Offensive Playbook [OFFPB]

Explore the Offensive Playbook in Madden NFL 24. Learn about formations like Far and Near, and discover effective plays such as FB Dive, HB Flat, and HB Off Tackle for short-yardage and big gains.

This guide covers the Offensive Playbook for Madden NFL 24 (Super NES version). It assumes you are playing against the computer and that plays are not flipped, using the "Normal" subset of each formation. "Y receiver" and "A receiver" refer to buttons on the non-flipped version. Basic football knowledge is assumed, but some terms will be explained. Results vary based on game factors. This guide is specific to Madden '97 on Super NES.

The offensive playbook has 109 plays, an improvement over Madden '96's 92. The Madden formation is gone, but the Single Back formation now includes a 4-receiver set.

Far Formation (Normal, 3WR, 2TE, TE Motion) (12 plays)

In the Far formation, the two running backs are close together, with the halfback on the weak side, away from the tight end.

• FB Dive: Good for short-yardage and general running, usually gaining about four yards.
• HB Flat: A useful passing play targeting the halfback (B) in the flat, who is often open. Also check the split end (Y) on an in route or the flanker (A) on a hook.
• FB Opt. Dive: Similar to FB Dive, but it's a run off left guard.
• HB Dive: Requires a fast halfback. The halfback pitches and runs up the middle. Audible if eight men are in the box.
• Weak Flood: Floods the weak side with three receivers. Avoid throwing to the fullback (A) or the halfback (B) as they are often covered or tackled for losses. The tight end (R) is safe, but wide receivers (Y and L) are the best options.
• HB Off Tackle: Considered the second-best play in the game. Use it as an audible. Watch blockers and turn appropriately. Gains can range from five to 50 yards.
• FB Screen: The fullback is the primary target. A fast fullback can score a touchdown; otherwise, expect about five yards. Passes to the Y receiver are often deflected, but the A receiver is a good option.
• Flood Zone: Target the L receiver with a soft pass or the A receiver with a harder throw. Avoid the halfback (B) as he may intercept passes intended for the flanker. Throw to the fullback (Y) if the opponent is in a deep zone. The halfback is mainly a blocker.
• WR Screen: Throw to the flanker (A) while linemen block. Effective against a blitz, but can result in a big loss against tight man coverage. Consider passing to the split end (Y) or tight end (B) on post patterns. Backs are blockers.
• Quick Fade: Four options: receivers (Y, L) on fade routes, tight end (A) on an in route, and halfback (B) in the flat. The halfback is the best option for a completion of at least five yards, with potential for big plays with good blocking. Throw the ball quickly.
• HB Trap: Similar to HB Dive, usually gaining about five yards, but sometimes resulting in no gain.
• Deep Curls: Both backs block, providing time. Throw deep to receivers (Y, A) if open, otherwise target the tight end on a shorter pattern.

Near Formation (Normal, 3WR, 2TE, TE Motion) (12 plays)

In the Near formation, the fullback is behind the quarterback, and the halfback is on the side closer to the tight end.

• FB Dive: Similar to the Far formation's FB Dive. May be difficult if eight men are in the box.
• FB Flat: The split end (Y) runs in, the tight end (R) runs out. The flanker (A) on a streak is the most dangerous option. The halfback blocks, but the fullback (B) is sometimes available in the flat.
• HB Delay: Before getting the