Playbooks
Quick Reference
In 2 playbooks
Breakdown
Mtn HB Slip Screen is a motion-based HB screen out of Shotgun Spread Y-Flex Wk with 11 personnel. Presnap motion brings a receiver across the formation while two outside receivers push vertical releases to clear out coverage, and the offensive line sets up a slip screen with linemen releasing to lead block for the HB in the flat. The primary read is the HB out of the backfield: check the motion man's crossing route to hold underneath defenders, then get the ball to the back on the slip screen as soon as the interior linemen get out in front of him. This is a zone beater designed to punish teams that drop into deep zone coverage and overpursue the vertical routes off the snap.
Defensive Reads
Watch the motion at the snap, if a linebacker or slot defender trails the motion man tightly across the formation that confirms man coverage and the screen has less natural angle since defenders are already turned and running with receivers. Key the defensive line depth off the snap, if user-controlled rushers or CPU ends crash hard upfield or stunt inside the screen lane opens up wide for the HB. Identify any lurking linebacker who stays home and reads the quarterback's eyes instead of rushing, that player is the biggest threat to blow up the screen and jump the throwing lane. Check safety depth presnap, two deep shells with safeties sitting back tend to overreact to the vertical routes and vacate the underneath area needed for run after catch yards. Look for a spy or contain defender on the play side, disciplined defenses that keep an extra body outside to stay home on the screen rather than rushing will shut this concept down.
Usage Tips
Use the presnap motion to identify man versus zone before the snap, if the defender follows the motion man across the formation it is man coverage and the screen timing needs to slow down slightly to let blockers get set.
Call this play against aggressive four man rush teams and nano blitz packages since the interior rush gets sucked upfield and away from the screen lane.
Best on early downs like first and ten or second and medium when defenses are more likely to sit in base zone shells and respect the two vertical routes.
Pair this with Mtn Bench or Mtn Y Stick from the same set to condition the defense to respect quick game and verticals, then dial up the slip screen once linebackers start flowing hard downhill on run and RPO tendencies.
Delay the throw a beat longer than a normal screen since the linemen need extra time to release and wall off pursuit, do not panic and force it into a crowded box.
