Warrior General Games

I've seen the stuff that shows how the depth chart aligns with the KRS and KOS positions, but what players should I be putting where?

Has anyone found an alignment that works, especially for kick returns?

Since kick returners block and the kickoff team tackles, that should tell you what a majority of each team should be comprised of. As for who goes where, in a real-life kickoff formation, you want speed on the outside (CB/S) and work your way in from there.

The return teams are a little trickier since your 1/2/3 plays in the middle on punt returns, but they're the upbacks on kick returns.

What positions have been working for people as the upbacks on kick returns?

Normally, I'd like to have a RB/FB/TE playing the upback spots, but since that would also put them in the interior of the punt return squad, I just go with my quickest offensive linemen. Regardless, I always try to keep my best blockers for the return teams and best tacklers for the kickoff teams. So far, my team's averages have been pretty decent (enough to start us at least at the OPP's 35-40 yd line).

I also run a pretty deep depth chart when it comes to returners. Some guys are better at punt returns than others and I try to adjust the depth chart accordingly.

The problem with all of this, beyond O guys on returns and D guys on kicking teams, is that the AI adjusts positions based on energy levels. That's why you will see a center back as a deep man on KRs. After the first or second quarter you have no way to control who lines up where. IMO, the special teams for this game are the single least "real" of all. I mean, there isn't even a punt return team that you can set!

AB

Originally posted by joemiken
Normally, I'd like to have a RB/FB/TE playing the upback spots, but since that would also put them in the interior of the punt return squad, I just go with my quickest offensive linemen. Regardless, I always try to keep my best blockers for the return teams and best tacklers for the kickoff teams. So far, my team's averages have been pretty decent (enough to start us at least at the OPP's 35-40 yd line).

I also run a pretty deep depth chart when it comes to returners. Some guys are better at punt returns than others and I try to adjust the depth chart accordingly.

For KRS I've found the best upback guys need high vision with good agility/speed. TE, FB, OT generally have the best combination of movement and blocking to handle it.

You can just put heavy blockers on the interior KRS, and some guys with agility and vision to block the fast guys on the outside (HB, WR).

Originally posted by AuburnBlue
The problem with all of this, beyond O guys on returns and D guys on kicking teams, is that the AI adjusts positions based on energy levels. That's why you will see a center back as a deep man on KRs. After the first or second quarter you have no way to control who lines up where. IMO, the special teams for this game are the single least "real" of all. I mean, there isn't even a punt return team that you can set!

AB

If you only put 10 players on the depth chart, that doesn't happen.

I like to use fast RG's, TE's and FB's for the upback...I don't like to put players with low strength here because on punts, fast DT's and DE's will bust up right down the middle. You really have to find a "happy medium" , but speed and strength here is critical, otherwise...often times your KR/PR will run right past the wedge before they even make contact. Personally, I handle the ST units for several different teams right now and I have to usually adjust and tweak it often to get the right combination after players level up. Just a little hint though, fast OLB's are great to block the gunners on the KOS...they increase blocking through natural leveling and often times are better blockers than WR's. Usually when players are subbed...it's the 9 and 10 spots on the KOS, so I usually put OLB's or back up WR's as subs. Otherwise, you'll end up with a G or OT trying to cover a speedy corner or safety which is just nuts! (I always use 12 players on the KOS and KRS.)