Madden 26: The Ultimate Wide Receiver Skill Moves Tutorial
Want to dominate as a wide receiver in Madden 26? Whether you're looking to make Odell Beckham Jr.-style catches or run routes like Cooper Kupp, mastering these advanced controls is key. To accelerate your progress, you may want to buy Madden 26 coins to unlock top-tier receivers and abilities faster. This guide breaks down every move you need to separate from defenders and make game-changing plays.
The Basic Foundation
Calling for the Ball
Before anything else, let your quarterback know you're open.
Xbox: Tap A
PlayStation: Tap X
Result: Your receiver raises a hand, signaling for the pass.
Advanced Catches & Releases
The One-Hand Catch (For Highlights)
How to Do It: Press LB (Xbox) or L1 (PlayStation) as the ball arrives.
Important Notes:
High Risk: Significantly increases the chance of a drop if contacted.
Rating Dependent: Governed by the Spectacular Catch rating. Players like Justin Jefferson will get more animations than a typical tight end.
Use Case: Primarily for style points or "aura farming" in casual games.
Beating Press Coverage: The Three Key Releases
Speed Release / Press Counter:
Input: Hold RT/R2 at the snap.
How it Works: Relies on your receiver's Release and Speed ratings to quickly dip the shoulder and blow past a pressed defender. Point the left stick in your desired direction.
Foot-Fire Release:
Input: Tap LT/L2 while directing the left stick.
When to Use: Excellent against tight, physical press coverage.
Execution: For an outside release, point the stick outside (2 o'clock or 10 o'clock). For an inside release, point it inside. The animation creates a change-of-pace stop-and-go that can freeze defenders with low Press ratings.
Hop-Step Release (The "Devante Adams"):
Input: Flick the Right Stick in any direction (up, left, right, or diagonal).
When to Use: Versatile against press. Hop in the opposite direction the defender is shading.
Advanced Tip: Combine a hop-step inside with a quick cut back outside (or vice-versa) for a deadly double move.
Catching Fundamentals: Avoid the Drops
A common complaint is receivers falling down after calling for the ball. This happens if you don't input a catch type command as the ball arrives.
Always input one of these as you make the catch:
RAC (Run After Catch): Tap X (Xbox) / Square (PS)
Possession Catch: Tap A (Xbox) / X (PS)
Aggressive Catch: Tap Y (Xbox) / Triangle (PS)
Choosing a catch type ensures your receiver completes the catch animation and transitions smoothly to running.
Mastering Route Running & Cuts
Creating separation at the top of your route is where elite receivers are made.
The Standard Cut:
Input: Tap LT/L2 and point the left stick in your cut direction.
Drawback: Can be slower and "choppy," allowing defenders to recover.
The Elite "Speed Cut"
Input: Hold RT/R2 + Tap LT/L2 + Direction.
Why It's Better: Creates a much faster, sharper, and more fluid break. This is the primary cut you should use for crisp comebacks, curls, and out routes.
The Fake Cut (For User Defenders):
Input: Flick the Right Stick during your route.
How to Use: Fake a cut in one direction, then continue or break in another. Essential in the WR vs. DB game mode and against user-controlled defenders.
Pro Move - The Hitch & Go: While running a hitch/curl, flick the Right Stick down to sell the stop, then immediately sprint deep for a potential touchdown.
How to Practice: The WR Battle Mini-Game
Playing receiver feels different than controlling the QB. To master these skills, head to Mini-Games mode.
Select your favorite elite WR (e.g., Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison).
Go to the "Wide Receiver Battle" mini-game (far right).
This mode allows you to:
Practice all releases against live press coverage
Work on cuts and route timing against a DB.
Experiment with one-hand catches and fake moves in a low-pressure environment.
Quick-Reference Cheat Sheet
Action | Xbox Input | PlayStation Input | Key For |
Call for Ball | Tap A | Tap X | Signaling QB |
One-Hand Catch | LB | L1 | Highlight Reels |
Speed Release | Hold RT | Hold R2 | Beating Press |
Foot-Fire Release | LT + Stick | L2 + Stick | Physical Press |
Hop-Step Release | Flick Right Stick | Flick Right Stick | Versatile Release |
Speed Cut | RT + LT + Stick | R2 + L2 + Stick | Sharp Route Breaks |
Fake Cut | Flick Right Stick | Flick Right Stick | Deceiving Users |
Catch (Any Type) | A/X/Y | X/Square/Triangle | Securing the Ball |
Now get out there and start cooking DBs! Practice these moves, integrate them into your game, and you'll become an unstoppable force in the passing game. To build your ultimate team without grinding, grab some cheap Madden 26 coins from MMOEXP to fast-track your roster.
