Slip screen

A “slip screen” is an offensive play used in American football intended to trick the defense into thinking it’s about to make a tackle. The following is the typical procedure:

• The offensive unit begins the play by lining up in a configuration typical of a passing offense. The quarterback gets ready to throw as if they were about to run a typical pass play.
• The instant the ball is snapped, the offensive linemen begin to block the defensive players in the same manner they would on a standard pass play. While this happens, the quarterback fakes a pass by dropping back into the pocket.
• Shortly after the snap, one or more receivers, typically a running back or a tight end, will act as if they are blocking or running a standard route. Then they will “slip” out of their block or route onto the open field, typically heading towards the sidelines. This is the key move of the “Slip.”
• The quarterback then delivers a short pass to the player “slipping” as swiftly as possible. It is common practice to do this right when the defensive players have gotten past the offensive line and anticipate a deeper throw play.
• After collecting the short ball, the receiver will often have blockers in front of him as well as some open field to make yardage in.

The objective of the slip screen is to utilize the aggressiveness and quickness of the defense against them by drawing them deep into the backfield and then quickly passing the ball to a player who is open and has room to maneuver.

The offensive players must sell the initial pass play convincingly, then quickly transition to the screenplay. This play needs exact timing and execution. It can be quite successful if it is carried out correctly, particularly when used against teams that aggressively pressure the quarterback.