Offense · Screens
Screens
A screen uses the defense's aggression against it. Let defenders come forward, get the football out quickly, and attack the space they just left behind.
Start Here
What Is It?
A screen pass is a short pass designed to get the football to a player with blockers and open space in front of him.
On some screens, the offense deliberately allows pass rushers to penetrate upfield before throwing the football behind them.
Other screens get the ball immediately to a receiver near the sideline while teammates block defenders in front of him.
The details are different, but the basic idea is the same: get the ball into space with blockers in front.
The Basic Idea
DRAW THEM IN
Defenders react toward the quarterback, backfield or initial action.
GET IT OUT
The quarterback quickly gets the football to the screen receiver.
BLOCK IN SPACE
The receiver follows blockers into the space created by the defense.
Football Watching 101
How It Works
Imagine a defensive line aggressively rushing the quarterback.
Instead of trying to stop those rushers for several seconds, the offensive line may initially engage them and then release toward the second level.
The rushers continue toward the quarterback.
The quarterback then throws the ball over or around that rush to a running back, tight end or receiver who now has offensive linemen moving in front of him.
The Defense Thinks...
We're getting pressure. The quarterback is in trouble.
The Offense Thinks...
Good. Keep coming. We're throwing the ball behind you.
That is why screens can be particularly useful against aggressive pass rushes and pressure.
But not every screen works this way. A bubble or quick receiver screen may be thrown almost immediately based on numbers and leverage outside.
Simplified RB Screen
Screen Pass
OL Release
Blockers move into space
The rush moves toward the quarterback while blockers release into space. The ball is then thrown to the running back behind the rush.
Simplified running-back screen — exact blocking, timing and release rules vary by play
The Reason
Why Teams Use It
Defensive aggression can create space.
When pass rushers attack upfield, they naturally move away from the area behind them. A well-timed screen can put the football into that vacated space before the defense can recover.
Screens can also make aggressive defenses hesitate. A defensive lineman who has been burned by a screen may become more cautious about immediately charging upfield.
Quick receiver screens attack a different problem. If the defense leaves several blockers and receivers outside against too few defenders, the offense can simply throw the ball outside and use the numbers advantage.
Screens are therefore another example of a recurring offensive principle: attack what the defense is giving you.
Remember These
Screens You'll Hear About
Running Back Screen
The running back releases into space while offensive linemen move out in front of him. It is especially recognizable when pass rushers are allowed upfield before the throw.
Bubble Screen
A receiver moves or aligns toward the outside and receives a quick pass behind the line of scrimmage while other receivers block defenders in space.
Wide Receiver Screen
The quarterback gets the ball quickly to a receiver near the perimeter, usually with teammates positioned to block nearby defenders.
Tunnel Screen
A receiver initially works toward the outside or allows defenders to flow that way before coming back inside behind blockers, creating a tunnel toward the middle of the field.
Tight End Screen
The tight end may initially appear involved in blocking before releasing into open space with blockers moving in front of him.
Slip Screen
A blocker or eligible receiver appears occupied near the line before slipping away from the rush and becoming a quick receiving option.
Screen Blockers
Offensive linemen or receivers release into open space and try to block defenders before they can reach the ball carrier.
Numbers Advantage
On quick perimeter screens, the quarterback may simply recognize that the offense has enough blockers outside to create a favorable matchup.
Watch The Game Differently
What Should I Watch For On Saturday?
Screens often look strange for the first second of the play.
You may see defensive linemen suddenly getting what appears to be an unusually easy path toward the quarterback.
That should immediately make you suspicious.
Screen Alert
Easy pass rush + linemen releasing downfield + short throw = start looking for a screen.
Watch the offensive linemen. If they stop trying to protect the quarterback and begin moving into open space, follow them.
They may lead you directly to where the football is going.
On quick receiver screens, look at the numbers before the snap. If the offense has two receivers and potential blockers against only one or two nearby defenders, the quarterback may have an easy throw outside.
Your sequence is: Watch the rush → Watch the blockers → Find the short throw → Follow the blockers into space.
Keep Learning
Related Concepts
Lesson 09
Play Action
Learn how offenses make a pass initially look like a running play and use the defense's reaction to create throwing opportunities.