Playbooks
Quick Reference
In 1 playbook
Breakdown
This WR Screen out of Pistol Trips throws quick to the boundary receiver on the two-man side while the outside receiver on that side blocks downfield, and the trips side runs off coverage to hold defenders away from the throw. The play design leans on the QB getting the ball out fast to the flat, letting the receiver work behind a lead blocker in space rather than beating anyone with a route stem. It is a screen play built to counter aggressive man pressure and overplayed run blitzes, with the primary read being an immediate check to the blocking receiver's leverage before releasing the throw to the flat man.
Defensive Reads
Watch for a slot defender or overhang player sitting flat footed at the snap, since that is the primary threat to blow up the screen before the block develops. Man coverage with the corner turning his hips and running downfield with the trips receivers is the ideal trigger to bail out of a blitz call and let the screen work. If the defense shows a nano blitz or edge pressure package pre-snap, expect this play to gain easy yards since rushers are moving away from the throw. Zone coverage with a flat defender staying low and square is the biggest kill shot to this concept, since he can drive downhill on the blocker's release. Watch linebacker depth: if the backer aligned near the screen side is sitting shallow rather than dropping into coverage, he is reading run or screen and can jump the throw.
Usage Tips
Throw this the instant you see press man or a corner blitz off the boundary edge since defenders flowing upfield have no chance to redirect on the screen.
Check the pre-snap alignment of the boundary corner: if he is playing off with outside leverage, the blocker in front has an easier angle and the screen hits for more yards.
Use this play as a changeup after running Bubble Screen or RPO Alert Bubble from the same trips look so the defense has to respect multiple quick throws from identical formation.
Avoid calling this against zone shells that sit and read the QB, since zone defenders can drive on the screen before the blocker gets set.
Best called on early downs or after a stuffed run to keep defenders honest about crashing down on run fits from Pistol Trips.
