Finally, the moment we've all been waiting for  - the first information about Madden NFL 13 is out.  After keeping silent since Community Day about new features, we can spill the beans about game play and our impressions of Madden's newest feature set:

• Motion Blur
• Pass Trajectories
• Read and React AI
• Play Action Improvements
• Pass Ready System

As we listened to the presentation, developers told us about the trouble with Madden 13 and how this feature set would correct many of the problems consumers complained about.  I was torn initially between my favorite additions and the ones I would have preferred to do without.  Before having a chance to get my hands dirty I wondered how and if this set of features would enhance the Madden experience.  Once we were able to get a feel of the new settings, thoughts became more focused on how best to utilize the new tools to simulate the football we all know and love.  This article is written with the realization that the build of the game we played was very early and very rough.  The developer's wanted to place emphasis on highlighting the new feature set so some of my favorite elements of the game were intentionally turned off.  The resulting environment allowed the new features to be analyzed in detail.  Here are the impressions of TNT713's trip to EA Tiburon Studios during Community day.

Madden players handle all types of scenarios, none more frustrating than losing a game after a 4th quarter lead.  It's customary for Madden players to change their coverage account for more passes, but we often find ourselves sacrificing the pressure that earned the lead in the first place. 

The agony of abandoning our plan and giving up several passes that lead to a score shine a spotlight on the decision to change coverages to maintain a lead.  Legacy member "shortie211" sent this tip to create pressure mismatches so the offensive team will be forced to make late game adjustments in their play as well. 

The ability to maneuver to the proper location and catch with precise timing is a rare talent in the NFL.  Players that can catch are valuable all over the field.  That's why user catching passes is one of the most relevant skills Madden players can develop.  It comes in handy in all phases:  Offense, Defense, and Special Teams.  Whether making a user pick in traffic, adjusting receivers to poorly thrown balls, or catching a punt with a running start - User Catch skills are well worth the practice time because they come in handy constantly. 

This tip, submitted by legacy member "shftmotion," illustrates a technique to user catch passes at their highest point to prevent defenders from making a play on the ball.  If you have personnel with size (HT), good hands (CTH, SPC), and jumping ability (JMP) user catching high passes leads to more victories. 

Nobody wants to turn the ball over. Giving up the ball is the quickest way to lose a football game. Madden isn't any different. To win, players must prioritize protecting the ball whenever it's in their possession.  Making a crucial mistake that gives up the football isn't the end of the world; sometimes it's not even the end of the play. Remember, after a turnover, the play isn't over until the whistle blows. Legacy member FaceInDaDirt, sent in this tip to illustrate how forcing a turnover isn't just for defenses anymore.

Ever pick off a pass, o­nly to fumble the ball back to the offense o­n the return? Nerve racking.  Don't lose you head when you lose the ball. Instead, use your defensive skills to wrest the ball away from defenders before your opponent's skilled ball handlers get a chance to come on the field. Take the ball back when you turn it over and drive your opponent crazy.

As Madden players develop their offensive skills, many find the need to better attack with deep routes in the passing.  There are many methods to maximize the effectiveness of the deep ball including running on early downs to bring the safeties closer to the line of scrimmage, but eventually every player need to find ways to execute the deep ball on whatever occasions them to throw it.  This tip, originally submitted by MaddenBowl62, illustrates a key principle of getting the most out long passes whether the bomb is your primary threat or whether it's setup by the run. 

Whether working on the stick skills to become shiftier, schemes that are tough to contain, or making the most of the basic elements of football - Madden players are constantly seeking ways to turn a short gain into a big play.  As Madden players look for ways to make big plays, many overlook the sidelines. This tip, submitted by WFColonel56, illustrates the importance of the sidelines for springing ball carriers and receivers for huge gains. The effect of building an explosive offense that uses the sidelines stretches the defense horizontally. But don't take it from me - read about how WFColonel uses the sidelines to create impact plays for his offense.

These are the official rules for the Homecoming Tournament on October 29th, 2011 at 4PM. Tournament winner will earn $100.

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Have you ever learned something about football that helped you play Madden better? Was it a play, a concept, or a thought that took your game to the next level? Do you want to help others enjoy Madden as much as you do?

MaddenUniversity.com would like to tap you for your advice. For the 8th NFL season, we are offering cash and prizes to players who want to help others enjoy and improve their Madden game. Share your advice and if our members vote your tip most helpful, you win $25 and a MaddenUniversity.com Competition T-Shirt.

Not the greatest Madden player? No big deal. Advanced players can learn simple lessons from beginners and beginners can learn from the experience of advanced players.

If you’ve learned something that helped you, there’s a good chance that someone hasn’t. So whether you’ve been playing Madden for 20 years or you’ve just picked up the sticks – anything you’ve learned can help someone else!

Deep passes have been problematic for Madden players for years.  A common tactic of offensive minded players, regardless of down and distance, long completions are particularly effective in the online arena where players may not be completely familiar with all of the defensive adjustments at their disposal.  Don't let your opponents take advantage of you.

Quick strike offenses will have to be methodical, precise, and patient in order to maintain possession against a defense designed to force underneath passes to backs and tight ends.  Since most offensive juggernauts rely heavily on the threat of the deep pass, use this tip originally submitted by legacy member "ChuckDRoz," to keep deep passes from disrupting your defensive plan.