The distinctive name of the bubble screen pass makes it stand out. Let’s learn more about this offensive play call.
Do you have a dominant receiver and want a quick and consistent play? The bubble screen will be your go-to play. Read more to see how this play can be so effective.
What is a Bubble Screen in Football?
A bubble screen is a quick throw by the quarterback out wide, usually to a wide receiver or tight end. By effectively executing this play, the receiver can consistently gain positive yardage.
Key Takeaways
- The bubble screen is one of the four main types of screens thrown to wide receivers.
- Don Read of the Montana Grizzlies is credited with creating the bubble screen. Lou Holtz brought the play to greater fame at Notre Dame.
- Bubble screens are designed to get the ball into the hands of your most skilled offensive players.
- A bubble screen call can be an effective tool for an offense looking to not take on too much risk and yet still have the potential for a big play.
Bubble Screen Video
Why is it called a bubble screen?
The bubble screen was invented by former Montana Grizzlies head coach Don Read in the 1980s. The play became more common after Lou Holtz implemented it into Notre Dame’s offense.
How do you run a bubble route?
1) Once the ball is snapped, the receiver takes a step back and goes wide near the outside hash marks. This is a curved motion that helps with timing and creates space for the receiver to receive the ball.
2) Quarterback passes to receiver.
3) Receiver catches the ball and carries it wide or into an open pocket upfield.
What is a bubble pass?
A bubble pass is a pass thrown on a bubble screen. This includes the receiver catching the ball after running a curved bubble route. The quarterback needs to make sure that the play is still in sync and not putting his receiver at risk of injury.
What are the advantages of a bubble screen?
Bubble screens are good for small and consistent yardage pickups. If there is a significant matchup you like as the offensive team, a bubble screen is a good way to expose the mismatch. This is also a good play to call when the defense is expecting a run.
What are the disadvantages of a bubble screen?
Bubble screens can be dangerous because if the defender reads the play, it can put the receiver at a higher risk of injury from a big hit. They also can end in a fumble or a loss of yards if the defense plays it well.
When should you run a bubble screen?
Whenever you notice a specific matchup between a receiver and a defensive back, a bubble screen is a good option. They can also be called instead of a run play in order to keep the clock moving, as long as the pass is complete and the receiver stays in bounds.
How do you defend against a bubble screen?
The best way to defend a bubble screen is by making sure you have strong and smart defensive backs. You can’t be certain when they will happen, so having players able to read and react quickly to them can help limit any positive gain they will get.
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