Playbooks
Quick Reference
Breakdown
Mtn HB Slip Screen is a screen pass out of Pistol Doubles Hip that uses jet motion across the formation before the snap to help sell run action and hold the second level. Three vertical routes from the outside receivers and slot clear out the deep coverage while the offensive line releases up to wall off defenders in front of the halfback, who slips out into the flat behind a wall of blockers. This is a screen play designed to beat aggressive man pressure and blitz-heavy defenses, with the primary read being the HB in the flat off the slip release, checking down only if the screen is jumped or blown up by a fast-flowing defender.
Defensive Reads
Watch for defenders crashing hard upfield immediately after the snap, since that aggressive pursuit is exactly what this screen is designed to punish. Key on linebacker depth and flow, if they bite on the jet motion and run with it, the screen lane to the HB opens wide. Zone defenses with disciplined linebackers sitting in their drops are the best counter, since they can read screen and squat on the flat. Man coverage with off-ball defenders spying the backfield can blow this play up if they stay patient instead of chasing the vertical routes. User-controlled defenders sitting underneath in a lurk technique near the line of scrimmage are the biggest threat, since they can jump the slip route before blockers get set.
Usage Tips
Use the jet motion pre-snap to bait linebackers into flowing hard toward the fly motion, which opens up the backside screen lane.
This play thrives against man coverage and overload blitzes where defenders are crashing upfield past the line of scrimmage.
Call this on early downs or in obvious pass-rush situations like third and long, since the extra rush help the screen misdirection.
Pair this with Mtn PA Boot or Mtn Pin Pull Sweep earlier in a drive so defenders respect the run action and jet motion, making the slip screen hit even harder later.
Avoid throwing this into disciplined zone defenses that keep linebackers home, since sitting defenders can read the screen and undercut the throwing lane.
