How To Throw Different Passes In College Football 25: Your Ultimate Guide

In EA Sports College Football 25, mastering the art of passing is crucial for offensive success. Can you throw a spiral pass, a touch pass, or a shovel pass? Yes, College Football 25 allows for a variety of passing mechanics, each serving a distinct purpose on the field. This guide will break down how to execute these essential throws, empowering you to dissect defenses and lead your team to victory.

The Fundamentals of Passing in College Football 25

Before diving into specific pass types, let’s cover the core mechanics. Passing in College Football 25 revolves around holding down the appropriate pass button (usually LT/L2 on most controllers) to charge up your throw, and then aiming with the right analog stick. The longer you hold the button, the harder and farther the ball travels. However, overcharging can lead to errant throws, especially under pressure.

Precision is key. Aiming your pass to the desired receiver, considering their route and the coverage, is paramount. In College Football 25, defensive backs are more aware and athletic than ever, so anticipating their movements and placing the ball where only your receiver can make a play is vital.

Executing the Perfect Spiral Pass

The spiral pass is the bread and butter of any quarterback. It’s the most common and efficient way to deliver the ball, offering speed and accuracy.

How to Throw a Spiral Pass:

Lock onto Your Receiver: Use the receiver icons that appear above your players. Tap the receiver’s icon to select them.
Hold the Pass Button: Press and hold the main pass button (LT/L2). You’ll see a power meter fill up.
Aim Precisely: Use the right analog stick to aim at your receiver.
Release the Pass Button: Release the pass button at the right moment. The power meter dictates the velocity and distance. A good spiral is achieved by a balanced power meter, not too much, not too little.

Tips for a Better Spiral Pass:

Practice: Spend time in practice mode honing your timing and aim.
Situational Awareness: Understand when a hard, fast spiral is needed (e.g., a slant route against tight coverage) versus when more finesse is required.
Avoid Overcharging: Too much power can lead to the ball sailing over your receiver’s head or into coverage.

Mastering the Touch Pass

The touch pass is essential for delivering the ball over defenders and into tight windows without overpowering your receiver. It’s perfect for situations where you need to loft the ball softly.

How to Throw a Touch Pass:

Select Your Receiver: As with a spiral pass, ensure your receiver is targeted.
Tap the Pass Button (Quickly): Instead of holding, quickly tap the pass button (LT/L2). This tells the game to execute a softer, arcing pass.
Aim Gently: Use the right analog stick, but be more delicate with your aim.

When to Use a Touch Pass:

Crossing Routes: When a receiver is crossing the middle of the field and a linebacker or safety is in a trailing position, a touch pass can get the ball over them.
Out Routes: To throw over a trailing cornerback who is playing off-coverage.
End Zone Throws: Often, a touch pass is better for fading receivers in the corner of the end zone to avoid overthrown touchdowns.

The Deceptive Shovel Pass

The shovel pass is a short, underhand toss, often used to get the ball to a running back or tight end quickly in open space, especially on screen plays or when a defender is bearing down.

How to Throw a Shovel Pass:

Select Your Receiver: Typically, this will be a running back or a short-out receiver.
Hold a Modifier Button (Often LB/L1) and Tap Pass Button: The exact button combination can vary, but it generally involves holding a specific modifier button (often LB/L1) and then tapping the pass button (LT/L2). Consult your in-game controller layout for the precise inputs.
Quick Aim: Aim the right analog stick very briefly towards your receiver. The shovel pass is about immediate delivery.

Applications of the Shovel Pass:

Screen Passes: A common element in screen pass plays to get the ball to your blockers quickly.
Circumventing Pressure: When a pass rusher is close, a quick shovel pass can avoid a sack.
Designed Plays: Many offensive schemes feature shovel passes as part of pre-designed plays to exploit mismatches.

Unleashing the Screen Pass

The screen pass is a strategic play designed to draw in pass rushers, then throw a short pass to a receiver who has blockers in front of them, creating a big-yardage opportunity.

Executing a Screen Pass:

Call a Screen Play: Ensure you have a screen pass play selected in your playbook. These are often marked with “Screen” in their name.
Identify Your Target: The receiver for a screen pass is usually designated on the play art.
Hold the Pass Button (Slightly Longer): You’ll generally need to hold the pass button (LT/L2) a bit longer than a quick pass, but not as long as a deep throw. The game often has a specific “screen pass” animation tied to this.
Aim at Your Receiver: Target your receiver, and the game mechanics will often facilitate the blockers moving into position.

