Playbooks
Quick Reference
In 15 playbooks
Breakdown
HB Slip Screen out of Shotgun Bunch Spread lines up the bunch trio to the right while the HB slides left behind a delayed release, letting the offensive line sell pass pro before flowing out to set a wall of blockers. The three receivers from the bunch push vertical and outward stems (seam, out, and corner) to pull linebackers and defensive backs deep and away from the backfield, clearing the underneath lanes for the screen. This is a screen play designed to bait aggressive man pressure and nano blitzes, with the primary read being the HB catching in space behind the developing wall once the linemen release downfield.
Defensive Reads
Identify man coverage or Cover 0 blitz pre-snap by checking if defenders are aligned tight on the bunch receivers with no deep safety help, this is the ideal shell for the slip screen to hit big. Post-snap, key the defensive line's rush lanes, if they crash hard upfield without containing width, the screen lane opens instantly for the HB. Watch for a spy linebacker or a defender sitting in the backfield reading the quarterback's eyes, since a disciplined spy can jump the screen and blow up the play before blocks set. Zone coverages with linebackers dropping into short zones near the line of scrimmage can sit on the screen and diagnose it quickly, especially if they do not bite on the bunch receivers' initial releases. Look for defensive ends or edge rushers who consistently crash inside on stunts, since they can flatten the screen lane and force the HB to bounce outside into traffic.
Usage Tips
Call this against defenses showing heavy blitz packages or man press at the line since the delayed HB release exploits defenders rushing hard off the edge.
Watch pre-snap for linebackers creeping into blitz gaps or a nickel corner cheating up on the bunch, both are green lights to fire this off quickly.
Use your hot routes to keep at least one bunch receiver on a quick option route if you see a zone shell rolling down fast to the flat, giving you a bailout in case the screen gets sniffed out.
Pair this with Outside Zone or Inside Zone in your play-calling sequence so defenders start keying run fits, then hit them with the slip screen off the same formation to freeze linebackers.
Avoid calling this on obvious passing downs against defenses that show Cover 2 Man or heavy inside blitz reads, since a disciplined lurking linebacker can blow it up before the wall sets.
