In American football, the term “screening the defense” refers to a play in which one or more offensive players block defenders in order to allow a teammate to advance the ball. There are two main types of screens in football: receiver screens and running back screens.
Receiver screens are typically used to catch the defense by surprise and gain positive yardage. Running back screens are often used as a way to slow down the pass rush and give the quarterback time to throw. Screen plays can be very effective, but they are also high-risk, high-reward plays. If executed properly, they can result in big gains; if not, they can result in turnovers or even injuries.
what is a screen in football
A screen in football is a play where one or more offensive players block defenders in order to allow a teammate to advance the ball. There are two main types of screens: receiver screens and running back screens.
Screen plays can be very effective, but they are also high-risk, high-reward plays. If executed properly, they can result in big gains; if not, they can result in turnovers or even injuries. Screen plays are often used as a way to catch the defense by surprise and gain positive yardage. However, they can also be used as a way to slow down the pass rush and give the quarterback time to throw. When deciding whether or not to run a screen play, it is important to weigh the risks and rewards. Screen plays can be very effective, but they are also high-risk, high-reward plays. If executed properly, they can result in big gains; if not, they can result in turnovers or even injuries.
Receiver Screens
Receiver screens are designed to catch the defense off-guard and gain positive yardage. The key to making a receiver screen work is timing and execution.
The quarterback must be able to sell the play-action fake before throwing the screen pass. The offensive linemen must do a good job of blocking, and the receivers must be able to make defenders miss in the open field.
Running Back Screens
Running back screens are designed to give the quarterback time to throw. The key to making a running back screen work is for the offensive linemen to sell their blocks and for the running back to wait for the holes to open up. Once the running back has the ball, he must be able to make defenders miss in the open field.
Screen Passing Tips
Here are some tips for successfully executing a screen pass:
1. Sell the play-action fake: The quarterback must sell the play-action fake before throwing the screen pass. This will help to freeze the defenders and give the receivers time to get open.
2. Timing is everything: The key to making a receiver screen work is timing. The quarterback must be able to sell the play-action fake and throw the screen pass before the defenders have a chance to react.
3. Block, block, block: The offensive linemen must do a good job of blocking. This will give the receivers time to get open and allow the running back to find a hole.
4. Make them miss: Once the receiver or running back has the ball, they must be able to make defenders miss in the open field. This can be done by using jukes, spin moves, or stiff-arms.
5. Be patient: The key to making a running back screen work is for the offensive linemen to sell their blocks and for the running back to wait for the holes to open up. Once the running back has the ball, he must be patient and allow his blockers to do their job.
