Passing is the heartbeat of every elite Madden offense. Master it, and you’ll start seeing wide-open receivers all over the field.Whether you’re grinding Ultimate Team or looking to buy Madden 26 coins to speed up your progress, understanding how to pass like a pro will give you a huge edge. Today, I’m breaking down eight secrets that will help you throw more accurately, read defenses faster, and torch every coverage Madden 26 can throw at you.

1. Use the Right Passing Type

Too many players make passing harder than it needs to be.
Go to Pause Menu → Options → Settings → Game Options → Passing Type, and set it to Placement & Accuracy.

Avoid “Classic” or “Revamped.” With Placement & Accuracy:

· You’ll see a shaded ellipse showing where your pass will land.

· You’ll gain control over pass leading, letting you aim passes exactly where you want them.

· You can throw “blue passes” (perfect accuracy) by timing the power meter correctly.

This mechanic alone gives you visual feedback and precision that can transform your passing game.

2. Rethink Your Pre-Snap Reads

Most players overthink coverage reads. They see two safeties and assume Cover 2. But modern defenses disguise their shells all the time.

Instead of trying to guess Cover 2 vs. Cover 3 vs. Cover 4, simplify your process:

· Just determine man or zone coverage.

· Build zone-beating concepts for zones and man-beating concepts for man.

How to tell:

· Zone coverage: DBs are at varying depths and not directly aligned with receivers.

· Man coverage: DBs line up directly across from their receivers, mirroring pre-snap movement.

Once you master this, you’ll stop getting fooled by disguised shells and start attacking with purpose.

3. Build Route Combos That Beat Every Coverage

The best route combos don’t rely on guessing the defense - they beat everything.

Example: From the Gun Trio Y Flex formation, use Halfback Motion Slot Shake with these adjustments:

· Outside WR → Streak

· Tight End → Deep Cross

· Running Back → Flat Route

Why it works:

· The shake route destroys man coverage.

· The deep cross beats zone and match coverage.

· The flat and return routes give you consistent short-yardage options.

No matter what the defense calls, someone is open every time.

4. Always Have a Read Progression

Elite passers don’t stare at one receiver - they read progressions.

For example, from the Gun Bunch Strong Offset formation, use the play Seattle:

· Tight End → Drag

· Running Back → Streak

· Your read order:

1. Wheel Route (outside bunch WR)

2. Drag (tight end)

3. Crosser (middle WR)

4. Streak (running back)

Start short and move deeper. If one route’s covered, move to the next. Follow this system, and you’ll always find an open man - regardless of the coverage.

5. Pick Up Aggressive Blitzes with “Untarget Defender”

If you’ve ever faced a Double Mug blitz (Nickel Double Mug, 2-4, or 3-3), you know how brutal it can be. Even if you block your running back, pressure still screams in.

Here’s the fix:

1. Block your running back.

2. Hold LB/L1 to open the pass protection menu.

3. Press Y/△ for Untarget Defender.

4. Move the left stick to highlight the user mugging the gap.

5. Press A/X to untarget him.

Now your offensive line ignores that fake blitzer and picks up every real rusher correctly.
Result: You get time to throw, even against six-man blitzes.

6. Master Pass Leading

Pass leading turns interceptions into touchdowns.
When throwing, tilt your left stick in the direction you want the ball placed - up, down, inside, or outside.

Example: On a corner route vs. Cover 3, aim down and outside to lead your receiver away from the deep-third defender.

With Placement & Accuracy passing, you’ll see a reticle in that direction, giving you perfect control.
Combine this with Pass Lead Elite or Set Feet Lead, and your passes will become laser-accurate and nearly impossible to intercept.

7. Use Bullet Passes on Almost Every Throw

Press and hold your receiver’s button to throw a bullet pass.
Bullet passes:

· Get the ball out faster.

· Reduce chances of interceptions.

· Hit receivers in stride.

Only use touch or lob passes when throwing over the top against press man or zero blitzes - for example, dropping a deep fade over a cornerback.

Otherwise, bullets are the standard for quick, safe, and precise completions.

8. Freeform Passing = The Next Level

Freeform passing (hold LT/L2 while throwing) lets you take complete control of ball placement - essentially a “super pass lead.”

When used with the Placement & Accuracy setting, this mechanic lets you:

· Thread passes between defenders.

· Drop balls perfectly over linebackers.

· Hit back-shoulder throws your opponent can’t defend.

Used sparingly and smartly, it’s the most powerful passing tool in Madden 26.

Final Thoughts

Passing in Madden 26 isn’t just about button timing - it’s about control, anticipation, and knowing how to exploit defensive logic. Whether you’re running a no-money-spent squad or building your dream team with cheap mut 26 coins, mastering these fundamentals will help you make every throw count and dominate any defense you face.

Master these eight secrets:

1. Use Placement & Accuracy

2. Read man vs. zone, not exact coverages

3. Build all-coverage-beating concepts

4. Follow structured progressions

5. Pick up blitzes with Untarget Defender

6. Always pass lead

7. Bullet pass almost every throw

8. Use freeform passing for precision

Do these consistently, and you’ll start hitting throws that most players don’t even attempt - because you’ll know exactly why they work.