Playbooks

Bubble Screen

Pistol·Trips·11
Screen PassBubble ScreenPass Play
Play diagram for Bubble Screen from Pistol Trips in Madden 27

Quick Reference

FormationPistol

In 1 playbook

Pistol OffenseOffense

Breakdown

Bubble Screen out of Pistol Trips is a quick-hitting screen pass designed to get the ball into space to the trips side. The diagram shows the outermost slot receiver releasing to block downfield while the middle slot receiver bubbles out toward the sideline, catching the pass in the flat behind a wall of blockers. The primary read is the bubble route to the middle slot receiver, and the QB should throw this almost immediately off the snap since the concept relies on blocking angles rather than route separation.

Defensive Reads

Pre-snap, identify if the defense has a slot corner or linebacker sitting outside because that defender determines if the bubble has room to develop Watch for aggressive edge blitzes or nano blitzes since a fast defensive end or corner blitz can blow this up before the blockers get set Check for zone coverage with a flat defender sitting underneath, since a disciplined zone defender can jump the bubble route for a big hit or pick User the nearest defender to the trips side and squat on the bubble route rather than biting on the blocker's release Look for man coverage on the outside blocker's man, since if that corner presses hard the block can win easily and spring the bubble runner

Usage Tips

Throw this the instant the ball is snapped since the blockers need every extra second to set up their wall in space

Use this against defenses showing single high safety or man coverage on the outside since it exploits soft cushions and slow-triggering corners

Combine this with HB Slip Screen or HB Dive from the same set to keep linebackers honest on run fits before going back to the bubble

Pair it with RPO Alert Bubble as a changeup so the defense cannot key on the bubble action every time you break the huddle

Avoid calling this into aggressive nano blitz packages or heavy blitz looks since the extra rusher can beat the screen before blockers get set

Use it on early downs in short yardage or as a rhythm play to keep the defense honest and set up shot plays like PA Dagger later in the drive

Other Plays in Trips