Playbooks
Quick Reference
In 1 playbook
Breakdown
HB Slip Screen out of Shotgun Y Trips Offset Wk is a designed screen pass that gets the running back leaking out to the weak side behind a wall of blockers. The offensive line shows pass pro at the snap then releases downfield to set up blocks while the three receivers to the trips side run vertical clear out routes to pull coverage away from the screen. The primary read is the HB in the flat off the play action fake, with the linemen leading the way as blockers once the ball is caught, making this a zone beater designed to punish overaggressive pass rush and drop zone defenders who bite on the vertical releases.
Defensive Reads
Watch for defensive ends and outside linebackers crashing hard upfield post snap, since that aggressive first step is exactly what this screen exploits. Identify if the defense is in a zone shell with linebackers dropping into short zones, since delayed screen recognition from zone defenders is where this play gains the most yards. Key on the strong safety and any user controlled defender flowing to the trips side, since the vertical clear outs are designed to pull that defender out of position. If the defense shows Cover 3 or Cover 4 with linebackers reading run action first, expect the screen to have a numbers advantage at the point of attack. Beware disciplined defenses that play containment with defensive ends staying home or a spy assigned to the HB, since that eliminates the blocking lanes this screen depends on.
Usage Tips
Call this play when you see the defense showing pressure looks or overload blitzes since the screen action neutralizes edge rushers and interior blitzers.
Use pre-snap motion or an audible check if the defense shows man coverage with press corners, since this concept works best against zone drops and delayed pursuit linebackers.
Sell the play action fake by not immediately hot routing the HB out of his path, since his patience behind the line lets blockers get set before he turns upfield.
Pair this with Inside Zone or HB Draw earlier in a series so the defense keys on downhill run action, making the slip screen hit harder once linebackers start crashing.
Best used on early downs or after establishing the run game, since predictable screen calls on third and long get sniffed out by disciplined defenses.
