Bubble screen diagram
- 1
Y bubbles back toward the sideline for a quick throw. Z and H get in front of the nearest defenders and give him room to run.
When to call Bubble screen
Call it when the defense puts two defenders over your three receivers on the trips side. Count them before the snap. Three against two means Y has room.
It is a good answer to a hard rush because the ball is gone in about one second.
Bubble screen: each player's job
QB
Throw to Y as soon as you have the snap. Aim at his chest and a little toward the sideline so he keeps moving.
C
Hitch at 5 yards in the middle. Your route holds the linebacker inside.
X
On the left by yourself, run a slant so the defenders on that side stay with you.
Z
From the outside spot in the trips, step up and in to get in front of the defender nearest Y. Follow your league's blocking rules.
Y
From the middle of the trips, take one step back and bubble toward the right sideline. After the catch, turn up the field behind Z and H.
H
From the inside spot, work out and up about 2 yards to get in front of the next defender.
F
Run a flat route to the left, away from the play, as the second option.
What the quarterback looks at
There is one decision and it happens before the snap. The quarterback counts defenders over the trips. With two or fewer within 5 yards, he throws the bubble to Y right away.
If three defenders are sitting on the trips, the screen is covered. Look left and throw the slant to X or the flat to F.
How to teach Bubble screen at practice
- 1
Start with Y and the quarterback only. Y bubbles and catches 10 throws in a row while moving toward the sideline.
- 2
Add Z and H. Walk them to the spots where they screen their defenders, with no contact if your league does not allow blocking.
- 3
Put two defenders over the trips and run it live.
Common mistakes
- Y runs straight sideways and catches the ball standing still. He should drift back a step and be moving when it arrives.
- The throw goes behind Y and he has to stop. Lead him toward the sideline.
- Z and H grab or push. In most youth flag leagues that is a penalty, so teach them to get in the defender's path and hold their ground.
Bubble screen FAQ
Is a bubble screen legal in flag football?
It depends on the league. Many do not allow blocking, so Z and H can only stand in a defender's path without contact. Some also require a forward pass to be caught past the line of scrimmage, so check your rules.
What do I do if my league does not allow blocking?
Have Z and H run short routes straight at their defenders and stop. The defenders have to go around them, which gives Y a head start.
Who should catch the bubble screen?
Use your best runner after the catch at Y. He only has to catch a short throw and beat one defender to the sideline.
More plays: all 7v7 flag football plays, easy plays. Draw your own in the flag football play designer.