Football Toolbox

Triple Option Horizontal RPO: Versatile Slide Screen (Turn Pressure Into Big Plays)

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This article was originally posted on the Glazier Coaching Blog.

Most defensive coordinator’s game plans revolves around creating havoc with pressure packages, but what if you could turn their aggression against them?

The video breaks down a Triple Option RPO system that combines inside zone with a slide screen concept. The play has two variations:

  1. A screen runner who stays on their side of the ball
  2. A screen runner who crosses the formation (similar to split zone bluff)

The presenter is Coach Joshua Stump, Offensive Coordinator, Atascocita HS, TX.  This video was taken from his Glazie Dirve Clinic on
Atascocita RPO’s out of the Spread Offense

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Key coaching points:

  • The QB reads the C-gap defender while running inside zone
  • Screen receiver executes a jab-shuffle to sell C-gap cutoff before releasing
  • Uses “MDM” (Most Dangerous Man) blocking rules for perimeter blockers
  • Can be run from balanced or condensed formations to either side
  • Works particularly well against pressure packages and in the red zone

What makes this concept effective:

  • Creates better defensive responses than traditional bubble screens due to the run action
  • Provides flexibility in timing – can be thrown quickly or extended to the sideline
  • Built-in answers to both man and zone coverage
  • Multiple options (hand off, screen, QB keep) make it true triple option football
  • Can be paired with various run concepts like GT counter
  • Particularly effective against blitzes since you don’t need to block pressure players

The video emphasizes that while this concept requires significant practice time, it’s an excellent addition for zone running teams and provides an efficient way to get playmakers the ball in space while maintaining triple option principles