Playbooks
Quick Reference
Breakdown
HB Slip Screen out of Shotgun Trey Open HB Str sends three receivers vertical to clear the middle of the field while the offensive line initially shows pass protection before releasing to set up a screen wall in front of the running back. The tagged X receiver runs a short flat/drag route as a checkdown option, while the HB slips out to the backfield edge and waits for blockers before turning the corner. This is a screen play built to beat aggressive man pressure and blitz packages, and the primary read progression is quarterback eyes downfield to sell the pass rush before dumping the ball to the HB once the linemen are in position to lead block.
Defensive Reads
Watch for defensive ends and outside linebackers crashing hard upfield on the snap, since Slip Screen is designed to let them run past the play before the HB turns the corner. If the defense shows Cover 0 or man press with no deep safety help, expect the offense to attack the screen once the vertical routes clear out underneath defenders. Key on any user-controlled defender spying the quarterback or sitting in a shallow zone, since a disciplined spy or lurking linebacker can jump the screen route and blow up the play for a loss. Check linebacker depth at the snap: if they are reading run/pass and stay home instead of pursuing the receivers vertically, they can rally to the HB before blockers get established. Against Cover 2 or Cover 3 zone shells with linebackers sitting in underneath zones, defenders can undercut the screen because zone defenders are already positioned to read the quarterback's eyes.
Usage Tips
Call this play when you see pre-snap blitz indicators like linebackers creeping to the line or a corner showing off man press, since the vertical routes will pull defenders away from the screen lane.
Hold the ball for a full one-count after the snap to let your offensive linemen release and get out in front of the HB, then throw before the window closes.
Use this on early downs or in obvious passing situations where the defense expects a dropback, since the vertical route tree sells play-action or four verticals concepts already in this set.
Pair this with Four Verticals or Read Option earlier in a series so the defense respects the deep shots and overcommits their pass rush, making the screen hit even harder against blitz-heavy defenses.
Avoid calling this against zone-heavy or spy defenses since underneath defenders can sit on the screen and blow it up before blockers get set.
