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Systems/I-Formation/Tailback Screen Left
Screen/QuickBest for: Quick game / vs blitz12U+ · Advanced

Tailback Screen Left

Tailback slips out after showing pass protection and catches a screen.

Concept: Guard and tackle release after a brief set to lead-block for the back.

Age version
TGCGTTESEQBFBTBFL
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 drop to draw the rush, then flip the screen to the tailback outside the blockers.

Coach it with
Screen Setup & Block in Space QB Stance and Footwork WR Stalk Block
TB

Show pass protection briefly, then slip out to the flat and catch the screen behind the linemen.

Coach it with
RB Blitz Pickup WR Hands and Catching Pass Set Kick-Slide
FB

Chip the edge rusher, then release or fill.

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

Set briefly to invite the rush, then release to lead-block for the back.

Coach it with
TE Seal and Arc Block Screen Release & Block WR Route Running Stems
Playside Tackle

Set briefly, then release downfield to lead-block for the back.

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

Set and anchor, then release late if clear as an extra blocker.

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

Set and protect the backside so the QB stays clean.

Coach it with
Scoop / Cutoff Block
Backside Tackle

Set and protect the backside edge.

Coach it with
Scoop / Cutoff Block DB Tackle in Space Heads Up Form Tackle Progression
Split End

Stalk-block the corner on the screen side.

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

Clear the coverage or block the alley defender.

Coach it with
WR Stalk Block Team Skelly Pass Period Screen Setup & Block in Space

How to teach it

  • 1Timing is everything — let the rush come, then linemen release together to lead.
  • 2Tailback sells protection first, then quietly slips to the flat.
  • 3QB draws the rush upfield before flipping the ball over or around it.

Common mistakes to fix

  • !Linemen release too early and tip the screen — fix by teaching them to set first, then leak.
  • !Back leaks out too soon — fix by having him fake a block before slipping out.
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