Playbooks
Quick Reference
In 1 playbook
Breakdown
Mtn HB Slip Screen is a Doubles Shotgun screen play built off HB motion, with the running back sliding to the flat behind a wall of releasing linemen while the offensive line initially shows pass protection before slipping out to lead block. On the diagram, both outside receivers run vertical clearing routes (the go route on the left and the corner/seam breaking route on the right) to pull cornerbacks and safeties downfield, while two underneath receivers run drag routes across the formation to occupy linebackers and clear the screen lane. This is a classic screen pass designed to bait aggressive pass rushers and blitzes, with the primary read being the HB out of the backfield as soon as the blockers get in front of him.
Defensive Reads
Watch for a delayed alignment or shifted linebacker following the HB motion across the formation, which signals man coverage and a green light for the screen. Identify blitz packages pre-snap through overload fronts or extra defenders showing pressure on the edge, since those defenders will be out of position once they commit upfield. Post-snap, key on defensive ends and outside linebackers: if they immediately crash the pocket without reading run/pass, the screen lane will be wide open. Zone shells with disciplined linebackers who stay in their drops and read the quarterback's eyes are the biggest threat to this concept, since they can plant and drive on the HB before the wall of blockers forms. User-controlled defenders sitting underneath in a lurk technique can jump the screen route, so avoid this call if the opposing user is showing a habit of spying the backfield.
Usage Tips
Call this play against defenses showing pressure indicators like blitz alerts or a heavy box count pre-snap, since aggressive rushers sell out to the quarterback and open up the screen lane. Use the HB motion to check for man coverage: if a defender follows the back across the formation, you know it is man and the screen becomes even more dangerous once blockers release. Snap the ball quickly after the catch read develops, since the vertical routes from the outside receivers are designed to hold corners and safeties deep rather than serve as your first read. Pair this with Inside Zone or HB Mid Draw earlier in a drive so defenses start keying run fits, then dial up this screen to punish linebackers flowing hard downhill. Avoid calling this on obvious passing downs against zone-heavy defenses that sit and read, since zone defenders can sniff out the screen and squat on the HB before blockers get set.
