be using the same Madden 23 controls in determining which kind of catch to make.

PS4 / PS5

The catching layout for PS4 in Madden 23
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MAKE THE CATCH: Focus on using aggressive catches in Madden 23
  • Sprint - R2
  • Strafe - L2
  • Aggressive Catch - ▲
  • Run After Catch - ■
  • Switch Player - O
  • Possession Catch - X

Xbox One / Xbox Series X|S

The ball in the air guide for Xbox on Madden 23
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IN THE AIR: Come down with the pass in Madden 23
  • Sprint - RT
  • Strafe - LT
  • Aggressive Catch - Y
  • Run After Catch - X
  • Switch Player - B
  • Possession Catch - A

Passing Controls

As one of the most important aspects of the Madden 23 controls, knowing what to do when passing is crucial.

If you're on PS5 or Xbox Series X|S, you'll have Skill Based Passing in addition to these controls and be able to use the duration of your button press and left stick when pressing it to determine those finer details.

You can also adjust Skill Based Passing in the game settings to be a bit more complicated or turn it off entirely in favor of the classic passing mechanics.

The details for Bullet, Touch, and Lob Passes shown below still come into play if you're using Classic, and in Skill Based the button press duration does correlate to the same types.

PS4 / PS5

Madden 23 controls
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PUMP FAKE: Make sure you get the ball down the field as a passer
  • Low Pass - Receiver Icon + Hold L2
  • High Pass - Receiver Icon + Hold L1
  • Bullet Pass - Hold Receiver Icon
  • Touch Pass - Press Receiver Icon
  • Lob Pass -Tap Receiver Icon
  • Scramble - LS + R2
  • Pump Fake - Double Tap Receiver Icon
  • Throw Away - R3
  • Throw (Receiver 1) - X
  • Throw (Receiver 2) - O
  • Throw (Receiver 3) - ■
  • Throw (Receiver 4) - ▲
  • Throw (Receiver 5) - R1

Xbox One / Xbox Series X|S

The XBOX passing controls layout for Madden 22 Madden 23 controls
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MODIFIERS: Pay close attention to the Low Pass and High Pass modifiers
  • Low Pass - Receiver Icon + Hold LT
  • High Pass - Receiver Icon + Hold LB
  • Bullet Pass - Hold Receiver Icon
  • Touch Pass - Press Receiver Icon
  • Lob Pass - Tap Receiver Icon
  • Scramble - LS + RT
  • Pump Fake - Double Tap Receiver Icon
  • Throw Away - R3
  • Throw (Receiver 1) - A
  • Throw (Receiver 2) - B
  • Throw (Receiver 3) - X
  • Throw (Receiver 4) - Y
  • Throw (Receiver 5) - RB

Player Locked Receiver Controls

You'll primarily be working with a player locked situation in Ultimate Team or Face of the Franchise, but it's good to know these Madden 23 controls just in case.

PS4 / PS5

The player locked receiver controls for PS4 in Madden 22 Madden 23 controls
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LOCKED IN: Make moves off the line as a receiver in Madden 23
  • Individual Play Art - L2
  • Just-Go Release - R2
  • Player Lock - Double Press L3
  • Route Running/Move Player - LS
  • Change up (on the line) - Flick RS
  • Foot Fire (on the line) - Hold RS
  • Conservative Change-up Release - X
  • Cut Out of Press (off the line) - Flick RS

Xbox One / Xbox Series X|S

The player locked receiving controls for Xbox Madden 23 controls
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JUST-GO: Release off the line in a hurry with this release
  • Individual Play Art - LT
  • Just-Go Release - RT
  • Player Lock - Double Press L3
  • Route Running/Move Player - LS
  • Change up (on the line) - Flick RS
  • Foot Fire (on the line) - Hold RS
  • Conservative Change-up Release - A
  • Cut Out of Press (off the line) - Flick RS

Pre-Play Offense Controls

While big plays can come after the snap, knowing how to change your gameplan on the fly can make a major difference if you see a defense you can exploit.

