Playbook: Bubble Screen

The bubble screen, as a route, is simply a flat out-ward breaking route from a slot or reduced (tight to the formation) alignment.  Running a bubble screen from the slot allows an agile play-maker to follow his block(s) on the perimeter in order to get up the field.

Here, the Eagles have WR Desean Jackson aligned in the slot.  A simple break toward the outside gives QB Michael Vick a quick-hitting option.

Catching the ball behind the line of scrimmage gives Jackson time to create a play once the ball is in his hands.  Following his blocks will lead him up the field.

Generally, the bubble screen is used as a "run-game replacement."  In other words, getting a play-maker in the open field.

Among teams whose quarterbacks read defenders (e.g. Redskins, Eagles, Panthers), the bubble screen is often packaged with an inside zone run.  Reading the leverage of the bubble screen's defender allows the QB to decide which decision will lead to a larger gain.

"Bubble screen" should not be confused with "smoke screen" or "now screen."

Outside References

1) Oregon's bubble screens vs. Stanford
2) Football 101: Screens
3) TAKE AND GIVE: Oregon’s Bubble Zone Read Philosophy
4) Football Fundamentals: Flare Control