Playbooks
Quick Reference
Breakdown
Mtn HB Screen is a screen pass out of Shotgun Empty Base with 11 personnel that motions a receiver from the backfield area across the formation before the snap, drawing defenders and creating leverage for the actual screen concept. The diagram shows the outside receiver running a vertical clear-out route while the interior blockers set up a wall for the back or slot man releasing on the blue screen route to the flat. This is a designed screen and zone beater that punishes teams bringing pressure or over pursuing on the motion, with the primary read being the screen receiver in the flat once the blockers get set, and the vertical clear route as a check if defenders sit on the screen.
Defensive Reads
Watch for linebackers staying home instead of flowing with the motion, disciplined defenses that hold their gap assignments will blow up the screen before the wall sets. Key on the defensive ends and edge rushers, if they crash hard upfield on the snap without reading the backfield the screen has a clean lane to the flat. Look for a spy or a defender with eyes on the backfield the entire snap, that is a screen killer and will jump the throw before blockers get in front. Check safety depth pre-snap, if both safeties are deep in a two-high shell the underneath defenders are more likely to bite on the screen action. Post-snap, track whether the motion defender trails across the field, a man defender running with the motion man usually cannot recover in time to stop the screen.
Usage Tips
Use the pre-snap motion to identify if the defense is playing man or zone, if a defender follows the motion man across the formation you are likely facing man coverage which slows down screen defenders and opens up the play.
Call this against aggressive blitz packages since the blockers releasing into the screen wall neutralize extra rushers and turn their pressure into wasted defenders.
Hot route the vertical clear-out receiver to a deeper route on third and long if the defense shows single high safety, forcing the corner to choose between the screen and the vertical threat.
Pair this play with Fk Screen Verts or Fk Screen Sluggo earlier in a series so defenders start jumping fake screen action, then hit them with the real Mtn HB Screen when they bite on run support.
Best used on early downs or short yardage to stay ahead of the sticks, since the screen relies on blockers reaching the second level before linebackers close the throwing lane.
