Playbooks
Quick Reference
In 1 playbook
Breakdown
Close Cntr Lt is a counter run out of the Full House 21 personnel set, showing a fullback and halfback stacked behind the QB with a TE tight to the formation. The line pulls the backside guard and tackle to lead the ball to the left, using misdirection to get flow moving one way before the HB cuts back through the counter hole. This is strictly a run play with no pass or RPO options, and the primary read is the pulling guard: press the hole, read his block on the play side linebacker, and decide between cutting inside off his hip or bouncing outside if the edge is sealed.
Defensive Reads
Pre-snap, identify the box count and safety depth, a single high safety with stacked linebackers signals run support that can clog the counter lane. Watch for linebackers cheating toward the strength of the formation, aggressive fits from a 4-3 under or 46 front can blow up the counter before the pull guard gets set. Man or match coverage on the perimeter does not matter much here since this is a run concept, focus purely on the front seven's gap discipline. Post-snap, key the play side defensive end and outside linebacker, if they crash hard on the initial flow the misdirection counter step should open a cutback lane behind them. User controlled defenders flying downhill on the fake direction are the biggest threat to blow this play up for a loss, so mirror their leverage before committing to a cut.
Usage Tips
Use pre-snap motion sparingly since this is a two back set and defenders keying run fits will already suspect a run heavy play call. Check the box count before the snap, this play needs at least one blocker advantage or a light box to hit for positive yardage against stacked fronts. Pair this with Close Z Clown or PA Middle from the same set so defenses cannot sit on run tendencies out of Full House. Run this on early downs like first and ten or second and short to keep defenses honest and set up explosive play action shots later in the series. Watch for user linebackers flowing hard to the play side pull, if they overcommit early, cut the HB back against the grain for a big gain.