PS4 / PS5

The guide to preplay offense for PS4 in Madden 23 Madden 23 controls
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HOT ROUTE: Make sure you change the right players route in Madden 23
  • Motion Player - LS Left or Right (Hold)
  • Player Lock - Double Press L3
  • Pass Protection - L1
  • Show Play Art - L2
  • Fake Snap - R1
  • X-Factor Vision - R2
  • Hot Route - ▲
  • Audible - ■
  • Switch Player - O
  • Snap Ball - X
  • Pre-Play Menu - R3
  • Timeout - Touchpad
  • Camera Zoom In - D-pad down
  • Camera Zoom Out - D-pad up

Xbox One / Xbox Series X|S

The preplay offense controller layout for Xbox on Madden 22 Madden 23 controls
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AUDIBLE: Check which button applies to your console when using an audible!
  • Motion Player - LS Left or Right (Hold)
  • Player Lock - Double Press L3
  • Pass Protection - LB
  • Show Play Art - LT
  • Fake Snap - RB
  • X-Factor Vision - RT
  • Hot Route - Y
  • Audible - X
  • Switch Player - B
  • Snap Ball - A
  • Pre-Play Menu - R3
  • Timeout - Menu Button
  • Camera Zoom In - D-pad down
  • Camera Zoom Out - D-pad up

Madden 23 Controls: Defense

While some players prefer to stick to the line and let their AI defense do most of the work, knowing the Madden 23 controls can help you make the most of every play.

FieldSENSE has upgraded wide receiver and defensive back battles, but the Madden 23 controls themselves remain the same.

Ball in the Air Defensive Controls

You may notice the Madden 23 controls here are the same as catching, but you'll instead be focusing on the Defensive half of the layouts.

PS4 / PS5

Ball in the Air controls for PS4 in Madden 22
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BALL HAWK: Snag key interceptions in Madden 23 this year
  • Sprint - R2
  • Strafe - L2
  • Defensive Assist - L1
  • Ball Hawk - ▲
  • Swat - ■
  • Switch Player - O
  • Play Receiver - X

Xbox One / Xbox Series X|S

The Ball in the Air controls for Xbox in Madden 23
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SWAT: Knock those passes out of the air!
  • Sprint - RT
  • Strafe - LT
  • Defensive Assist - LB
  • Ball Hawk - Y
  • Swat - X
  • Switch Player - B
  • Play Receiver - A

Defensive Coverage Controls

Whether it's in Face of the Franchise or just in a regular game trying to make the right play, it's key to know the Madden 23 controls when in coverage.

PS4 / PS5

The Defensive Coverage Controls for Ps4 in Madden 23
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PRESS: Stop the receiver at the line of scrimmage!
  • Press / Chuck Receiver - X + LS
  • Switch Player - O
  • Player Movement - LS
  • Strafe - L2
  • Defensive Assist - L1

Xbox One / Xbox Series X|S

Defensive Coverage Controls for Xbox in Madden 22 Madden 23 controls
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DOUBLE TEAM: Press the defensive assists button to get help over the top!
  • Press / Chuck Receiver - A + LS
  • Switch Player - B
  • Player Movement - LS
  • Strafe - LT
  • Defensive Assist - LB

Defensive Engaged Controls

The new Hit Everything system on next gen will make each of these moves more impactful, but the Madden 23 controls are the same across console generations.

PS4 / PS5

The Defensive Engaged Controls for PS4 in Madden 22 Madden 23 controls
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BULL RUSH: Get to the quarterback in an instant!
  • Reach Tackle - LS Left or Right + ■
  • Swat - ▲
  • Bull Rush - RS Down
  • Switch Player - O
  • Club/Swim Move - RS Left or Right
  • Rip Move - RS Up
  • Speed Rush - R2
  • Contain - L2

Xbox One / Xbox Series X|S

The Defensive Engaged Controls for Xbox in Madden 22 Madden 23 controls
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SPEED RUSH: Go quickly around the offensive line for an easy sack!
  • Reach Tackle - LS Left or Right + X
  • Swat - Y
  • Bull Rush - RS Down
  • Switch Player - B
  • Club/Swim Move - RS Left or Right
  • Rip Move - RS Up
  • Speed Rush - RT
  • Contain - LT

Defensive Pursuit Controls

If your opponent breaks free, knowing how to bring him down or force a turnover is absolutely essential in Madden 23.

