How to Lab Series: Split Close Mini Scheme

Labbing, or practicing, is extremely important in the game of Madden. Getting adventurous, finding small nuances in the game, and getting any kind of edge on your competition is crucial. The following video series goes over how to lab in Madden 15 and also breaks down the Split Close formation. This will give you a great Madden mini scheme to run while instilling principles and a thought process to help you move forward with other lab sessions that you complete on your own in the future.

Part 1

The split close formation can be found in the following playbooks: Arizona Cardinals, Indianapolis Colts, Pittsburgh Steelers, Tennessee Titans.

The first video shows me going through the formation and picking out certain plays that I like. Once you have the batch of plays you want to run, it’s time to practice them!

It is important to check the play art both in the play call screen and on the field because some routes look exactly the same but really are not. This is integral to know and understand.

The first play we go over in this Madden 15 mini scheme is HB Wheel. This is a great play to hit all spots on the field. Check out the video below to gain insight on how to lab and how to run the split close mini scheme.

Part 2

Part two delves into the play FB Trail. We learn quite a few things from this play. We learn how to run the play successfully, stop the play, and then we cover how to counter defensive adjustments. Madden is all about adjusting, so this video is extremely important.

The second key component that we cover in this video is the screen. We take a look at screen spacing as well as other route options on the actual screen play. Having multiple options will make this play and formation much more deadly.

Part 3

Part three takes a look at the play Double Ins and WR Corner. As we take a look at WR Ins, we try quite a few different things with some of these unique routes. We make an assessment as to whether these patterns are effective or if they are a waste of time. We also discuss condensing the offense and throwing out plays that give the same desired result as other plays. Keeping your offense simple, yet effective in Madden is key.

WR Corner turns out to be quite unique and hits different spots of the field when compared to other passing plays in this split close formation. Check out the full breakdown below!

Part 4

In part four we take a look at the run game from the Split Close formation. You absolutely need to have good run options in Madden 15, and luckily the run selection out of the Split Close are not too shabby.

The Power O is a decent option for getting to the B gap to outside. The FB Inside is basically an inside zone play with a lead blocker. It’s sexy to say the least. I love this play.

There you have it! This is how I lab in Madden and break down a formation. I hope this will help you understand what to look for and how to construct an offense. Be sure to follow the Gaming With Gleez Newsletter to receive update and exclusive tips! You can do so by submitting your best email below.