Madden 26 is finally here, meaning you can enter the gridiron to try out all the new changes that have been implemented. But before you put your cleats on and step into the field, be it in Franchise, Superstar Mode, or the beloved Ultimate Team mode, mastering the controls is something you must do.
The Madden 26 controls are slightly different from ones in previous editions, which makes it even more important to learn their ins and outs. Doing so will give you an advantage over opponents and make it easier to dominate online and offline games.
From blowing out opponents to coming out on top in extremely close games, mastering the Madden 26 controls will help you in plenty of situations. If you want to become an elite Madden 26 player, then our controls guide is perfect for you!
Madden 26 Controls
Just like in previous titles, Madden 26 has two control categories, defense and offense, with each having a few subcategories. All of them are equally important, and you will need to master them to be among the best of the best.
Some of the mechanics can take a while to get the hang of, especially for newcomers, with preplay defense and preplay offense being the two best examples. However, like with everything in life, practice makes perfect, so we advise you to practice the controls in the training camp mode.
Without further ado, let's learn how to master all the Madden 26 controls.
Madden 26 Offense Controls
Offense is the most fun side to play. Who doesn't like to connect with 30+ yard passes, get incredible running plays, convert game-changing 4th downs, and above all, put the ball in the endzone? While all of that sounds and is spectacularly fun, doing it at a consistent rate isn't easy.
If you don't know all of the controls and are facing a good defensive player, it will become pretty annoying or stressful quite quickly. Struggling to convert passes, to establish the running game, and even make field goals are all things that can happen when you haven't mastered the Madden 26 Offense controls.
There are four subcategories of offense controls: ball carrier, passing, preplay, and ball-in-the-air. To become the next Andy Reid, you need to be great at all of them. Luckily, for you, you can find how to do that below.
Ballcarrier Controls
Establishing the running game is fundamental in Madden 26, and you'll need to learn the ballcarrier controls to do just that. If you can move the sticks with solid running plays, the passing lanes will eventually open, as the opponent's defense will need to adjust.
For many, a great running game is the foundation of a successful offense, making the ball carrier's controls especially important.
Passing Controls
Command | Xbox One / Xbox Series X|S Controls | PS4 / PS5 |
|---|---|---|
Free Form (Placement) | LT | L2 |
High Pass Modifier | LB | L1 |
Scramble | Left Stick + RT | Left Stick + R2 |
Receiver 5 | RB | R1 |
Receiver 4 | Y | △ |
Receiver 3 | x |
◻ |
Receiver 2 | B |
O |
Receiver 1 | A | X |
Playmaker | LT + Right Stick | L2 + Right Stick |
Throw Ball Away | Right Stick (press) | R3 |
While having a good running game is fundamental for a successful offense, passing is the bread and butter of today's football, as every team needs to be able to throw the ball in a consistent way to find success in this era of American football.
Throwing a perfect bullet pass, performing a pump fake to deceive defenders, scrambling to get out of pressure situations and get a better look at your target, as well as knowing how to throw the ball away to avoid a sack and maybe even a fumble when pressured, is extremely important.
Without mastering passing in Madden 26, it's impossible to be a great player, let alone an elite Madden player. Doing so will make it much easier to dominate on offense and blow out your opponents off the field, which will help you secure many wins.
Preplay Offense Controls
A big part of having success on offense is to analyze the defense before the snap and make adjustments that give you the best chance at success. Be it to protect your quarterback, to change players' routes, or simply switch players, the Preplay Offense controls are more important than many think.
Ball in Air Controls
Command | Xbox One / Xbox Series X|S Controls | PS4 / PS5 |
|---|---|---|
Sprint | RT
| R2 |
Strafe | LT |
L2 |
Defensive Assist | LB | L1 |
Aggressive Catch (Offense) | Y | △ |
Ball Hawk (Defense) | Y | △ |
Rac (Offense) | X | ◻ |
Swat (Defense) | X | ◻ |
Switch Player | B | O |
Possession Catch (Offense) | A | X |
Play Receiver | A | X |
The ball in the air controls allow you to choose which catch type you're receivers or defenders are going to perform, as well as what type of mechanic defender will use to prevent the pass completion or even go for an interception.
Player Locker Receiver Controls
Command | Xbox One / Xbox Series X|S Control | PS4 / PS5 |
|---|---|---|
Foot Fire Release | LT | L2 |
Just-go Release | RT | R2 |
Player Lock | Left Stick (press two times) | Left Stick (press two times) |
Route Running/Move Player | Left Stick | Left Stick |
Hot Step Release | Right Stick flick hold | Right Stick flick hold |
These Player Locker Receiver controls allow users to control a single receiver, giving them full control of that player. Players can opt out of player lock whenever they want, being able to select other receivers.
