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Quick Reference
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Breakdown
HB Slip Screen out of Shotgun Split Pro Offset Wk is a designed screen pass that slips the running back out to the flat while the offensive line sells a pass drop before releasing to block downfield. The diagram shows two outside receivers pushing vertical routes to clear out the cornerbacks, a slot receiver running a corner route to occupy the safety, and the fullback releasing on a shallow drag to threaten underneath defenders, while the running back drifts out behind the tackles as the screen target. This is a man beater and blitz beater designed to punish aggressive pass rushes, with the primary read being the HB in the flat as soon as the screen develops, progressing to the drag route underneath if the screen is jumped.
Defensive Reads
Watch for defensive ends and outside linebackers crashing hard upfield off the snap, since that aggressive first step is exactly what the screen is designed to exploit. Key the flow of linebackers, if they immediately drop into zone or spy the backfield, the screen lane will be clogged and this play should be avoided. Check safety depth pre-snap, a two-high shell that rotates late can still get a defender to the flat in time to blow up the screen before blockers arrive. Man coverage on the outside receivers is a green light since the cornerbacks will be turned away from the backfield, but zone shells with underneath defenders sitting at five to seven yards can sit on the screen and trigger a negative play. Look for a user-controlled defender spying the running back, that is the biggest indicator this concept is scouted and you should progress immediately to the drag route or check down elsewhere.
Usage Tips
Call this play against defenses showing pressure looks or overload blitzes since the screen naturally voids the area vacated by rushing linebackers and defensive ends. Check the pre-snap alignment for man coverage on the outside receivers, since their vertical releases will hold cornerbacks deep and open the screen lane. Use hot routes sparingly here, but consider clicking the drag route to a quick out if the undernying defender sits low and reads screen immediately. Best deployed on early downs or after showing HB Power O from the same set, since the run action look sets up defenders to bite on inside run fits while the screen develops behind them. Pair this call with X Dig or Slot Cross earlier in a series to condition linebackers to drop deep, making them slower to react to the screen developing in front of them.
