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Systems/Flexbone (Triple Option)/Slot Tunnel Screen
Screen/QuickBest for: Quick game / vs blitz12U+ · Advanced

Slot Tunnel Screen

Quarterback shows drop then throws a tunnel screen to a slot stepping inside behind releasing linemen.

Concept: Playside linemen release outside to form the tunnel wall as the slot catches behind the line.

Age version
TGCGTQBFBSSWRWR
Ball carrierBlock / pullMotionRoute / pass
14U — Add the lead: Add the pulling guard(s) leading through the hole. Add the play-action throw off this run action. Run it fast both directions and check into it by defensive look.
Play movement — schematic, not to scale

Grows with your players

Same play, more layers as they age up — teach it once and build on it every season for a consistent program.

  1. 12UIntroduce: Learn the footwork and the primary read; protect first, then complete the easy throw.
  2. 14UAdd the lead: Add the pulling guard(s) leading through the hole. Add the play-action throw off this run action. Run it fast both directions and check into it by defensive look.

Every position's job

QB

Show a quick drop to freeze the rush, then throw the tunnel screen back to the slot stepping inside.

Coach it with
QB Stance and Footwork QB Throwing Mechanics Bootleg Footwork and Throw
Tunnel Slot

Take a step upfield to sell the route, then step inside behind the releasing linemen and catch the screen.

Coach it with
WR Hands and Catching WR Route Running Stems WR Release Off the Line
Playside Tackle

Release outside to form the outside tunnel wall.

Coach it with
Hawk / Rugby Tackle Fit Screen Release & Block WR Route Running Stems
Playside Guard

Release outside/downfield to form the tunnel wall.

Coach it with
Screen Release & Block WR Route Running Stems WR Release Off the Line
Center

Release and lead in the tunnel, blocking the first defender inside-out.

Coach it with
TE Seal and Arc Block Screen Release & Block WR Route Running Stems
Backside Guard

Set and protect briefly, then release if part of the wall.

Coach it with
Scoop / Cutoff Block Screen Release & Block WR Route Running Stems
Backside Tackle

Set and protect the backside edge.

Coach it with
Scoop / Cutoff Block DB Tackle in Space Heads Up Form Tackle Progression
Outside Receiver

Block the corner or crack the near defender to open the tunnel.

Coach it with
WR Stalk Block Screen Setup & Block in Space TE Seal and Arc Block
B-back

Protect briefly, then check-release as an outlet.

Coach it with
WR Route Running Stems WR Release Off the Line TE Seal and Arc Block
Backside Receiver

Run off the backside coverage.

Coach it with
Team Skelly Pass Period LB Coverage Drop DB Backpedal Technique
Playside Slot (other)

Block the alley/force defender.

Coach it with
WR Stalk Block Screen Setup & Block in Space TE Seal and Arc Block

How to teach it

  • 1Linemen release outside to build the tunnel wall — drill the release timing so they don't tip it early.
  • 2Slot steps inside BEHIND the line and catches, then follows the wall; rep the footwork.
  • 3QB shows the drop to hold the rush before delivering the screen.

Common mistakes to fix

  • !Linemen release too early and the defense sniffs the screen; fix by teaching a count before releasing.
  • !Slot catches too flat and outruns his wall; fix by teaching him to catch and follow the linemen.
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