Playbooks
Quick Reference
In 2 playbooks
Breakdown
HB Slip Screen out of Shotgun Trips TE Offset Wk sends both outside trips receivers vertically to clear space while the slot receiver works underneath on a shallow crossing route, dragging linebackers away from the screen zone. Up front the offensive line shows pass pro before releasing to set up screen blocking in front of the HB, who slips out to the weak side away from the trips formation. This is a classic screen play designed to bait aggressive pass rushers and blitz-heavy defenses, with the primary read being the HB out of the backfield once the blockers get in front of him in space.
Defensive Reads
Pre-snap, identify if the defense is showing man coverage with corners pressed on the trips receivers, since man coverage pulls defenders away from the box and opens the screen lane. Look for blitz packages or nano blitz setups where extra rushers crash the pocket, as this play is designed specifically to counter that aggression. Post-snap, key on the weak side linebacker and any user-controlled defender near the line, since a smart user player can sit and read the screen instead of rushing. Check safety depth before the snap, because a shallow safety or one who bites on the vertical routes will not be in position to rally to the screen. Watch for zone defenses with a spy or scrape exchange linebacker, as these defenders are the biggest threat to shut down HB Slip Screen by staying home and reading the quarterback's eyes.
Usage Tips
Call this play when you see pre-snap blitz indicators like linebackers creeping to the line or a defensive coordinator sending extra rushers, since the screen naturally punishes aggressive pursuit. Use it on early downs or after you have shown Verticals and PA Flood from this same set, so defenses respect the deep shots and bite harder on the fake rush. Watch your offensive linemen release timing before you throw, since throwing too early into the pocket gets the screen blown up by an unblocked defender. Pair this with Middle Slant or RPO Read Bubble in your play-calling sequence to keep defenses guessing between quick game and screen concepts out of the same personnel and formation look. Avoid calling this against disciplined zone defenses that keep linebackers home, since spy or scrape technique defenders can sit on the screen and blow it up for a loss.
