Playbooks
Breakdown
RPO Zone Alert Bubble out of Pistol Trips is a true run-pass option built around a zone run scheme with a bubble screen alert to the trips side. The offensive line and HB execute the zone blocking scheme while the quarterback keys the play-side second level defender, reading whether the linebacker or slot defender crashes down on the run or widens to cover the bubble. Primary progression is: read the flow of the alert defender first, if he sits or flows hard to the run, pull and throw the bubble to the outside slot receiver, if he stays wide, hand it off and let the zone run develop.
Defensive Reads
Watch the slot corner or overhang defender at the snap, if he immediately flows inside to fill the run gap, the bubble alert is unblocked and the quarterback will pull it every time Zone coverage shells with soft outside corners and deep safeties get eaten alive by the bubble read since the flat is left uncovered Man coverage with a physical slot corner playing tight leverage can shut down the bubble by squatting on the route, forcing the RPO into a straight handoff User-controlled defenders sitting the flat or spying the bubble receiver take away the easy pitch, so expect the offense to check into the run more often against aggressive user play Blitz packages that send extra defenders off the edge or through the A gap can be dangerous for the offense if the quarterback misreads the alert key, so disciplined linebacker eyes on the mesh point can bait a bad decision
Usage Tips
Pre-snap, identify the defender responsible for the bubble alert, usually a slot corner or overhang linebacker, and note if he is playing outside leverage or shaded inside
If the defense shows a two high shell with soft corners, the bubble is almost always open, so plan to pull it immediately rather than testing the run
Use hot routes sparingly on this play since the RPO read is automated, but you can motion the bubble receiver pre-snap to confirm man versus zone based on whether the defense follows
Pair this play with RPO Alert Bubble and Read Option in the same drive to keep defenders honest on the perimeter, forcing linebackers to hesitate between crashing and covering
Best used on early downs or short yardage third downs where defenses are more likely to sell out against the run, since a hard crash from the alert defender guarantees an easy pitch and catch
