Playbooks
Quick Reference
In 1 playbook
Breakdown
RPO Bubble Y Pop is a run pass option out of Shotgun Tackle Over Trips that pairs an inside zone run scheme with a bubble screen to the trips side and a pop pass from the Y receiver working the middle of the field. The quarterback's primary read is the alley defender or overhang linebacker: if that defender crashes down on the run fit, pull and throw the bubble or pop depending on your assigned RPO key. This is a true triple option concept that attacks light boxes, off coverage, and linebackers who bite on run action, making it a zone and man beater depending on which leverage the defense shows.
Defensive Reads
Watch the alley or overhang defender's initial step after the snap. If he crashes down to fill the run lane, that confirms the pass options are open behind him. Key the slot cornerback or nickel defender over the trips bunch since his depth and leverage tell you whether the bubble screen or the Y pop route will have the better window. Cover 3 and Cover 4 shells with a flat defender sitting on the bubble tend to shut down the perimeter throw, so shift your eyes inside to the Y pop against those shells. Man coverage concepts with the linebacker matched on the Y receiver are vulnerable to the pop route's natural rub and separation, especially against Cover 1 or Cover 0 pressure looks. Be wary of user-controlled defenders spying the pop route or robbing the middle of the field, since a smart user lurk can undercut the Y pop and turn this RPO into a turnover if you stare down that read too long.
Usage Tips
Check the box count before the snap. If you count six or fewer defenders in the box, hand it off on inside zone since the numbers favor the run. If the box is loaded with seven or more defenders, pull and work your RPO options immediately. Identify the alley defender or slot corner over your trips bunch presnap since this is your true key defender for the bubble versus pop decision. Against man coverage with tight slot alignment, favor the Y pop since the crosser creates natural separation against man leverage. Against zone shells with the flat defender sitting on the bubble, hit the Y pop over the middle where the void sits behind underneath zone drops. Sequence this play with Inside Zone and HB Power O out of the same formation and personnel to keep linebackers honest, then call this RPO once you see linebackers flowing hard to run fits. This works best on early downs in the run and pass balance area, particularly first and ten or second and medium, since defenses are more likely to load the box.
