Being able to elude defenders is a key skill for running backs, and there are an array of moves that can help with that. Using the right move at the right time can result in a breakaway run for extra yards or touchdown. Many of those moves are included in Madden 22 running controls. This guide has everything to know for how to spin, hurdle, or stiff arm in Madden 22.
Basic Madden 22 running controls
Once a play’s been called, use the X button on the PlayStation controller (A on Xbox) to snap the ball. Your quarterback should hand it off or toss it to the running back for the play you called.
With an RPO (Run/Pass Option), an additional button may be necessary if you choose to give the ball to your back instead of keeping it with the QB.
Once the ball is snapped and your back or QB has it to run, they’ll automatically move in the direction of the play you called. Use the Left Stick on the controller to guide them. To get a boost and sprint, hold the R2 or RT button on the controller.
The right stick can also perform a few moves. Hold the Right Stick up to Truck with the ball, or Hold it Down to Dead Leg while rushing. Use the Right Stick to the left or right to Juke.
Last but not least, there is the Square button on the PlayStation controller or X on the Xbox. Tap this to give up your player and fall to the ground, to avoid potentially coughing up the ball. Press/hold the button to dive for extra yards or that touchdown.
Those are the basics of running, as guiding your back or QB with the Right Stick is a key skill in and of itself. However, using the three techniques below can also help get around, past, or over defenders.
How to Stiff Arm in Madden 22
The stiff arm is basically a move where the running back will have a defender approaching from their side. The back extends their arm to push the defender away, sometimes even pushing them down.
In order to stiff-arm in Madden 22, press the X button on the PlayStation controller while running with the ball. Press the A button on the Xbox controller.
Check out Titans back Derrick Henry using the Stiff Arm in the clip below.
The move always works best when there’s a defender approaching your halfback, quarterback, or receiver from their free arm (not carrying the ball) side.
The move won’t work so well if a defender is coming straight at you. Learning to perform the move at the key time is critical, so practice often.
How to Spin or Hurdle while running with the ball
The spin and hurdle are also helpful moves in the Madden 22 running controls. They each come in handy in different spots, though, depending on the situation.
A spin in Madden 22 will help create distance between the back, QB, or receiver and approaching defenders. By performing the spin, your player rushing the ball will spin to the right or left and hopefully away from defenders for more yards.
To perform the spin in Madden 22, press the Circle button on a PlayStation controller. For the Xbox controller, press the B button. As you press the button, flick the Right Stick to the right or to the left to spin in that direction.
The hurdle works best in Madden 22 when there’s a defender coming head-on towards your player advancing the ball. As you’re rushing, press the button and time it just right to hurdle over that defender and hopefully keep going!
To perform a hurdle in Madden 22, press the Triangle button on the PlayStation controller, or the Y button on the Xbox controller.
As mentioned in our Madden 22 passing controls guide, make sure to rely on the Exhibition mode to hone your skills. It can really make a difference if you’ve got the controls down pat when you’re going up against the tougher competition!
Check out the top running backs for Madden 22 ratings to see which are the best of the best.
Visit VGR’s Madden news page for more guides and updates about the game.