Playbooks
Quick Reference
Breakdown
HB Slip Screen out of Singleback Spread 10 personnel shows the HB slipping out to the flat behind a delayed release wall of blockers while the two outside receivers run crossing routes underneath to clear out flat defenders and the slot receiver on the opposite side runs a deep corner to occupy the safety. The offensive line sells pass protection for a beat before releasing to get out in front of the HB in space. This is a screen play designed to beat aggressive man pressure and overloaded blitz packages, with the primary read being the HB out of the backfield once the blockers get set up in space.
Defensive Reads
Key the defensive line for wide upfield rush angles, since aggressive edge rushers and stunts are the biggest indicator this screen will hit for a big gain. Watch linebacker depth at the snap, if they are creeping toward the line for a blitz the screen has a clear lane once the HB releases. User a defensive tackle or spy linebacker and have them sit and read the quarterback rather than rushing upfield, since disciplined interior defenders can blow this play up before blockers get set. Zone coverage with linebackers sitting in short hook or curl zones is the biggest counter, since they can read the HB release and jump the screen for a loss. Watch for the crossing receivers on the backside, if a defender stays home instead of chasing the crossers he can string the screen out to the sideline for a minimal gain.
Usage Tips
Call this against defenses showing overload blitzes or five plus man pressure since the extra rushers create natural running lanes once they fly past the line of scrimmage.
Watch pre-snap for corners pressed on the outside receivers, since the crossing routes are designed to rub off man coverage and slow down flat defenders chasing the HB.
Use the hot route to adjust the crossing receivers into quicker in-breaking routes if you see zone drops sitting underneath, which helps clear traffic faster for the screen blockers.
Pair this with Curl Flats or Slant Flats earlier in a drive to bait linebackers into sprinting upfield on subsequent snaps, making them slower to read screen action.
Best used on early downs or obvious passing situations where the defense is selling out with speed rushers, since delayed blocking needs time to develop against slower fronts.
