Definition

Noun: 1. A specific type of play in American or Canadian football: A short forward pass thrown to a receiver (usually a running back) who is positioned behind a line of blockers. The primary purpose of the blockers is to form a protective "screen" between the receiver and the defending players, allowing the receiver time to catch the ball and advance.

Usage

• The screen pass is a strategic play designed to counteract an aggressive pass rush from the defense.
• It is often used when the quarterback is under immediate pressure.
• The success of a screen pass depends on the blockers effectively delaying the defenders.

Examples

• "On third down, the quarterback executed a perfect screen pass to the running back for a first down."
• "The defense was caught off guard by the well-timed screen pass, resulting in a significant gain."
• "A successful screen pass requires precise timing between the quarterback, the receiver, and the offensive linemen."

Advanced Usage

• "to set up a screen pass": To design or call a play that is a screen pass, often to exploit a specific defensive tendency.
  • The offensive coordinator set up the screen pass after noticing the defensive ends were rushing upfield too aggressively.
• "to run a screen pass": To execute the play during a game.
  • They ran a screen pass on the final play of the half.

Variants and Related Words

• Screen (noun, in this context): The protective wall of blockers. (e.g., )
• Pass (noun): A throw of the ball from the quarterback to an eligible receiver.

Synonyms

• Short pass: A general term for a forward pass that travels only a short distance.
• Delay pass: This term sometimes overlaps, emphasizing the deliberate timing of the throw.

Related Phrases

• Draw play: A running play designed to look like a pass play; often mentioned alongside the screen pass as a type of "misdirection" play.
• Bubble screen: A specific type of screen pass where the receiver, usually a wide receiver, quickly moves laterally to catch a short pass behind the line of scrimmage.

Noun

1. a short forward pass in which the receiver is protected by a screen of blockers