Playbooks
Quick Reference
In 2 playbooks
Breakdown
Mtn HB Slip Screen is an HB screen out of Pistol Y Trips with pre-snap motion bringing a receiver across the formation before the snap. The three outside receivers push vertically upfield to occupy zone defenders and clear the underneath area, while the offensive line invites the pass rush upfield before slipping out to set up a wall in front of the HB. The primary read is the HB himself as he releases into the backfield and sets up behind the screen wall, with the offense relying on the vertical routes to hold linebackers and safeties away from the throw lane. This is a screen play designed to beat aggressive man and zone pressure looks by letting the rush overrun the play.
Defensive Reads
As the defense, key on the HB immediately after the snap rather than getting sucked in by the vertical route stems from the trips side. If you are playing zone, hold your linebackers and do not let them flow hard upfield with the rush since that opens the slip screen lane. User a linebacker or safety and spy the HB instead of rushing to blow up the screen before the blockers get set. Watch for offensive linemen releasing late after showing pass block, that hesitation is the tell for a screen versus a normal drop back pass. Blitzing off the edge without a spy is the biggest mistake, since the rush speed to the quarterback is exactly what makes this screen effective, so play disciplined zone with a linebacker sitting in the middle to shut it down.
Usage Tips
Use the pre-snap motion to identify if the defense is in man coverage, since a defender following the motion man across the formation confirms man and tells you the screen has extra time to develop. Call this on early downs or after establishing the run so linebackers and edge rushers are conditioned to attack downhill and upfield. Pair this with Mtn HB Draw and HB Counter in the same set so defenses that key on the backfield flow get punished by the delayed screen release. Avoid calling this against defenses that show contain discipline or spy looks, since those defenders will sit and read the screen instead of rushing upfield. Hot route the outside vertical routes deeper if you see single-high safety looks to keep that safety from sinking and jumping the screen throw.
