Playbooks
Tr Cntr Wk is a weak side counter run out of the Flexbone Trio Right formation with 20 personnel on the field. The offensive line pulls the backside guard to lead the way while the fullback and slot back execute misdirection footwork before the ball carrier cuts back against the flow of the initial line movement. This is a base run play designed to attack gap discipline, and the primary read progression starts with the pulling guard's kick out or wrap block, then bounces outside or cuts up inside based on how the play side defensive end and linebackers flow with the counter action.
Check safety alignment pre-snap, a single high shell often means the box is loaded and the counter will need a hard cutback read. Watch the play side defensive end, if he sits and reads instead of crashing hard down the line, the counter blocking scheme loses its advantage. Look at linebacker gap fits post-snap, disciplined backers who stay home in their gaps rather than flowing with the initial misdirection will blow this play up. Identify blitz packages before the snap, a run blitz from the weak side linebacker can beat the pulling guard to the point of attack and kill the play immediately. Man coverage on the perimeter usually signals fewer underneath defenders in the box, which opens up the cutback lane once the counter action develops.
Run this out of the Trio Right formation on early downs to keep defenses honest against a heavy run personnel look.
Watch for linebacker depth pre-snap, if the backers are sitting shallow and reading run fits fast, this counter can get stuffed before the pullers even get in front.
Pair this with FB Dive Wk and FB Lead Toss Wk to sell the same weak side action, then hit Tr Cntr Wk once defenders start flowing hard to the strength.
Use this on second and short or first and ten when defenses expect a quick hitting run rather than a delayed counter action.
Manually control the pulling lineman if you notice a fast flowing linebacker so you can adjust the kick out block in real time and create the cutback lane.