RPO Alert Bubble is a run pass option out of Shotgun Trips HB Wk with 10 personnel that reads the alley defender to decide between a give and a bubble screen. The diagram shows the offensive line running a zone run scheme to the right while the backside slot receiver runs a bubble route behind the line of scrimmage, with the outside trips receivers running a curl to clear space and a vertical release to hold the deep defender. This is a zone beater built to attack overhang defenders who crash down on the run fit, and the primary read progression is run key to bubble, meaning you decide pre-snap or right at the snap whether the flat defender or force player is sitting inside for the run or flying out to the bubble.

Defensive Reads

Watch the alignment of the slot cornerback and outside linebacker before the snap since a defender sitting flat footed in the bubble lane signals the offense should take the run. If the defense shows an aggressive run blitz with a linebacker crashing downhill immediately after the snap, that is the trigger to pull and throw the bubble for a numbers advantage. Zone coverage shells like Cover 3 or Cover 4 that keep the overhang defender attached to the flat tend to shut down the bubble read and force the run, so user players should stay disciplined at the alley instead of biting on receiver motion. Man coverage with no help underneath is vulnerable because the bubble receiver gets an instant lead blocker advantage against a defender who is turned and running with a receiver rather than reading the ball. Blitzes that bring extra rushers off the edge away from the bubble side are the easiest reads since the run lane opens up behind them while the quarterback can throw off their blitz angle.

Usage Tips

Use your pre-snap alert or the game's RPO key indicator to identify whether the slot corner or overhang linebacker is sitting on the bubble before you commit to the run side. Throw the bubble instantly when you see a blitz or an overhang defender crashing hard toward the box since the numbers advantage outside is immediate. Hand it off when the alley defender widens with the bubble receiver or when you see a two high shell that removes an extra body from the box. This play works best on early downs like first or second and short to medium yardage where defenses are guessing between run and pass fits. Pair this play with Bubble Screen or HB Off Tackle from the same set so defenses cannot sit on the RPO key without opening up a bigger gain elsewhere in your play calling sequence.

RPO Alert Bubble

Quick Reference

In 16 playbooks

Receiver routes

Read progression

Breakdown

Defensive Reads

Usage Tips

Other Plays in Trips HB Wk