Playbooks

RPO Zone Read Bubble

Shotgun·Doubles Z Close Wk·11
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Quick Reference

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Breakdown

RPO Zone Read Bubble is a true run pass option out of Shotgun Doubles Z Close Wk that pairs an inside zone run scheme with a bubble screen to the slot receiver. The offensive line blocks zone away from the read side while the QB reads the alley defender or overhang linebacker to decide between handing off on the zone track or pulling and firing the bubble to the flat. Primary read progression starts with the numbers advantage: count defenders in the box pre-snap, then post-snap key the flat defender or slot corner to determine give or throw.

Defensive Reads

Watch pre-snap safety alignment, two high shells favor pulling the bubble since the run fit is more populated underneath Check cornerback depth on the bubble side, a corner playing off or bailing into deep zone leaves the flat wide open for the pull throw Post-snap key the slot defender or overhang linebacker, if he sprints out to defend the bubble the run lane opens up for the handoff Beware of user-controlled defenders sitting in the throwing lane, they can jump the bubble route and turn it into a pick six if you telegraph the throw Aggressive run blitzes and nano blitzes crashing the box are exactly what this play punishes since the bubble becomes an automatic answer when the alley defender vacates

Usage Tips

Count the box pre-snap and if there are six or fewer defenders in the box you have a clean numbers advantage to hand it off on the zone read

If the slot defender crashes down on the run action, immediately pull and throw the bubble before the flat closes

Use this play on early downs like first and ten or second and short to keep defenses honest and set up explosive plays later in the drive

Hot route the bubble receiver deeper if you see a cornerback sitting too close, turning it into a quick out breaker against soft coverage

Pair this play with Inside Zone or Mtn Inside Zone to sell the same run action, then mix in RPO Read Bubble to give the defense two different RPO looks off similar blocking

Other Plays in Doubles Z Close Wk