Playbooks
Quick Reference
Breakdown
HB Slip Screen out of Shotgun Slot Right releases the running back on a delayed slip route into the flat while the offensive line sets up a screen wall in front of him. Both outside receivers run vertical routes to clear the corners and pull man defenders or deep zone defenders away from the screen, while the slot receiver runs a short in cut underneath to occupy the nickel or linebacker. This is a screen play designed to beat aggressive man pressure and blitz-heavy fronts, with the primary read being the HB in the flat behind the developing wall, and the vertical routes serving only as clear-out options if the defense drops into a soft zone shell.
Defensive Reads
Read the linebacker depth immediately after the snap, since a screen defender who sits at the line or shows delayed pursuit will diagnose the slip screen and blow it up before the wall forms. Check for a spy or a defender staying home in the backfield area, as this indicates the defense is trained to read screen action and will jump the throwing lane to the flat. Watch corner alignment pre-snap, since press man on both outside receivers confirms the vertical routes will pull coverage away and open the flat for the HB. Identify any nickel or slot defender sitting short instead of covering the underneath in route, because that defender can undercut the screen read and force an interception if the QB throws on time. Look for a heavy interior blitz call, since if the offensive line cannot get out in front for the wall in time, blitzing defenders can beat the screen to the point of attack and force a negative play.
Usage Tips
Call this play when you see man coverage indicators pre-snap such as press corners or a single high safety, since the vertical clear-outs are most effective against man defenders who chase the outside receivers downfield.
Use this as a change-up after running inside zone or HB Iso from the same formation to bait linebackers into crashing downhill, then hit the slip screen to make blitzing defenders pay for their aggression.
Avoid calling this on obvious screen downs like third and short with a predictable formation, since defenders who key screen plays can sit on it and blow up the blocking wall before it develops.
Hot route the backside vertical into a quick slant if you face zone coverage, since the design loses value when defenders sink into short zones and clog the flat before the wall sets up.
Pair this with RPO Alert Bubble or PA Bubble in your play-calling sequence so opponents cannot key linebacker fits between run action and screen action out of the same look.
