Playbooks
Likely unavailable in the playbook builder
Quick Reference
Not in any team playbook.
Breakdown
This WR Screen out of Y Off Trips Close in Shotgun sends the backside receiver on a vertical clear route to pull coverage away, while the trips side sets up a screen to the outside receiver with the two inside receivers releasing to block downfield. The offensive line shows a screen release, letting rushers up initially before sealing the edge for the bubble. This is a classic screen play designed to beat aggressive man pressure and blitz-heavy zone looks by getting the ball out quick to the perimeter with blockers leading. The primary read is the screen receiver, with the quarterback throwing it almost immediately post-snap based on leverage from the nearest defender.
Defensive Reads
Watch for user-controlled defenders sitting near the line of scrimmage, since a smart user will read screen and stay home rather than rushing upfield. Key on the flow of the linebackers post-snap, if they diagnose the screen and flow outside immediately the blockers will not have room to work. Cover 0 and Cover 1 blitzes are the most vulnerable shells since they commit extra rushers and leave the perimeter light. Zone coverages with disciplined linebackers who stay square and read the backfield can blow this up by squeezing the bubble before blockers get set. If the defense shows a corner blitz or edge pressure from the trips side, expect the play to be jumped quickly by a lurking linebacker or safety playing screen support.
Usage Tips
Call this against defenses showing blitz or heavy man pressure at the line, since the screen setup baits rushers upfield and creates natural running lanes. Check the alignment of the corner and any slot defenders over the trips side before the snap, if they are playing tight man or crashing hard off the edge this play hits fast. Use the backside vertical route as a pre-snap alert to bait a safety rotation, which opens up more room on the screen side. Pair this with Inside Zone or HB Power from the same formation to keep defenses honest against both run and screen looks. Best used on early downs or after a big blitz snap to slow down aggressive defensive tendencies and force conservative calls on the next snap.
