Football Library · Plays
Bubble RPO· 11v11 Tackle
Run-pass option built on Inside Zone with a bubble screen tag. The blockers run-block the inside zone (tackle OL; in 6v6/7v7 flag the front simulates the read); the back takes the Inside Zone path; a slot receiver releases on a bubble (lateral release, settling 0–2 yds behind the LOS); the QB reads the conflict defender (typically the playside OLB / overhang). If the conflict defender comes down to fill the run, the QB pulls and throws the bubble — the slot has the perimeter outflanked. If the defender stays out to play the bubble, the QB gives and the back hits a light box. Modern HS / college / NFL staple.
Coaching breakdown
Bubble RPO — Run-pass option built on Inside Zone with a bubble screen tag. The blockers run-block the inside zone (tackle OL; in 6v6/7v7 flag the front simulates the read); the back takes the Inside Zone path; a slot receiver releases on a bubble (lateral release, settling 0–2 yds behind the LOS); the QB reads the conflict defender (typically the playside OLB / overhang). If the conflict defender comes down to fill the run, the QB pulls and throws the bubble — the slot has the perimeter outflanked. If the defender stays out to play the bubble, the QB gives and the back hits a light box. Modern HS / college / NFL staple. Run from Spread Doubles. The handoff sets up the play; see the OL + receiver bullets below for each player's job.
- @QB: RPO — read the playside_lb; give to when he stays out, pull and throw to when he comes inside to fill the run.
- : inside zone — press the LOS, read the first down-block, cut on the second LB's flow.
- : 1-yard bubble to the sideline — release back and outside, eyes find the ball.
- : stalk-block the corner — get hands inside, drive him off coverage so the runner has the edge.
- : 18-yard go — full-speed release, ball goes over the top.
- : 18-yard go — full-speed release, ball goes over the top.
- : run-block — drive your man off the ball to the playside, combo to the second level.
- : run-block — drive your man off the ball to the playside, combo to the second level.
- : run-block — drive your man off the ball to the playside, combo to the second level.
- : run-block — drive your man off the ball to the playside, combo to the second level.
- : run-block — drive your man off the ball to the playside, combo to the second level.
When to call it
Use when the box is loaded (defender count exceeds blockers + 1) — pull and throw the bubble. When the box is light, hand off. The READ is the play; calling the right action based on alignment is more important than the play name.
Common mistakes
- QB doesn't actually read; just hands off (or always pulls). Defeats the entire purpose of the RPO.
- Bubble receiver attacks the LOS; should be running at the QB pre-snap then bouncing outside on the catch.
- Blockers leak past the LOS on the bubble side — in tackle that's illegal man downfield (half-cuts are the discipline); in flag it just looks like everyone committed to the run too early.
- QB holds the read too long; should be a 1-second decision off the conflict defender's first step.