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Quick Reference
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Breakdown
HB Slip Screen out of Shotgun Flex Y Off sends four vertical routes upfield to hold the second and third level while the offensive line sets up the screen to the running back. The HB slips out to the flat as blockers get out ahead of him, giving this the look of a standard dropback pass before the ball comes back to the backfield. This is a classic screen pass designed to counter aggressive man pressure and nano blitzes, with the primary read being the HB in the flat once the line releases and the four vertical routes are only there to occupy defenders and clear the underneath passing lanes.
Defensive Reads
Key the defensive ends and outside linebackers pre-snap, since unblocked edge rushers crashing hard up the field are the biggest tell that the screen will hit for a big gain. Watch for a linebacker sitting flat footed near the line of scrimmage after the snap, as a disciplined defender reading screen can blow this play up before the blockers get set. If the defense shows man coverage with the corners and safeties turning their backs to the backfield on the vertical routes, that is a green light for the screen since no one is spying the HB. Zone shells with linebackers keeping their eyes in the backfield and shuffling instead of dropping deep are the counter to this play, since they can jump the screen lane immediately. Watch for a user controlled defender spying the quarterback or sitting in a shallow zone near the line, since that is the biggest threat to jump the throwing lane and take the screen the other way.
Usage Tips
Call this against defenses that bring pressure off the edge or send extra rushers, since the screen negates the rush entirely if timed correctly.
Watch the defensive line pre-snap for wide 9 techniques or edge blitzers, as those defenders will run themselves out of the play and open up the screen lane.
Hold the ball for a two count after the snap to let your linemen get out in front of the HB before delivering the pass, otherwise you will throw it right into a defender dropping into the screen area.
Pair this play with Inside Zone and HB Draw from the same set so the defense has to respect the run game, which slows down linebacker screen recognition on this call.
Best used on early downs or after establishing tempo with quick game, since defenses sitting back in zone coverage can rally faster and limit the YAC upside.
