Attaching Quick Screens to the Run

How we utilize Key screens to stress the defense horizontally and protect our run plays.

Our run game sets the foundation for everything we do offensively. It forces defenses to commit extra bodies to the box, leaving space on the perimeter to exploit. But what happens when those defenders overcommit?

Enter Key screens: a simple, high-percentage play that punishes overcommitted defenses.

Our Day 1 install will include key screens attached to all runs. If the play is an outside run like Wide Zone, then the play-side will block for the play and the backside will execute the screen.

For inside runs like Inside Zone, Power, or Counter, both sides will run a Key screen. (If there is only 1 receiver they run a hitch.)

Today we’ll dive into our base rules and the finer details of executing key screens.