Playbooks
Quick Reference
In 2 playbooks
Breakdown
HB Slip Screen out of the Pistol U Off Stack set shows two vertical clear-out routes from the stacked receivers on the left to drag off any underneath defenders, a TE releasing outside then breaking upfield to seal the edge, and the other inline TE running a vertical route up the seam to hold the safety. The HB slips out to the flat behind the line and the offensive line lets defenders through before flowing out to set up blockers in front of him, the classic slip screen design. This is a screen play built to beat aggressive man coverage and blitz packages, with the primary read simply being the HB in the flat as the first and only real progression once the screen develops.
Defensive Reads
Pre-snap, check for defensive ends or DTs crashing hard upfield, since unblocked penetration actually helps the screen develop faster. Watch linebacker depth: if linebackers are shallow and reading the backfield, they can jump the screen and blow it up before the HB gets to the perimeter. User a linebacker or a spy defender and key the HB's release out of the backfield rather than following the two clear-out routes upfield. Zone coverage shells like Cover 3 or Cover 4 with disciplined linebackers sitting underneath are the best counter, since they keep eyes on the backfield and clog the screen lane. Man coverage with all-out blitz is where this play hurts defenses most, so if you see Cover 0 or Cover 1 with heavy pressure called, get a defender to peel off and cover the HB immediately.
Usage Tips
Call this play when you see pre-snap blitz indicators like linebackers creeping to the line or a defender walking up over the slot, since the slip screen thrives against pressure.
Use the two vertical routes from the stack to bait man corners deep and clear the throwing lane to the HB in the flat.
Throw with anticipation right as the blocking wall of TEs and linemen forms in front of the HB, do not wait for him to fully turn upfield or the window closes.
Pair this with HB Zone and HB Stretch from the same set so defenses respect the run action and bite on the play fake tendencies, making the screen hit even harder.
Best used on early downs or third and short, and avoid calling it against disciplined zone defenses that sit on screens and read the QB's eyes.
