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Quick Reference
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Breakdown
HB Slip Screen out of Singleback East 12 personnel is a designed screen pass that slips the running back out to the flat behind a wall of blockers after a brief hesitation at the line. The offensive line and both tight ends release upfield initially to sell run or pass protection before pulling out to escort the back, creating a blocking convoy against aggressive pass rush and blitz-heavy defenses. This is a blitz beater and zone beater first, and the primary read progression is simple: check the HB in the flat as the first and only true read, working the blockers ahead of him instead of scanning downfield receivers.
Defensive Reads
Read the linebacker depth pre-snap, if they are stacked tight to the line showing blitz, this play is designed to exploit that aggression. As the defense, key the running back immediately at the snap instead of following the tight ends or linemen who release to block, since the ball is going to the HB in the flat. User a linebacker or slot defender to sit in the throwing lane and spy the backfield, this is the single most effective way to blow up HB Slip Screen before it develops. Against man coverage with blitz packages, this play is nearly automatic unless a defender is specifically assigned to read screen, so scheme in a screen defender on early downs when facing 12 personnel out of Singleback East. Watch for a defensive lineman or edge rusher who diagnoses the screen and drops into a shallow zone, since that single disciplined rush can tackle the back for minimal or negative yardage.
Usage Tips
Call this play when you see pre-snap indicators of a blitz such as linebackers creeping to the line or a nickel and dime package showing overload pressure looks.
Let the play develop for a full second before throwing, the screen needs time for the linemen and tight ends to get out in front, so resist the urge to throw immediately off the snap.
Use this as a changeup after running HB Draw or Inside Zone Split earlier in a series, since defenders keying on interior run action will bite and open up the perimeter blockers.
Avoid calling this against disciplined zone defenses that spy the running back or against user controlled defenders sitting underneath, since a quick diagnosis by a smart user can blow up the screen for a loss.
Best used on early downs or after a big blitz got through untouched on a prior snap, since defenses often dial up pressure again and walk right into the screen design.