PS4 / PS5

The Defensive Pursuit controls in Madden 22 Madden 23 controls
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STRIP: Force a fumble to get your team back in the game!
  • Strafe - L2
  • Sprint - R2
  • Defensive Assist - L1
  • Strip Ball - R1
  • Breakdown Tackle - X
  • Aggressive / Dive Tackle - ■
  • Switch Player - O
  • Hit Stick - RS Up
  • Cut Stick - RS Down
  • Blow-Up Blocker - RS Flick

Xbox One / Xbox Series X|S

The Defensive Pursuit Layout for Xbox in Madden 22 Madden 23 controls
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HIT STICK: Lay a smack down on your opponent and maybe cause a fumble!
  • Strafe - LT
  • Sprint - RT
  • Defensive Assist - LB
  • Strip Ball - RB
  • Breakdown Tackle - A
  • Aggressive / Dive Tackle - X
  • Switch Player - B
  • Hit Stick - RS Up
  • Cut Stick - RS Down
  • Blow-Up Blocker - RS Flick

Pre-Play Defense Controls

If you spot the opposing offense setting up something very different than you expected, it's valuable to know how to call the right audible and be ready before the snap.

PS4 / PS5

The Preplay Defense Controls for PS4 in Madden 22 Madden 23 controls
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COVERAGE AUDIBLE: Switch from zone defense to man to man with one button!
  • Defensive Keys - L1
  • X-Factor Vision - R2
  • Show Play Art - L2 (Hold)
  • Linebacker Audible - Right D-Pad
  • Defensive Line Audible - Left D-Pad
  • Camera Zoom Out - Up D-Pad
  • Camera Zoom In - Down D-Pad
  • Coverage Audible - ▲
  • Audible - ■
  • Switch Player - O
  • Defensive Hot Route - X
  • Pre-Play Menu - R3
  • Timeout - Touchpad
  • Show / Weak Side Gap Assignment - R2 + X + O
  • Pump Up Crowd - RS Up

Xbox One / Xbox Series X|S

The Preplay Defense Controls for Xbox on Madden 22
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X FACTOR: Activate the X Factor to make a big play on defense!
  • Defensive Keys -LB
  • X-Factor Vision - RT
  • Show Play Art - LT (Hold)
  • Linebacker Audible - Right D-Pad
  • Defensive Line Audible - Left D-Pad
  • Camera Zoom Out - Up D-Pad
  • Camera Zoom In - Down D-Pad
  • Coverage Audible - Y
  • Audible - X
  • Switch Player - B
  • Defensive Hot Route - A
  • Pre-Play Menu - R3
  • Timeout - Menu Button
  • Show / Weak Side Gap Assignment - RT + A + B
  • Pump Up Crowd - RS Up

Madden 23 Special Teams Controls

While the Madden 23 controls in-game aren't displayed for special teams, it's advantageous to know how to make a change when the opportunity arises.

Special Teams Offense: PS4 / PS5

  • Snap / Kick Power / Accuracy - X
  • Switch Player - O
  • Audible - ■
  • Flip Play - ■ + R2
  • Fake Snap - R1

Special Teams Offense: Xbox One / Xbox Series X|S

  • Snap / Kick Power / Accuracy - A
  • Switch Player - B
  • Audible - X
  • Flip Play - X + RT
  • Fake Snap - RB

Special Teams Defense: PS4 / PS5

  • Jumping Block Attempt -▲
  • Switch Player - O
  • Audible - ■
  • Diving Block Attempt - ■
  • Flip Play - ■ + R2
  • Show Play Art / Jump Snap - R2

Special Teams Defense: Xbox One / Xbox Series X|S

  • Jumping Block Attempt - Y
  • Switch Player - B
  • Audible - X
  • Diving Block Attempt - X
  • Flip Play - X + RT
  • Show Play Art / Jump Snap - RT

That now covers all the Madden 23 controls you'll need, so be ready for the arrival of the EA Play Trial as Early Access kicks off.