Playbooks
Quick Reference
Breakdown
RPO Trap Alert Screen is a run pass option built off inside trap action with an alert screen packaged to the perimeter, giving the quarterback a true pre and post snap decision. The offensive line executes trap blocking to seal an interior defender while a lineman pulls to lead the HB through the hole, and the alert screen serves as the built in escape valve if defenders crash down on the trap. The primary read progression is box count first: if the defense stacks the box or triggers hard downhill on the mesh point, pull and throw the screen for space; if the box is light and the trap lane is clean, hand it off and let the run develop.
Defensive Reads
Watch the play side linebacker depth at the snap, if he creeps downhill immediately toward the trap gap that confirms he is not respecting the screen and you should pull it out. Identify any user controlled defender spying the backfield or sitting in a shallow zone drop near the screen target, since a heads up user can jump the throw and turn it into a house call the other way. Check safety alignment pre-snap, a single high shell with linebackers stacked tight favors the inside trap run, while two high shells that keep linebackers spread out favor the alert screen. Blitz packages that send extra rushers off the edge or through the A gap open up the screen instantly since those defenders are removed from screen coverage entirely. Beware disciplined defenses that play read and react technique without over pursuing, since they can eliminate both options by staying square and squeezing the trap lane while keeping a defender on the screen concept.
Usage Tips
Pre-snap, count defenders in the box before the snap and compare it to your blockers, this is the single biggest factor in deciding run or throw. Use this play against defenses that show aggressive run blitz looks or overload fronts, since those defenders flying downhill create easy running lanes for the screen once they vacate. If you see a linebacker or slot corner sitting flat footed and reading the mesh point, that is your cue to trigger the screen quickly before he can jump the route. Sequence this with RPO Alert Trap and RPO Zone Alert Screen from the same Double Stack set so the defense cannot key trap blocking versus screen action based on formation tendencies alone. Best used on early downs or short yardage third downs where defenses commit numbers to the run, and mix in Fake Screen Go later in a drive once the defense starts jumping the screen fake.
