Playbooks
Quick Reference
Breakdown
HB Slip Screen out of Shotgun Trips TE releases the two backside receivers on vertical stems while the trips side runs a clear out with an in cut and a flat route to drag defenders away from the screen. The HB slips out to the flat behind a wall of blockers after the offensive line sells pass protection. This is a designed screen play meant to bait pressure and beat aggressive man coverage or blitz packages, with the primary read being the HB in the flat as soon as the blockers get out in front.
Defensive Reads
Watch for defensive ends and linebackers crashing hard off the edge presnap, that aggression is exactly what the slip screen exploits. If the defense shows a soft zone shell with linebackers sitting in short zones, this play struggles since those defenders can read and jump the screen quickly. User controlled defenders spying the backfield or sitting in a lurk technique near the line of scrimmage are the biggest threat to blow this up. Check for blitz packages such as nano blitzes or all out pressure calls presnap, those tendencies signal the screen will have a wall of blockers to work with. Post snap, track whether the linebackers flow with the trips side routes or stay home, if they stay home the HB has nowhere to go once he slips into the flat.
Usage Tips
Call this when you see man coverage indicators presnap such as safeties rotating late or corners lining up tight on the trips receivers.
Use this against defenses that bring extra rushers since the screen action punishes blitz packages that overcommit up field.
Let the linemen release fully before throwing the screen, patience is key so do not panic and force the HB before the wall of blockers is set.
Pair this with Inside Zone or HB Mid Draw from the same set to keep defenders honest on run fits before dialing up the screen.
Best called on second or third and short to medium since the yards after catch potential punishes overpursuit without risking a long developing play on a crucial down.
