Playbooks

RPO Zone Read Bubble

Shotgun·Doubles Offset Wk·11
RPOPass PlayRun Play

Quick Reference

FormationShotgun

In 2 playbooks

Franchise College Spread OffenseOffenseBalanced Pass OffenseOffense

Breakdown

RPO Zone Read Bubble is a true run pass option out of Shotgun Doubles Offset Wk, giving the quarterback an inside zone handoff read paired with a bubble screen to the offset receiver. The offensive line executes a standard zone blocking scheme while the QB reads the alley or slot defender to decide whether to hand off, pull and throw the bubble, or keep it himself if the defense sells out on the perimeter. This is a zone beater at its core since it punishes light boxes and defenders who crash down on the run fake, and the primary read progression is box count first, then the flat or alley defender for the bubble trigger.

Defensive Reads

Pre-snap, identify whether the defense is in a one-high or two-high shell, since one-high safeties often mean an extra run defender in the box which favors the bubble throw. Watch the slot corner or nickel defender's depth and leverage before the snap, if he is playing tight man coverage on the bubble receiver the throw becomes risky and the handoff is the better option. Post-snap, key the play side linebacker's first step, if he crashes down hard on the zone action that confirms the bubble screen is the correct read. Beware of user-controlled defenders sitting in the flat or lurking underneath, since a savvy human defender can bait the bubble throw and jump the route for a pick six. Aggressive nano blitzes or edge pressure can disrupt the mesh point before the QB can even make his read, so recognize overload blitz looks pre-snap and consider sliding protection or checking into a different play.

Usage Tips

Check the defensive box count before the snap and if you see six or fewer defenders in the box, lean toward pulling and reading the bubble instead of forcing the handoff.

Watch the slot cornerback or overhang defender at the snap since his reaction is the actual key read, if he sinks or blitzes the bubble is wide open, if he sits flat you should hand it off.

Use hot routes sparingly here, but consider motioning or adjusting the bubble receiver's spacing to create better blocking angles against aggressive corners.

This play shines on early downs like first and ten or second and short where defenses are more willing to load the box, punishing overly aggressive run fits.

Pair this with RPO Alert Bubble and RPO Peek Slant from the same set to keep defenders honest, since all three look identical pre-snap but attack different soft spots based on leverage.

Other Plays in Doubles Offset Wk