Madden 25 Controls Guide: How to Throw a Touch Pass, Use a Stiff Arm, and Slide

Remembering all the inputs for offense and defense in Madden 25 can be challenging. If you’re new to the game, focusing on mastering a few essential skills will help you succeed.

Madden 25: A Guide for Passing and Running

Passing controls

Pass Type	PlayStation	Xbox	PC
Lob Pass	Tap Pass Icon	Tap Pass Icon	Tap Pass Key
High Pass	Hold L1	Hold LB	Hold Mid-Mouse Button or Alt
Low Pass	Hold L2	Hold LT	Hold L-Mouse Button or L-Ctrl
Bullet Pass	Hold Pass Icon	Hold Pass Icon	Hold Pass Key
Touch Pass	Press Icon & Release	Press Icon & Release	Press Key & Release
Pump Fake	Double Tap Pass Icon	Double Tap Pass Icon	Double Tap Pass Key
Pass Leading (After Pass)	L Stick	LS	Mouse Movement or Arrow Keys
Playmaker Closest Receiver	R Stick	RS	W/A/S/D

Ball carrier controls

Action	PlayStation	Xbox	PC
Sprint	R2	RT	Hold R-Mouse Button or L-Shift
Juke Left/Right	Right Stick Left/Right	RS Left/Right	A/D
Stiff Arm	X	A	Ctrl or E
Hurdle	Triangle	AND	R
Dive	Hold Square	Hold X	Hold Q
Slide (QB)	Square	X	Q
Truck	Right Stick Up	RS Up	IN
Spin	Circle	B	F
Pitch Ball	L1	LB	All

We have emphasized the crucial controls and skills that you should remember as soon as possible. For a complete overview of all the controls in the game, you can refer to the in-game controls menu.

Best Madden skills & moves for beginners explained

QB Slide

The QB slide is a highly valuable tool in a player’s arsenal, often utilized as a tactical maneuver to gain additional yards while avoiding potential tackles from opposing defenders.

Utilizing sliding as a strategy can be beneficial for gaining additional momentum at the end of a run without putting your Quarterback at risk of injury, especially if they possess skill with their legs.

Stiff arm

The stiff arm is an effective technique for keeping Madden 25 defenders away while running with the ball. It is most beneficial in one-on-one situations, as it is not as effective against multiple defenders.

Utilizing the stiff arm technique involves extending one arm while retaining possession of the ball with the other arm. The purpose of the elongated arm is to ward off incoming defenders who may attempt to steal the ball from you. In situations where you are running along the sidelines, do not hesitate to extend your outer arm.

Touch pass

The touch pass is most effective when used as a middle ground between the fast-paced lob pass and the powerful bullet pass. This pass requires precise timing as it involves tapping and releasing your receiver’s icon.

Patrick Mahomes in Madden 25 — EA Sports

The Touch Pass is a versatile option.

If you wait too long, there is a chance that you will end up throwing a bullet pass. This type of pass is adaptable and suitable for both short and long throws.

Lob pass

When throwing to an elite Wide Receiver down the field who has the ability to win a mid-air battle and catch the ball, I typically opt for a lob pass. A single tap of the receiver icon will suffice to execute this type of pass, so it is important not to hold down the button for too long.

To execute an elevated lob pass, hold down LB, L1, or Alt before selecting the receiver icon.

Lateral

The lateral has successfully helped me in difficult situations and prolonged plays that would have otherwise ended quickly. Nevertheless, we advise using this technique carefully, as it can have disastrous consequences if the ball is intercepted or if your player fails to secure the pass.

This is a lateral or reverse pass that the ball carrier can execute. It is typically utilized as a final effort to sustain a drive in Madden 25.

Strip Ball

If the opposing ball carrier is within close proximity, you can utilize the strip ball input to try and shift the game’s momentum by forcing a fumble and potentially recovering the ball. Although not mentioned in the aforementioned tables, we believe that the strip ball input is a vital move to have in your repertoire.

To execute a strip nall, make sure to press R1 (PS), RB (Xbox), or Space (PC) when near an opposing ball carrier.

After committing several essential controls to memory, it is now time to put them to use with some of the top offensive playbooks in Madden 25.