Playbooks
Likely unavailable in the playbook builder
Quick Reference
Not in any team playbook.
Breakdown
Mtn HB Slot Screen is a designed HB screen out of Shotgun Doubles Flex Y Off Close, with a motion man crossing the backfield pre-snap to help sell run action. The diagram shows the outside receiver releasing vertically upfield to clear space and occupy the corner while the offensive line lets pass rushers through before working out to the flat to set up a wall of blockers for the back. The primary read is simply the HB catching the ball in the flat behind the screen wall, so your progression is patience: let the rush get deep, then get the ball out to the back and follow blockers to the numbers.
Defensive Reads
Watch for a defensive tackle or edge rusher with disciplined eyes who stays home on the screen instead of chasing the quarterback, since that is the fastest way to blow this up. Zone blitz calls with a spy or a linebacker sitting in the throwing lane will bait you into a bad read, so check the box count before the snap. If the corner press align on the outside receiver and the safety rotates down pre-snap, that usually signals aggressive man or Cover 1, both of which this screen is designed to punish. Post-snap, key the near-side linebacker's first two steps: if he flows hard playside on the run fake, the screen lane opens instantly. Beware defenses that stay disciplined with contain rushers, since a controlled edge defender can force the HB to bounce outside into unblocked defenders and kill the play before it starts.
Usage Tips
Call this on early downs or after establishing inside zone so linebackers are already flowing hard downhill and bite on the run fake before the screen develops.
Check pre-snap for man coverage or blitz packages since both are ideal triggers for this screen, especially if you see a nano blitz coming off the edge that will overrun the play.
Use the motion to identify if the defense is in man (defender follows the motion man) or zone (defender stays put), which tells you whether the flat will be wide open.
Hold the HB screen release slightly if the user is spying underneath, then release once the rush clears to avoid an early jump throw and pick.
Pair this with Mtn HB Angle and Mtn HB Out earlier in a series so the defense keys aggressive linebacker fills, then hit this screen once they are conditioned to attack downhill.
