Win.gg
News
How and when to use the hit stick in Madden NFL 23 How and when to use the hit stick in Madden NFL 23
The hit stick returns in Madden NFL 23, and using it is vital to having success against either AI or real-life opponents.
The hit stick first arrived in
Madden 2005. Since then, it’s become an integral part of playing the game on defense. Before the introduction of the hit stick, the only real way to influence how a player was tackled was to perform a dive. That still exists technically, but the go-to method for influencing how a tackle is made is using the hit stick.
The hit stick is back in Madden NFL 23 despite some major changes to the gameplay. Here’s how to use it, when to use it, and what it actually does.
How to use the hit stick in Madden NFL 23
Players can use the hit stick in Madden NFL 23 by pressing up or down on the right analog stick while playing on defense. With the right timing and positioning, the hit stick allows players to stop the ball carrier on the spot.
Pressing up on the hit stick will have the player-controlled defender perform a high tackle, blasting them in the chest to stop any forward progress. This also has a better chance of forcing a fumble than a regular tackle.
The ideal use for this is in a short-yardage situation. If properly executed and perfectly timed, a shot from the hit stick will knock the ball carrier backward and keep them from falling forward for that extra yard towards a first down. The drawback is that if the ball carrier has the room to juke and times the move well, they may cleanly dodge the tackle attempt.
Pressing down on the hit stick has the defender drop low for a chopping tackle to the offensive player’s legs. This has a higher probability of downing the ball carrier, but they can potentially get an extra yard or two of forward progress by falling forward over the top of the tackler. It can also be countered in some cases by hurdling, as the ball carrier can simply jump over the defender and keep going.
The best way to use this type of hit is on a player that has
just secured a reception
or shed a tackle. If timed properly on a player that isn’t fully in their stride, it can prevent them from planting their feet to gain any extra yardage. It’s not ideal in a situation where a player can hurdle over the tackler and then have a clear path to a touchdown.
Steven Rondina
About Steven Rondina
Steven Rondina is a true lifelong gamer. His earliest memories are of playing video games, and he has continued playing them throughout his life with no plans to stop any time soon. Steven’s favorite franchises in gaming include Pokemon, Dark Souls, and Counter-Strike. He has previously published with Bleacher Report and other gaming outlets.
View full profile
Read Also
Kick
Brand Risk announces BRP14: Full fight card, price, and date details
Hannan Mundia
Adin Ross’ Brand Risk Promotions has just announced its BRP14 fight night event, and it will feature highly popular influencers such as Johnny Manziel and Bob Menery. Adin Ross' Brand Risk series of influencer fighting events has outlived the likes of Misfits Boxing and Kingpin. Some of the biggest previous matches included Charleston White vs. Kodiyakredd, and BRP14 hopes to up the stakes. Being the 14th event from this promotion ...
Esports Betting
Esports World Cup to move to Paris for 2026 as reports confirm rumors
Michael Hassall
The Esports World Cup 2026 will make the dramatic move to Paris, France, confirming a plethora of rumors that hit the esports scene earlier this month. A dramatic report from GamesBeat peeled back the veil on behind the scenes talks that had seen stakeholders informed that the event would move to the French capital for the 2026 edition. Now Esports’ largest event will seemingly head to Paris, ditching Riyadh, Saudi ...
News
EA announces FC Pro Mobile 2026 esports ecosystem with World Championship
Titas Khan
Electronic Arts has confirmed the launch of EA FC Pro Mobile, the official esports ecosystem for the mobile title. With the rising popularity of both mobile esports and FC Mobile, it was only a matter of time before an organized esports ecosystem came along. FC is already one of the biggest video game franchises of all time. EA has confirmed that the first season of FC Pro Mobile will conclude ...
News
The dreaded Nintendo Switch 2 price hike is here
Zachary Roberts
If there were complaints about the Nintendo Switch 2 pricing when it launched, things are about to get a whole lot louder. Nintendo has officially announced an incoming price hike for its latest console. However, prospective players still have the chance to get it at the old cost for a little while longer. From now until September 1, the Nintendo Switch 2 is going to be available brand-new for $450 ...
GTA
When is the GTA 6 next trailer? Latest Trailer 3 rumors explained
Zachary Roberts
Looking for GTA 6's next trailer? Plenty of the world is, as anticipation for this title continues to rise. It has perhaps been the most anticipated video game of all time since its initial announcement, despite multiple delays. Every crumb of marketing is gobbled up. We've seen two trailers so far, with both doing an excellent job of building the hype. Naturally, a third one before the November 19 release ...
News
Will Half-Life 3 be released this year? Prediction markets are split
Michael Hassall
Half-Life 3 is one of the true unicorns of gaming, a sequel that could revolutionize the industry, conclude a decades-long narrative, and finally quash the slander that developer Valve can’t count to three. And yet there’s no official signs that the game is on the horizon. But with rumors swirling, teases and activity extracted by data miners, and Valve characteristically silent on all fronts, why do 24% of predictors on ...
GTA
Will will GTA VI be delayed (again)? The prediction markets don’t think so
Michael Hassall
Grand Theft Auto VI (GTA6) is on track to be one of the important gaming titles not just of 2026, but of this generation. With the game expected to set a new standard in the gaming industry, as well as a new pricing standard, anticipation for what many expect to be a game of the year, is high. The open-world crime action game is slated for release later this year, ...
