5
1. When on defense, wait until offense breaks huddle.
2. Highlight the desired player, then press the Z Button. The selected player will now blitz on the play.
3. Highlight a defensive back, then press up or down on the C-stick. All defensive backs assigned to a
specific receiver will tighten up their coverage and move closer to the line of scrimmage, or play off of the
receiver and move back from the line. (This is dependent on the coverage picked – See note below)
4. Highlight a defensive back, then press left or right on the C-stick. Now all defensive backs assigned to a
specific receiver will shift to cover the inside or outside of his man. (This is dependent on the coverage
picked – See note below)
5. The third and fourth directions above also apply to linebackers, although to a slightly different degree, as
they aren’t in coverage as often, and usually will just shift in the desired direction.
Note: Remember that the ability to shift players is entirely dependent on what type of coverage has been
selected. Certain coverage types will not allow for players to shift in certain directions. Also, shifting one type
of player will generally shift the others in his group (shifting a linebacker will shift all linebackers, shifting a
cornerback will shift all cornerbacks) in order to maximize defensive efficiency. Bring your favorite team into
Practice mode and experiment with different types of defenses and different hot routes to get a feel for what
works where.
Sega Sports Tip – Know Your Defense
When choosing a defensive play, it’s extremely important to understand the situation and know which
players and which coverages are appropriate for that play. There are three choices that need to be made
before your team sets up on the field. Here’s a quick breakdown:
#1 - Personnel
Your first choice will be selecting what types of players to put out on the field. Here’s a quick rundown of
your basic packages:
Goalline – 5 Linemen, 3 Linebackers, and 3 Defensive Backs. The Goalline defense is best used in stopping
short yardage situations, like a crucial 3
rd
& Inches play. Be careful though, because if the offense crosses
you up and decides to pass, there’s a good chance you’ll get burned.
4-3 – Your base defense. 4 Linemen, 3 Linebackers, and 4 Defensive Backs. Your LBs will be better at
stopping the run, so choose a 4-3 on plays where the other team is more likely to be running the ball.
Nickel – 4 Linemen, 2 Linebackers, and 5 Defensive Backs. Now you’re leaning a bit more toward the pass,
with speedier players less adept at run-stopping but better prepared to guard against a throw.
Dime – 4 Linemen, 1 Linebackers, and 6 Defensive Backs. This defense is geared toward the pass, and is
best used in long yardage situations.
Prevent – 3 Linemen, 1 Linebacker, and 7 Defensive Backs. The Prevent defense is generally reserved for
extremely long yardage situations, as it essentially concedes the short gain to keep the other team from
breaking off a huge play.
Note: Some teams may have slightly different initial defensive packages, such as the 3-4, the 46, or the
Bear. Take your favorite team into practice mode to see what packages their defensive scheme includes.
#2 – Fronts
Once you’ve selected who will be out on in the field, it’s time to figure out what they’ll be doing, beginning
with the defensive line. Scroll through the various fronts to see your options. Think the other team will be
running it up the middle? Try “All In”, which brings all the linemen in and clogs up the middle. Want one of
your linebackers to blitz? Use “Fan” to open up the line a little bit and give him some space to get through.
There are several more available. It’s up to you to decide what to do based on the situation.
#3 – Coverages
Now that the linemen have jobs, it’s time to decide what everyone else will be doing. There are four basic
assignments you’ll see given to the linebackers and defensive backs, which are as follows:
Bump ‘n’ Run – Designated in the play diagram by a T or upside-down T. The defender will play close to the
receiver coming off the line and give him a little bump to try and throw off his timing.
To Next Page
Loading...