I never see any of my players stick the ball out - in part because I COVER BALL (R1/RB) instead of trucking mostly and never bothered to check. Thanks to your post, I know it's the Right Stick.
If my theory is correct, the difference is TRUCK STICK (flick Right Stick) and REACH BALL (hold Right Stick).
I gather this because out of the times I did use the TRUCK STICK, I haven't reached the ball out once; because I never hold the Right Stick. My right thumb is more valuable on the icon buttons when I'm playing Madden.
I would test my theory, but I don't want to risk possession. Perhaps if I'm in a last play of the half...
Later