RPO Bubble Change of Pace — Force Defense Into Impossible Decisions
RPO Bubble Change of Pace is about making defenses defend TWO completely opposite concepts from identical formations. First — establish a solid pass play that attacks the underneath and sideline routes. Then — hit them with RPO Alert Bubble from the SAME look.
The defense has no idea which one you're calling. They snap the ball and have to be ready for everything. That's when you've got them.
Here's why this works: You force them to defend pass concepts AND run/bubble combinations at all times. Most offenses run random plays. Elite offenses make things look identical and attack multiple ways.
The Setup: Use Trips Tight End formation. Run your pass concept first — post-flat, drag routes, in routes. Make them defend underneath and that right sideline consistently. Once they're locked into defending that pass play, you hit the RPO Bubble from the exact same formation.
How to Set Up RPO Bubble Change of Pace
Step 1: Establish Your Pass Concept
From Trips Tight End — attack underneath routes and right sideline. Post-flat combinations work great. Drag routes. In routes. Whatever gets them defending that area consistently.
Don't get fancy here. Find what works against their coverage and keep hitting it until they adjust.
Step 2: Install the RPO Options
Now they're defending your pass play. Time to attack the complete opposite direction with RPO Bubble. Several options work:
- Halfback Duo
- Simple Inside Zone
- RPO Alert Bubble (BEST option)
- 45 Quick Base
RPO Alert Bubble is the move. Gives you the inside zone read PLUS the bubble screen option to the trips side.
Step 3: Make Them Look Identical
Same formation. Same pre-snap alignment. Same snap count if possible. The defense should have ZERO tells about which concept you're running.
This is what separates good offenses from great ones. Everything looks the same pre-snap.
When to Use RPO Bubble Change of Pace
After You've Established the Pass Game
Don't lead with the RPO. Get them worried about your passing attack FIRST. Once they're playing solid pass defense and defending those underneath routes — that's when you flip the script.
Against Defenses That Adjust Well
Smart defensive coordinators will start taking away your bread and butter plays. When they do — you've got the perfect counter ready to go from the identical look.
When You Need Big Plays
RPO Bubble can break for huge gains when the defense is worried about your pass concepts. Get a receiver in space one-on-one, make a miss, and you're gone.
What Makes RPO Bubble Change of Pace Dominant
Forces Impossible Coverage Decisions
Think about what you're asking the defense to do. They have to defend your established pass concept. They ALSO have to defend inside zone AND bubble combination. From the same formation. At the same time.
That's too much. Something's going to be open.
Creates 5 vs 4 Advantages
When they start selling out to stop one concept, the other concept becomes unstoppable. If they bring extra help for the pass game — RPO Bubble has numbers. If they stay light to defend the bubble — your pass concepts are wide open.
Eliminates Pre-Snap Reads for Defense
Defensive backs can't cheat. Linebackers can't jump routes. Safeties can't rotate early. They have to play everything honest because they don't know what's coming.
How to Execute RPO Alert Bubble
Pre-Snap:
Count the box. Look at leverage of defenders on your trips receivers. Check if they're showing run support or pass coverage.
Post-Snap:
Read the end man on line of scrimmage for the run/pass decision. If he crashes down — bubble screen is there. If he sits — hand off the inside zone.
On bubble screens — throw it quick and low. Let your receiver make the move in space.
Common Mistakes That Kill This Concept
Not Establishing the Pass Game First
If you haven't made them respect your pass concepts, the RPO won't work. They'll just load up against the run and bubble. You need that pass threat established.
Different Formations/Alignments
Even small differences tip off the defense. Same personnel. Same alignment. Same everything. Don't give them any tells.
Forcing the Wrong Read
Take what the defense gives you. If they're defending the bubble — hand off inside zone. If they're crashing down — hit the bubble. Don't force plays that aren't there.
Abandoning It Too Early
This concept gets better as the game goes on. The more you use both options, the more impossible it becomes for the defense. Stick with it.
Once you've got defenses defending both concepts — they'll start selling out for one or the other. That's when your original pass plays become wide open again. Never know which one you're calling. That's scheming.