Tecmo Running Plays

Although the passing game gets all the glamour, especially in Tecmo, never underestimate a good ground attack. It is vital to setting up those big passing plays. If you can pound the defense into submission with your ground game, you passing game will open up for business. Try to match up pass and run plays that start out alike to throw your opponent off. If the run is effective you can run it over and over unil your opponent is forced to play to the run, then you can air it out.

RUN SLOT 1
The first play your opponent sees every time he looks at the screen: Run Slot 1. Pick something to the outside here, and if it works well your opponent will, if only subconsciously, pick this more than any other run play...unless you just keep killing him with one other play. Anyway, this slot runs the gamut of run plays...outside, inside, TB, FB...try to pick one that works well for getting a solid 4-5 yards regularly.


RUN SLOT 2
I really like the second run here, FB OFFTACKLE L. It develops quickly and works well with most backs. A lot of people like to runs sweeps, which are really good as well...although best if run with faster backs (as most runs are). Much like slot one, you should try to pick a run which goes in the opposite direction of the first, or up the middle. Some say pick the a similar run as the first, so your opponent won't know which one to pick. This is dumb, do not do this.


RUN SLOT 3
This slot's runs are a little different than the first two. They are mostly fullback runs, with two WR reverses thrown in as well. The other two include a direct snap to the TB and a sweep with the TB. Although sometimes predictable, the direct snap play is one of only two pure shotgun runs, and can be used with a strong passing team. If you like going with your main back, though, the sweep is for you...just make sure you have other R&S plays.


RUN SLOT 4
This is your wildcard run play. You can go with some fullback dive, or you can change things up with a QB run or a reverse. Since you really don't need four different runs, this is a great play to put something different into your playbook. Even with slow QB's the sneak isn't bad. But if you just want to throw something different in there, here is the place to do it.