Playbooks
Quick Reference
In 2 playbooks
Breakdown
HB Slip Screen out of Pistol U Off Trips is a designed screen pass that gets the running back leaking out to the flat behind a wall of releasing linemen. The three trips receivers push vertical stems to occupy the deep defenders and clear the underneath area, while the backside receiver runs a comeback breaking route to hold the corner on that side. The offensive line sells pass pro before slipping out to set up blocks in space, and the primary read is simply getting the ball to the HB on the delayed release once the rush commits upfield.
Defensive Reads
Man coverage with tight press corners on the trips side struggles to stay in phase against the vertical stems, giving the screen extra time to set up. Zone coverage shells that drop underneath linebackers into deep thirds or quarters leave the flat area vacant, which is exactly where this screen wants to hit. Blitz-heavy fronts and nano blitzes are the biggest liability against this play since the rush lane vacates instantly and blockers get numbers on the second level. Spy or contain defenders assigned to the HB will blow this up immediately, so if the defense shows a spy pre-snap, expect the screen to be sniffed out. Undisciplined linebackers who flow hard to the vertical routes or crash the line on perceived run action open the biggest alleys for the HB after the catch.
Usage Tips
Throw this against aggressive defensive playcalls where the CPU or user defender is bringing extra rushers, since a hard commit upfield opens the screen lanes instantly.
Watch pre-snap for a heavy blitz look or all-out pressure package, this play is built to punish overzealous pass rush.
Use the vertical routes from the trips side as window dressing to hold linebackers and safeties, do not force the ball to them, stay disciplined and let the HB develop.
Pair this with HB Dive, HB Slam, or Inside Zone Split earlier in a series to sell run action and get second and third level defenders flowing downhill before dialing up the screen.
Best used on early downs or after establishing the run game, since defenders keying run fits will bite hard on the flow and leave the screen lane wide open.
