Playbooks
Breakdown
HB Slip Screen out of Shotgun Tight Base Flex sends four vertical stems from the outside receivers and the TE to clear out the underneath zones while the offensive line initially shows pass pro before releasing to get out in front of the HB. The running back slips out to the flat behind the line as the primary and really only read on this play, with the four verticals acting purely as clear out routes to pull linebackers and DBs downfield. This is a pure screen play designed to bait an aggressive pass rush and beat man coverage or blitzes by getting blockers in space against defenders who have already committed upfield.
Defensive Reads
Pre-snap, identify blitz packages or aggressive nano blitz calls since sending extra rushers upfield is exactly what this screen wants to punish. Key the defensive line and edge rushers, if you see them crashing hard off the snap without containment discipline the screen has a lane to develop. As the user defender, spy the HB out of his stance instead of rushing, staying home kills the play before blockers get in front of it. Watch linebacker depth, if they sink into zone drops and stay square instead of flowing to the ball, they can undercut the screen for a loss. Post-snap, if a linebacker or slot defender diagnoses the screen and squats near the line of scrimmage, that lurk threat forces the QB to hold the ball and lets the pass rush recover.
Usage Tips
Call this against defenses that show blitz pre-snap since the extra rushers only help spring the screen by vacating underneath space faster.
Watch for the verticals to hold safety and corner attention, then throw to the HB as soon as your linemen get their release, do not wait for a secondary read.
Use this on early downs or after showing HB Off Tackle and Inside Zone from the same formation so linebackers are conditioned to bite on run action and flow toward the box.
Avoid calling this into zone shells with disciplined linebackers who sit and read, since spy defenders or a linebacker staying underneath can blow up the screen before blockers get set.
Pair this with Mtn Fk H-Angle or Dragon Spacing on the following snap to keep the defense honest between quick game and the screen game.
