Playbooks
Quick Reference
In 2 playbooks
Breakdown
Bubble Screen out of Singleback Trips Open is a quick-hitting screen pass designed to get the ball to the slot receiver in space immediately after the snap. The two outside trips receivers block downfield to spring the bubble route runner, while the backside X receiver runs a vertical route to hold the corner and safety on that side. The primary read is the bubble to the slot man as soon as the ball is snapped, with the QB looking to get it out fast before defenders can close the throwing lane.
Defensive Reads
Watch the flat defender and slot corner pre-snap, if they are playing off with a soft cushion the bubble will pick up easy yards before they can react. Key the outside linebacker or nickel defender's initial step, a quick shuffle toward the trips side signals they are reading the screen and can blow it up for a loss. Man coverage with defenders turning their back to the backfield is a green light for the offense, since blockers can seal them away from the ball carrier. Zone coverage with disciplined underneath defenders sitting on short routes is the best counter, since they can rally to the catch point before blockers get set. Blitzes from the play side numbers can be deadly against this screen if timed right, since a defender shooting through the trips bunch can blow up the play before the blocking wall forms.
Usage Tips
Snap the ball quickly and throw the bubble almost immediately, this is a timing based screen that loses value if you hold it.
Check pre-snap for aggressive man coverage or blitz packages showing on the trips side, since defenders crashing upfield give the bubble receiver a bigger running lane once the blockers engage.
Avoid throwing this into a hard zone shell with linebackers sitting flat footed underneath, since they can jump the route before the blockers set up.
Use this play on early downs or short yardage to keep the defense honest, then pair it with Four Verticals or PA Streak from the same Trips Open look to punish defenses that start jumping the bubble.
Motion or audible awareness helps here, if the defense shows blitz off the edge, get the ball out even faster to beat penetration before the blocks are set.