This is a great feature if a user wants to exploit a specific matchup, and the user will be the one creating separation and making the catch, controlling every single movement of the receiver who is player locked.
Madden 26 Defense Controls
Defense wins championships, and the recent Super Bowl champions prove just that. While having a great offense is important, if your defense is abysmal, you won't win many games or titles in Madden 26.
Knowing how to stop the run is as important as knowing how to establish it; in the same way, preventing big plays and locking down opponents' passing games is crucial. Being an elite defender means you enter every game with the upper hand, so it's worth taking time to master the defense controls in Madden 26, even more than the offense ones.
Preplay Defense Controls
Command | Xbox One / Xbox Series X|S Controls | PS4 / PS5 |
|---|---|---|
Show Play Art | LT | L2 |
X-Factor Vision | RT | R2 |
Defensive Keys | RB | R1 |
Coverage Audible | Y | △ |
Audible | X | ◻ |
Switch Player | B | O |
Def Hot Route | A |
X |
Pre-Play Menu | RS | R3 |
Call Timeout | View | Select |
Player Lock | Ls (press two times) | L3 (press two times) |
It's very important to make defensive adjustments before the ball is snapped. Changing the coverage, how the offensive line is lined up, switching players, and substituting injured players. Preplay defense controls allow you to change all of that, giving you the best chance at stopping the offense next play.
If you can discover your opponent's tendencies or know the play they are likely going to run, these controls allow you to change your scheme to counter it, helping you to always be one step ahead.
Defensive Engaged Controls
Command | Xbox One / Xbox Series X|S Controls | PS4 / PS5 |
|---|---|---|
Speed Rush | RT | R2 |
Swat | Y | △ |
Switch Player | B | O |
Rip | Right Stick up | Right Stick up |
Bull Rush | Right Stick up and down | Right Stick up and down |
Club/Swim | Right Stick left and right | Right Stick left and right |
These are the controls you use when engaged in a battle with the defensive lineman, covering a receiver, or closing the gap.
Defensive Pursuit Control
Command | Xbox One / Xbox Series X|S Controls | PS4 / PS5 |
|---|---|---|
Strafe | LT | L2 |
Defensive Assist | LB | L1 |
Sprint | RT | R2 |
Strip Ball | RB | R1 |
Dive Tackle | X | ◻ |
Switch Player | B | O |
Breakdown Tackle | A | X |
Hit Stick | Right Stick up | Right Stick up |
Cut Stick | Right Stick down | Right Stick down |
Blow-Up Blocker | Right Stick flick | Right Stick flick |
The defensive pursuit controls are extremely important, as they are the ones you use when pursuing an opponent player, tackling them, or switching to a player who is closer to the ball carrier or to close a passing lane. As you can see, there are a few different tackles, with some being high-risk, high-reward.
Knowing how to perform all of them is crucial, as they can mean the difference between the opponents getting negative yards or securing the first down.
Defensive Coverage Controls
Command | Xbox One / Xbox Series X|S Controls | PS4 / PS5 |
|---|---|---|
Strafe | LT | L2 |
Defensive Assist | LB | L1 |
Switch Player | B | O |
Player Movement | Left Stick | Left Stick |
Press/Chuck Receiver | A + Left Stick | X + Left Stick |
As the name indicates, the defensive coverage controls allow you to move your players, both pre- and after the snap, allowing you to place players in the perfect position to counter the offensive scheme, as well as pressure opposing receivers to make it harder for them to get separation and make catches.
It also allows users to change players' defensive assignments, selecting what zone of the field they want players to guard.
Blocking Controls
Command | Xbox One / Xbox Series X|S Controls | PS4 / PS5 |
|---|---|---|
Player Movement/Block on Collision | Left Stick | Left Stick |
Switch Player | B | O |
Aggressive Impact Block | Right Stick Up | Right Stick Up |
Aggressive Cut Block | Right Stick down | Right Stick down |
Blocking players is a big part of the defensive line job, as it prevents the OL from creating gaps for the running backs to exploit. These controls also. On the other side, the OL will want to do the opposite, preventing DL from getting to the quarterback, giving him a clean pocket to work with, while creating gaps the running back can attack.
That's everything you need to know about the Madden 26 controls.
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