The Multiple Screen Passing Game

It is my belief that no matter what offense you run, screen passes can be sucdessfully incorporated.
Head Football Coach
Iona College - New Rochelle, NY
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Various screen passes have been an important part of our multiple offensive attack at Iona College and all the other schools I have coached at (St. Joseph’s College, Morehead State University, Lehigh University and Fordham University) throughout my career.

We have always emphasized the use of multiple formations, multiple personnel groupings, and a multi-dimensional offense that attacks the whole field and attempts to keep the defense off balance. It is also our intention to try and create preparation problems for the defense as they prepare for us during the week.

With this in mind, we feel our screen game has fit in well with this philosophy and has been a very successful part of our offense.

It is my belief that no matter what offense you run, screen passes can be successfully incorporated.

EFFECTIVE USE OF THE SCREEN PASS

WHY DO WE RUN SCREEN PASSES?

1. To slow down the pass rush.
2. Good play vs. blitz – possible big plays. Some defensive coordinators will reduce their blitz package. We try to block the defender who is covering the screen receiver.
3. Complement the pass game. Gives the QB more time to throw the ball on other passing plays.
4. Keep the defense guessing.
5. Big play potential with low risk. (Goal is 90% completion rate.)
6. Easy to teach, just like a long handoff. (Makes up 15% of our offense.) We had 20 screens in our package this season.
7. Part of being multiple - the defense must prepare.

TYPES OF SCREEN PASSES THAT WE USE (Diagrams 1-13)

Diagram 1. 1 Back screen left vs. a 3-4 front cover 3.	Diagram 2. 1 Back screen left vs. a 3-4 front cover 2 shell
Diagram 3. 1 Back screen left vs. 4-2 front cover 3	Diagram 4. 1 Back screen left vs. a 4-2 front cover 2 shell

A. Two count delay RB perimeter screens.
1. Drop back - same side or opposite side entry.
2. Drop back - crack block vs. man or zone
3. Drop back - off of our top pass game schemes. (flanker drive) (y stick) (bubble)

B. Two count delay RB/TE middle screens
1. Drop back - fake duck (flair) exit OT (TE)
2. Drop back - fake bubble (RB)

C. Two count delay RB perimeter screens
Play action – fake inside zone – fake reverse and run screen

D. Two count delay perimeter screens TE/RB Sprint out and then throwback

E. Quick perimeter wide receiver screens

F. Quick interior wide receiver screens

G. Special plays off of screens

DRILLING SCREENS -
PRACTICE PLANNING

Diagram 5. Back screen left with a crack scheme vs. a 3-4 front cover 3-right guard uses trailer technique.	Diagram 6. Back screen left with a crack scheme vs. a 3-4 front cover 2 shell.
Diagram 7. 1 Back screen left with a crack scheme vs. a 4-2 front cover 2 shell	Diagram 8. 1 Back screen leftr with a crack scheme vs. a 4-2 front cover 3.

1. Two 10-minute periods per week are set aside for the screen drill.

2. Screens are scripted into the practice plays (Team time)
Tuesday - Play action screens
Wednesday - Drop back screens
Sprint out screens
Specials
Friday - Walk thru

SCREEN DRILL

Diagram 9. 2 Back screen left vs. as 4-2 front cover 3 with a hangover defender who zone blitzes	Diagram 10. 2 Back screen left vs. an eagle front cover 2 shell-right guard uses a trailer technique
Diagram 11. 1 Back screen left vs. a 4-2 front cover 2 shell--screen comes off one of our favorite pass schemes	Diagram 12. Back screen left vs. a 4-2 cover 2 shell--screen comes off a bubble screen in the opposite direction

1. Rush ends - Two rush ends are used to work the tackles, screen timing and QB throwing lanes. They both should rush the passer full speed and collapse at 4 yards.

2. Four stand-up dummies should be set up. Two will duplicate the flat defenders and two will duplicate the hook defenders. They should be placed in an appropriate place about 5 to 8 yards downfield. The blockers run through these bags.

3. Four defensive backs are utilized to enhance the receivers blocks – center alley blocks on the crack screen, and the ball carrier cuts.

Back play action screen vs. an eagle front cover 2 shell. Fake the inside zone play-using one of our favorite pass schemes and now throw the screen to the faking back. Left guard uses trailer technique.

COACHING POINTS

1. All screens must be caught behind the line of scrimmage. This is constantly emphasized to the receiver and the quarterback. The receiver’s path is about 1/2 yard deep and 1/2 yard wide (cleared tackle).

2. The quarterback must throw a well-led ball to maximize the timing of the screen. Low or behind throws hurt screens a great deal.

3. If a receiver is covered, the quarterback must be drilled and smart as to how he throws the ball away. A throw at the receiver’s feet is a priority in this case.

4. Downfield blockers should run through defenders using a good base and a low center of gravity. Can use cut blocking if blocker is athletic enough in open field.

5. Receiver - ball carriers must not hesitate upon catching the ball. They should sprint as they look for their run lane and the alley.

6. Spy defensive linemen are becoming more common and they must be treated as first priority to blockers as they release or run through an area. This is scripted during screen or team periods in practice.

7. There are two (exit) release systems used by the offense lineman and RB’s. They are:
A. A two-count delay - 1 - 1000, 2 - 1000, (slow count) then exit. Used by lineman only. Backs exit when the line exits. RB reads play side guard. Or...
B. Set & squat - punch - grab/lock - release. A non-count release.

Related Videos

American Football Monthly now offers a full line of coaching videos. So, if you enjoyed this clinic article, here are a few videos that you may find interesting: FV00423 - Fundamentals of Good Linebacker Play FV00361 - Drills for Linebackers (Leavitt) FV01780 - Outside Linebacker Drills and Techniques To find these videos and many others, view our online catalog at www.AFMVideos.com.

8. Offensive line will use a two-point stance – show drop back pass.

9. Play side tackle should take a max split (4 feet).

10. The “look off” by the quarterback is crucial to the success of the screen. (Particularly when thrown toward his throwing arm.)

About the author Fred Mariani In 1998, Fred Mariani was hired as the first full time head coach in the 33-year history of the Iona College football program. Since then, Mariani has turned the Gaels’ football fortunes around. In 2003 Iona posted a 6-5 mark, the first winning season since 1993. Previously, Mariani served as offensive coordinator at Fordham University. He was also offensive line coach and recruiting coordinator at Lehigh. Coach Mariani can be reached at fmariani@iona.ed.

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