Understanding how to kneel in Madden 23 on Xbox is essential for players who want to master game strategy and clock management. Whether you are trying to secure a win in the final moments or avoid a costly turnover, kneeling is a key move that can help you control the outcome of the game. Unlike flashy passes or explosive runs, kneeling may not be glamorous, but it is a critical tactic for experienced players. In this guide, you’ll learn the simple steps for kneeling, the situations when kneeling is most effective, and how to use it to your advantage in Madden 23 on Xbox.
What Is Kneeling in Madden 23?
Kneeling, also referred to as the ‘QB Kneel’ or ‘Victory Formation,’ is a type of offensive play where the quarterback immediately kneels down after receiving the snap. This results in a minimal loss of yardage but keeps the clock running, forcing the opposing team to use timeouts or let the game time expire. In Madden 23, this move is a safe and reliable way to finish the game without risking a turnover or injury.
When Should You Kneel?
Using the kneel play at the right time can help you secure a win without giving the ball back to your opponent. Consider kneeling in these scenarios:
- You have possession of the ball and the lead with under two minutes left in the game.
- Your opponent has no timeouts remaining.
- You are within range to let the clock run out before fourth down.
- You want to avoid a turnover that could give your opponent a chance to score.
Remember, timing is everything. Kneeling too early could result in giving the ball back, while kneeling too late might result in an unnecessary snap or fumble.
How to Kneel in Madden 23 on Xbox
The process of kneeling in Madden 23 on Xbox is simple but varies slightly depending on the playbook and game mode you’re in. Follow these steps to perform a QB Kneel:
Step 1: Open the Playbook
Once you are on offense, press theAbutton after the huddle to access your playbook. From here, you’ll be able to browse different play categories.
Step 2: Navigate to Special Teams or Clock Management
Look for a category labeled Special, Clock Management, or sometimes Victory Formation. This is where the kneel play is usually located. The location might vary based on your team’s playbook, but it is generally under Special or Goal Line formations.
Step 3: Select the Kneel Play
Scroll through the formation until you see a play named something like QB Kneel or Victory. Press theAbutton to select it. You’ll now line up in a formation designed for a safe kneel, typically with extra blockers to prevent any defensive pressure.
Step 4: Snap the Ball and Kneel
Once the players are lined up and the play clock begins, press theAbutton to snap the ball. The quarterback will immediately kneel down and the play will end. The game clock will continue to run, unless the defense uses a timeout.
How Many Times Can You Kneel?
The number of times you can kneel depends on the time left in the game and how many timeouts the opposing team has. Each kneel typically runs off about 40 seconds of game time. Here’s a general guideline:
- With 1:40 left and no defensive timeouts, you can kneel three times to end the game.
- With 2:00 left and three defensive timeouts, you may need to convert a first down before kneeling.
Always keep an eye on the play clock and the game clock to avoid delay of game penalties or accidentally giving your opponent a final chance.
Victory Formation vs. Regular Kneel
In Madden 23, some playbooks offer a full Victory Formation. This is a specific package that ensures maximum protection while kneeling. It typically includes:
- Extra offensive linemen or blockers.
- A safe snap distance to prevent fumbles.
- No unnecessary player movement to reduce risk.
Using Victory Formation is the safest way to kneel, especially if you’re close to your own end zone or playing against a team that might try to force a fumble. Always use this formation when available for maximum security.
Clock Management Tips
Knowing how to kneel is important, but managing the clock effectively is what turns that skill into a winning tactic. Consider these tips:
- Let the play clock run down to 12 seconds before snapping the ball for each kneel.
- Be aware of your opponent’s timeouts. They can stop the clock after your first kneel.
- Don’t kneel too early if the clock situation requires another first down to secure the win.
Advanced clock management separates good Madden players from great ones. Combine kneeling with smart timeout usage and situational awareness to dominate the end-game phase.
What Happens If You Kneel Too Early?
If you kneel with too much time left on the clock and the opposing team has timeouts, you risk having to punt the ball back. This can be dangerous if you’re only ahead by a small margin. To avoid this situation:
- Calculate the number of plays remaining based on the play clock (typically 40 seconds).
- Check if you need a first down to completely run out the clock.
- Only kneel if you can guarantee the clock will expire before your downs run out.
It’s better to run a safe run play than kneel too early and risk giving the ball back with time on the clock.
Practice Makes Perfect
The best way to master kneeling in Madden 23 on Xbox is to practice in Play Now or Franchise mode. Set up scenarios where you’re leading in the fourth quarter and practice choosing the correct moment to kneel. This will help you stay calm under pressure in online matches or competitive leagues.
Learning how to kneel in Madden 23 on Xbox is a valuable skill that can help you finish games efficiently and avoid last-second mistakes. While it may seem like a simple action, using the kneel strategically requires awareness, timing, and control of the game clock. Always select the correct formation, keep an eye on your opponent’s timeouts, and know how much time you can safely run off. With practice and smart play-calling, kneeling can become one of your most powerful tools to secure victories in Madden 23.