Playbooks
Quick Reference
In 2 playbooks
Breakdown
HB Slip Screen out of Singleback Doubles Flex is a classic screen play designed to bait aggressive pass rushers and blitz-heavy defenses. Four receivers push vertical to clear out the underneath zones and pull coverage deep, while the offensive line initially shows pass pro before releasing to set up a wall of blockers in front of the HB, who slips out to the flat behind the line. The primary read is the HB himself: once he catches the ball in space, the progression is to follow blockers and find the first crease outside before cutting upfield behind the lead blocks.
Defensive Reads
Watch for defensive ends and outside linebackers crashing hard off the edge, since their aggressive first step is exactly what this screen exploits. Man coverage defenses that turn their backs to the backfield on the vertical routes are the most vulnerable, as they lose vision on the HB slipping out. Zone coverages with disciplined linebackers who sit and read the quarterback can sniff this out and blow it up before blockers get set. On defense, spy the HB with a linebacker or use a defender in a shallow zone to jump the screen route the instant the ball is snapped. Nano blitzes and interior pressure packages can be risky to call against this play since the screen is designed to counter exactly that kind of aggressive pass rush.
Usage Tips
Call this play against defenses showing pressure pre-snap, especially when you see extra defenders walked up near the line of scrimmage. Use it on early downs or in obvious passing situations where the defense expects a dropback pass, since the vertical releases from the four receivers sell the fake effectively. Avoid using this against disciplined zone defenses that stay patient and do not bite on the vertical routes, as those coverages can rally to the screen quickly. Pair this play with HB Draw and HB Power O in the same set to keep defenses guessing on early down run-pass tendencies out of the same personnel. Snap the ball quickly after your pre-snap read confirms blitz to maximize the element of surprise before defenders can diagnose the screen.