Keys to a Successful Screen Pass:

O-Line Protection: Your offensive linemen will often start moving downfield to block.
Receiver’s Actions: Your receiver will typically wait for the ball and then look to advance.
Timing: Delivering the ball as your blockers are getting into position is crucial.

Launching the Deep Ball

The deep ball is the ultimate weapon for big plays, taking shots downfield to receivers running routes like the comeback route or streaks.

How to Throw a Deep Ball:

Select Your Receiver: Target the receiver you want to throw to.
Hold the Pass Button (Long Duration): You need to hold the pass button (LT/L2) for a significant amount of time to build maximum power. Watch the power meter carefully.
Lead Your Receiver: This is paramount for deep passes. Use the right analog stick to aim ahead of your receiver, accounting for their speed and the trajectory of the ball.
Consider the Coverage: Look at the defensive backs. Are they playing off-coverage, or are they in a position to break on the ball?

Tips for Better Deep Balls:

Go For Max Power (Usually): Unless there’s immediate pressure, you’ll want full power.
Leading is Non-Negotiable: A poorly led deep pass is an interception waiting to happen.
Receiver Aggression: Some receivers have higher Aggression ratings, which can help them win contested deep balls.
Play Action: Using play-action can freeze linebackers and safeties, opening up opportunities for deep passes.

Throwing to Specific Routes

Different routes require different types of passes and aiming. Let’s examine a few common ones.

The Comeback Route

A comeback route sees the receiver run downfield, then turn back towards the quarterback.

Best Pass: A spiral pass with good velocity is usually ideal.
Aiming: Aim for the receiver’s chest as they break back towards the ball. You might need to lead them slightly if they are coming back across the field, or throw it slightly behind them if they are breaking back towards the sideline and the defender is on their hip.
Timing: Deliver the ball as they plant their foot to come back.

The Out Route

An out route has the receiver breaking towards the sideline.

Best Pass: This can be a spiral pass or a touch pass, depending on coverage. If the cornerback is trailing, a strong spiral might be best. If they are playing close and the receiver needs to get over them, a touch pass is a better option.
Aiming: Aim for the receiver’s hands as they break towards the sideline. If they are going out of bounds, aim towards the sideline and slightly ahead of them.
Situational: Be aware of the sideline. If you are too close to the sideline, you risk an incomplete pass or an interception.

The Slant Route

A slant route involves the receiver breaking sharply across the middle of the field.

Best Pass: A quick, accurate spiral pass is almost always preferred.
Aiming: Aim for the receiver’s chest. You need to be precise here, as there are often defenders in the middle.
Timing: Release the ball as soon as they make their cut. The faster you get it to them, the less time defenders have to react.

The Crossing Route

A crossing route sees the receiver run horizontally across the field, often drawing multiple defenders.

Best Pass: This often requires a touch pass to get over linebackers and safeties. A strong spiral might be intercepted if not perfectly placed.
Aiming: Lead the receiver across the field. You’ll need to anticipate where they will be when the ball arrives, taking into account their speed and any defensive adjustments.
Throwing Lanes: Look for open lanes. If a linebacker is trailing, a touch pass over their head is perfect.

The Option Pass

The option pass is a more advanced concept, often seen in run-pass options (RPOs) where the quarterback reads a defender and decides whether to hand off, run, or throw a quick pass to a receiver. While the game automates much of the decision-making for RPOs, the quarterback’s throwing mechanic is still vital.

Executing an Option Pass (in RPO contexts):

Read the Defender: As the play unfolds, pay attention to the defender the game highlights for your read.
Decision: Based on the defender’s movement, you’ll have options. If the defender commits to the run, you might have an open receiver.
Throw Accordingly: If you decide to pass, you’ll execute the throw as you normally would, often a quick spiral pass or a shovel pass, to the designated receiver who is open due to the defensive read.

Advanced Passing Techniques

Beyond the basic pass types, here are some techniques to elevate your game:

Bullet Pass vs. Lob Pass

Bullet Pass: This is essentially a quick, hard spiral. It’s used for short, accurate passes where speed is of the essence. Achieved by holding the pass button just long enough to generate velocity without a long wind-up.
Lob Pass: Similar to a touch pass, but can sometimes be used for slightly longer, softer throws that arc over defenders. The key is to not put too much power on it.

