Playbooks
Quick Reference
In 2 playbooks
Breakdown
HB Slip Screen out of Shotgun Doubles Off Close is a screen pass built to slow down aggressive pass rush and blitz packages. The diagram shows four vertical stems from the outside receivers and slot, clearing out the underneath defenders and holding the deep coverage, while the HB releases quickly to the flat behind a wall of linemen setting up in front of him. The primary read is the HB out of the backfield, and the QB should look immediately to the screen rather than working through the vertical routes, which are there strictly to occupy defenders and open up space underneath.
Defensive Reads
Watch for defensive ends and outside linebackers with contain responsibility who can crash down and disrupt the screen before it develops. Man coverage on the outside receivers combined with a blitz creates the ideal look for this play, since the rushers will be up the field and out of position to defend the flat. Zone defenses with a linebacker sitting in a shallow hook or curl zone can sniff out the screen and jump it for a loss, so be wary of Tampa 2 or Cover 3 sink looks. If the defense shows a user-controlled defender spying the backfield or shading toward the HB pre-snap, expect the screen to be defended and consider audibling to one of the vertical shots instead. Post-snap, track whether the defensive line stunts or contains the edge, since disciplined edge rushers who keep width can string the screen out before it gets started.
Usage Tips
Call this play when you see pre-snap blitz indicators like linebackers creeping to the line or a defensive coordinator sending extra rushers, since the screen is designed to punish overpursuit. Use the vertical routes as window dressing, do not actually progress through them, get the ball to the HB as fast as possible once the blockers set up. Save this play for third and short or second and medium situations where a quick, high-percentage gain keeps the offense on schedule. Pair it in a sequence with Inside Zone and PA Jet Sweep from the same set so the defense respects the run action and commits linebackers downhill, making the screen even more effective. Avoid calling this against teams that consistently spy the HB or sit a linebacker in the screen lane, since that defender can blow up the play before blockers get set.
