Playbooks
Quick Reference
Breakdown
RPO Read Bubble is a run pass option out of Shotgun Spread Y-Flex Wk 11 personnel that pairs an inside zone hand off look with a bubble screen read to the boundary. The diagram shows the outside receiver stalking or running a short drag underneath while the interior slot bubbles out behind the line of scrimmage, giving the QB a numbers based read on the perimeter defender. The offensive line and running back execute the inside zone blocking scheme, and the primary read progression is quarterback keys the flat defender or overhang defender: if he sits or crashes down on the run, pull and throw the bubble, if he widens with the bubble receiver, hand off the zone run.
Defensive Reads
As the defense, key the slot or flat defender responsible for the bubble receiver, if he stays flat footed reading the mesh point you can jump the bubble throw for a big hit. Watch linebacker depth before the snap, linebackers cheating up toward the line of scrimmage signal they are keying run first which favors the offense hitting the bubble read. Use a user controlled defender to sit on the bubble route in obvious RPO down and distance situations, this removes the easy quick game answer and forces the quarterback to trust the zone hand off into a loaded box. Cover two shells with an aggressive cornerback squatting the flat tend to shut down the bubble concept entirely, since the numbers advantage disappears when the corner is already sitting at five yards depth. Overload blitzes off the edge opposite the bubble can beat this play if the offensive line is sliding protection toward the run action, since the free rusher arrives before the quarterback can fully diagnose the read.
Usage Tips
Check the box count before the snap, if the defense has six or more defenders in the box, lean toward pulling the bubble read instead of handing off. Identify the alignment of the slot cornerback or overhang defender, if he is playing off coverage with a soft cushion the bubble throw is nearly automatic for a quick five to seven yard gain. Use quick presnap motion sparingly since this formation already isolates the bubble read defender, but if the defense shows man coverage you can hot route the drag runner into a shallow crosser as a man beater changeup. Pair this play with HB Mid Draw or Inside Zone from the same set so the defense has to respect the run fake, which slows down flow to the bubble and opens bigger cushions. Best called on early downs or short yardage third downs where a free access run pass option puts the defense in conflict without forcing your quarterback to hold the ball.
