Playbooks
Quick Reference
Breakdown
HB Slip Screen out of Shotgun Spread Y-Slot sends all four receivers vertical to clear out the underneath zones and drag defenders deep, while the offensive line initially shows pass protection before releasing to lead block for the running back. The HB slips out to the flat opposite the play call side, catching the ball in space with blockers in front. This is a screen play designed to beat aggressive man pressure and blitz packages, with the primary read being get the ball to the HB in the flat as soon as the underneath defenders bite on the vertical releases.
Defensive Reads
Pre-snap, identify if the defense is showing blitz with linebackers stacked near the line, since this screen thrives against extra rushers who overcommit to the QB. Watch for a spy linebacker or a defensive end who sits home instead of rushing, as these players can blow up the screen before it develops. Post-snap, key on whether the underneath defenders bite on the four vertical releases, if they turn and run with receivers the screen lane opens immediately. User-controlled defenders who stay disciplined and read screen, particularly a user linebacker who drops into the passing lane, are the biggest threat to shut this down. Zone coverages with linebackers sitting in shallow zones or a defense that plays contain on the edge can diagnose and stop this screen quickly, so avoid calling it into a soft zone shell.
Usage Tips
Call this play when you see man coverage or blitz indicators pre-snap, since the vertical releases will pull defenders away from the screen lane.
Look for linebackers creeping to the line of scrimmage or safeties showing two-high with corners in press, both are green lights for this screen.
Hold the ball for a one count after the snap to let your offensive line get out in front of the HB before you throw it, but do not hold it so long that contain defenders read the screen.
Pair this play with Four Verticals or PA Read from the same formation to keep defenses honest against the deep shots before dialing up the screen.
Use this on early downs or in third and short situations where defenses are more likely to blitz, and avoid calling it against zone-heavy defenses that sit their linebackers underneath.
