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Breakdown
HB Slip Screen out of Pistol Doubles Y Off Stack sends four vertical routes downfield to clear out underneath defenders and hold the linebackers and safeties deep, while the offensive line and HB set up a slip screen underneath. The HB releases out to the flat off the initial fake pull, letting blockers get out in front as the four verticals occupy the defense at depth. This is a screen play designed as a change of pace and blitz beater, with the primary read being the HB in the flat first, working through blocking leverage before ever looking downfield at the vertical routes.
Defensive Reads
Pre-snap, identify if the defense is showing man coverage with cornerbacks pressed on the outside receivers, since man coverage often means linebackers are occupied in coverage drops and slower to read the screen. Check linebacker depth before the snap, since linebackers sitting shallow near the line of scrimmage can read and jump the screen quickly, killing the play for a loss. Post-snap, watch for a user-controlled defender spying the backfield or sitting in a shallow zone, since that lurk threat is the biggest counter to this screen concept. Zone coverages that flow hard with the four verticals and empty the underneath area are the ideal shell to attack, since it leaves no defenders near the HB. Blitz packages that send extra rushers up the middle or off the edge without accounting for the HB are exactly what this play is designed to exploit, since the rushers take themselves out of the screen lane.
Usage Tips
Call this against aggressive pass rush teams that bring extra rushers, since the screen is designed to make blitz-heavy defenses pay for crashing the pocket. Watch for defenders showing blitz pre-snap, especially off the edges, since that gives your blockers a clean angle to get outside and set up the screen. Use the four verticals shown on this play as a threat in your play-calling sequence, since defenses that respect Four Verticals from this same set will be more susceptible to biting on the screen action. Hold the ball just long enough to let your linemen release and get in front of the HB, then throw as soon as he turns upfield to avoid a delay of game or negative play from over-holding it. Best used on early downs or in obvious pass-rush situations like third and long, where defenses are more likely to bring pressure and vacate the shallow flat area.