Throwing on the Run

When your quarterback is scrambling, throwing accurately becomes more challenging.

Mechanics: While running, your accuracy will naturally decrease. The game may offer a “throw on the run” mechanic, often tied to the left analog stick for directional control while passing.
Minimize Movement: Try to plant your feet as much as possible, even when scrambling, to improve accuracy.
Smart Decisions: Avoid forcing throws on the run into heavy coverage. Sometimes, throwing the ball away is the best option to avoid a sack or interception.

Situational Passing: What to Throw When

Here’s a quick reference table for common situations:

Situation	Recommended Pass Type	Key Aiming/Execution
Slant Route against man coverage	Spiral Pass (Quick)	Aim chest, quick release
Crossing Route over linebackers	Touch Pass	Lead receiver, aim over defenders
Out Route with trailing CB	Spiral or Touch Pass	Aim sideline, lead slightly if breaking out of bounds
Screen Pass to RB	Screen Pass Mechanic	Use designated screen play, time with blockers
Deep Ball to receiver streaking	Spiral Pass (Max Power)	Lead receiver significantly, aim for chest/back shoulder
Comeback Route	Spiral Pass	Aim receiver’s chest as they break back
Pressure from pass rush	Shovel Pass/Quick Pass	Get ball out fast, short, safe options
End Zone Fade	Touch Pass	Loft ball to back shoulder, let receiver work
Option Pass (RPO completion)	Spiral or Shovel Pass	Quick decision and execution based on defender read

Improving Your Passing Accuracy and Decision-Making

Passing in College Football 25 is more than just button presses; it’s about football IQ.

Reading Defenses

Pre-Snap: Look at the defensive alignment. Are safeties deep? Are linebackers showing blitz? This tells you potential coverage schemes.
Post-Snap: As the play develops, watch how the defenders react. Who is blitzing? Who is dropping into coverage? Who is guarding which receiver?

Identifying Open Receivers

Receiver Icons: Pay attention to the receiver icons. Green icons indicate open receivers, yellow means contested, and red means heavily covered.
Route Development: Watch how your receivers are running their routes. Are they creating separation?
Throwing Lanes: Can you fit the ball into a spot where only your receiver can catch it?

Managing Pressure

Pocket Awareness: Keep an eye on your offensive linemen and the pass rushers.
Escape the Pocket: If pressure is coming, don’t be afraid to step up or scramble.
Throw the Ball Away: If a play breaks down, throwing the ball out of bounds is better than taking a sack or throwing an interception.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: How do I make my passes spiral better in College Football 25?

A: A good spiral is achieved through balanced power. Don’t overcharge the pass button. Practice holding it just long enough to get good velocity without the ball wobbling. Aiming accurately also contributes to a tighter spiral.

Q2: Can I throw a touch pass to any receiver?

A: Yes, the touch pass mechanic is available for any receiver. It’s a matter of using the correct input (usually a quick tap of the pass button) and aiming it appropriately.

Q3: What is the best way to throw a screen pass?

A: The most effective way is to call a designated screen pass play. The game mechanics will then typically guide your offensive linemen to get downfield to block, and your receiver will wait for the ball. Timing your throw as the blockers are in place is key.

Q4: How do I throw a deep ball accurately?

A: For a deep ball, you need to hold the pass button for maximum power and, critically, lead your receiver. Use the right analog stick to aim ahead of your receiver based on their speed and the ball’s trajectory.

Q5: When should I use a shovel pass?

A: A shovel pass is best for short, quick passes, often to running backs or tight ends, especially when a defender is closing in fast. It’s also a staple of certain screen plays and can help avoid sacks under pressure.

Q6: What is an “option pass” in College Football 25?

A: In College Football 25, the term “option pass” typically refers to passes thrown as part of a Read Option or RPO play. The quarterback reads a defender and decides whether to hand off, run, or pass, often with a quick spiral pass or shovel pass to an open receiver.

Q7: How do I throw a comeback route effectively?

A: For a comeback route, aim for the receiver’s chest as they plant their foot and turn back towards you. A well-timed spiral pass with good velocity is usually ideal.

Mastering these different pass types in College Football 25 will significantly enhance your offensive capabilities. From the precision of a spiral pass to the deception of a shovel pass and the big-play potential of a deep ball, understanding when and how to utilize each throw will make you a more formidable opponent. Practice these techniques, read the defense, and you’ll be well on your way to leading your team to victory!