Formations 101 for a newbie.

This is probably the first season I have really been keeping track of the games and watching everyone I can. In New Zealand the only coverage we get is from ESPN, so I get only 2-3 games a week...

I really enjoy watching the sport, and to compliment my interest in the game, and to try and get more of a feel for the tactics, I borrowed Madden 04 from a friend (I know its fairly ancient).

Rookie is far too easy. Win everytime by a sizeable gap, to the point where its not really fun. However the next difficulty up (Pro) is too hard. I conced roughly four TD a half, and am lucky if I can get a couple of Field Goals.

I think my main problem is a lack of understanding the different formations etc. Nickels, Quaters etc. Theres a tonne and they are confusing.

Can someone please give me a 101 on general lineup formations? Cheers in advance.

3-4: 3 linemen, 4 linebackers, 4 secondary

4-3: 4 linemen, 3 linebackers, 4 secondary 

Nickel: 4 linemen, 2 linebackers, 5 secondary

Dime: 4 linemen, 1 linebacker, 6 secondary

Quarter: 3 linemen, 1 linebacker, 7 secondary.

There will be some variances (things like a dime with 3 linemen and 2 linebackers, quarter with 4 linebackers, etc.), but the general rule is 4 secondary for normal formations, 5 with nickel, 6 with dime, and 7 with quarter.  In terms of strategy you want to choose one main form (4-3, 3-4) and use nickel in some situations, with dime and quarter only being used in special circumstances. 

Im gonna be the one to say it. Bandwagon. Put_in_Kitna

Yeah, I agree :P  . There should be an official association of the ''Ravens and Cowboys fans uniting against the Steelers'' out there. I say lets do this.

[QUOTE="Put_in_Kitna"]Im gonna be the one to say it. Bandwagon. Darth_Revan_666

Yeah, I agree :P  . There should be an official association of the ''Ravens and Cowboys fans uniting against the Steelers'' out there. I say lets do this.