Back to School: Choice vs. Double Move
Football, at its essence, is a game of decisions and deceptions. When it comes to route running, few concepts exemplify this better than the Choice and Double Move routes. As Madden mirrors the ever-evolving landscape of football, PML players find themselves needing to grasp the intricacies of these routes to maintain an edge. Let’s delve into the core of these patterns, dissect their tactical implications, and comprehend their Madden nuances.
Choice: Decision At The Stem
Route Characteristics:
- Receiver’s Discretion: Upon reaching the stem (end) of the initial route, the receiver chooses which direction to break based on the defender’s leverage. This could be an out, in, or even a go route.
- Exploiting Leverage: The primary goal of the Choice route is to leverage the defender’s position against him. If the defender shades inside, the receiver breaks outside and vice versa.
Best Out of: “Gun” formations, particularly “Gun Doubles” or “Gun Trips”. Having multiple receivers on one side can create spacing issues for the defense, making the Choice route more effective.
Madden Mechanics and Ideal Personnel
Quarterback Essentials: Patience and chemistry with the receiver are vital. The user QB must wait for the receiver’s break and trust him to make the right decision… which is very risky.
Receiver Traits: High football IQ and sharp route-running skills are paramount. The receiver must quickly diagnose the defender’s position and react accordingly.
Double Move: Deception Through Acceleration
Route Characteristics:
- Initial Deception: The Double Move begins as a standard route (like a slant or out) but then shifts into another, often aiming to exploit a defender’s aggressive play or misstep.
- Deep Threat: Double Moves often target deeper sections of the field, aiming to deceive a defender into committing to the initial route before breaking into the true route.
Best Out of: “Singleback” and “Gun” formations. Especially effective in “Gun Spread” or “Singleback Doubles” (Dice) where the field is spread wide, allowing for more one-on-one opportunities on the outside.
Madden Mechanics and Ideal Personnel
Quarterback’s Role: The user QB needs adequate protection as Double Moves take time to develop. Proper timing ensures the ball is released as the receiver breaks from his initial route.
Receiver Dynamics: Acceleration and route-running precision. After selling the initial route, a burst of speed is crucial to exploit any separation gained.
Deciphering the Routes in PML
Against Madden AI: The AI can sometimes bite hard on the initial move of a Double Move, leading to big-play opportunities. Choice routes, meanwhile, can exploit AI defenders who stick too rigidly to certain coverages.
The PML Human Element: Real players might anticipate Double Moves if overused, making them risky. Choice routes present a consistent challenge due to their unpredictability, but a savvy user defender might anticipate a favorite break direction based on previous plays.
While both the Choice and Double Move routes revolve around decision and deception, they challenge defenses in different ways. Recognizing when to deploy each route can elevate an offensive game plan. For PML competitors, mastering the nuances of these routes becomes not just a skill but an art form, turning the gridiron into a chessboard where every move can dictate the outcome of the game.
