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

Tight End Delay Screen Left

Tight end releases late and catches a screen behind interior blockers.

Concept: Guards release downfield to lead-block while the quarterback sells a drop.

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

Sell a full drop to draw the rush, then throw the delayed screen to the tight end over the middle.

Coach it with
QB Stance and Footwork QB Throwing Mechanics Bootleg Footwork and Throw
TE

Show a block or brief route, release late, and catch the screen behind the interior blockers.

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

Protect the edge or fake a route to hold a linebacker.

Coach it with
WR Hands and Catching Team Skelly Pass Period Check-Release & Swing Route
FB

Protect or release to occupy a defender.

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

Set to invite the rush, then release downfield to lead-block for the TE.

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

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

Coach it with
TE Seal and Arc Block Scoop / Cutoff Block Screen Release & Block
Center

Set and anchor, then release late if clear.

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

Set and protect the edge.

Coach it with
DB Tackle in Space Heads Up Form Tackle Progression Angle Tackle Drill
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

Clear the coverage or block downfield.

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

How to teach it

  • 1Guards must sell protection, then release to form the lead wall for the TE.
  • 2TE delays and hides behind the rush before slipping out.
  • 3QB sells the drop long enough to suck the rush upfield.

Common mistakes to fix

  • !Guards leave too early and the screen is read — fix by timing their release with the QB's setup.
  • !TE releases too fast — fix by having him hold and let the rush pass first.
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