Playbooks

HB Slip Screen

Split Backs·Pro·21

Screen Pass Hb Screen Pass Play

Play diagram for HB Slip Screen from Split Backs Pro in Madden 27

Quick Reference

FormationSplit Backs

SetPro

Personnel

212 RB · 1 TE · 2 WR

In 3 playbooks

Air Raid Classic OffenseOffense Madden OffenseOffense Two Back OffenseOffense

Breakdown

HB Slip Screen out of Pro Split Backs is a screen pass designed to get the offset running back leaking out into the flat while the offensive line initially shows pass protection before releasing to set up blockers downfield. The other backfield receiver, TE, and outside receivers push vertical or run intermediate routes to occupy underneath and deep defenders and pull the pass rush upfield, creating space for the screen to develop. The primary read is the HB in the flat immediately, this is a designed screen so the quarterback should be looking to the backside HB release from the snap rather than progressing through the vertical routes.

Defensive Reads

Watch for blitz packages pre-snap since HB Slip Screen is built to punish overpursuing edge rushers and linebackers who crash hard on the snap. If the defense shows man coverage with corners playing tight press, the screen has extra time to develop because those defenders are occupied with the vertical route runners. Zone coverage with linebackers sitting in short underneath zones can be the biggest counter to this play, since a user controlled linebacker can jump the flat and blow up the screen before it starts. Look for a lurking user defender near the line of scrimmage post snap, that player is the key to sniffing out the screen and either sacking the quarterback or blowing up the blocking scheme. Cover 3 and Cover 4 shells with deep safeties are less effective against this concept since the play attacks underneath, but disciplined linebackers who stay home instead of rushing shut it down.

Usage Tips

Call this play when the defense shows an aggressive four man or five man pass rush pre-snap since the extra rushers create bigger running lanes once the screen sets up.

Use it as a changeup after running dropback passes like Curl Flat or Double Comeback from the same Pro Split Backs set so the defense keeps its ends crashing hard off the edge.

Hot route the backside receiver on a quick slant or drag if you see man coverage sitting on the outside routes, this occupies the corner and buys the screen extra time.

Throw the screen quickly on the snap count, do not wait for the blockers to fully set because timing screens against blitz packages is critical to beat pursuit.

Best used on second and long or third and medium against defenses that dial up pressure, since the deep vertical routes bait aggressive corners and safeties out of the throwing lane.