Draw Plays

A draw play has the defense playing the pass, before the QB hands the ball off to the runner. The default draws in Madden don't work too well - the defense usually doesn't read pass, but instead just sits there. Also, the linemen sometimes can just get in the way.

The offensive line makes the biggest difference in the draw. In Madden's stock draws, all the linemen are set to pass block. In order to create an effective draw, you need several linemen at the point of attack set to run block, to clear out a lane.

HB Draw

You should also set the line opposite the draw direction to pass block and have the guard and tackle on run block. This way you get some bodies pushing forward for you. True draw plays would not occur like this but for madden this is the best.

In this play diagram, the center and guard are set to run block, while the FB also lead blocks and clears out a path. The left guard, TE, and the two tackles all drop back in pass protection, which helps to fool the defense. The HB takes a delay handoff. This setup is easily done by creating a new play; editing an existing Madden draw isn't necessary.

End Result

The pass dropback on the outside helps to "draw" in the defense on the outside, while the blocking up the middle creates the push needed. The DEs rush upfield, along with aly blitzers, and the QB hands the ball off just before they get there.

The three blocks (FB, C, G) clear the path, and the rest of the defenders take themselves out of the play. OF course, this play is much more effective on a passing down, with the defense either dropping back or blitzing from the edge.

I've had the most success running a "blast" draw, more off-guard than straight up the middle. The most effecive draw I've created was out of an I-back 3WR set. I based it on "I Form-Phin Counter" from Miami's playbook, in which the left guard does a short pull across and up. I had the HB take a delayed handoff, the tackles set to pass block, and the FB lead blocking. The slot WR came in motion, and I snapped it while he was past the left guard. If the defense rushed through the vacated gap, the slot WR picked up a block, while the guard pulled and lead with the FB. If not, the slot WR was just an extra blocker.