Playbooks
Quick Reference
In 41 playbooks
Breakdown
HB Counter Wk out of Goal Line Offense is a pure power run play designed to attack the weak side edge with misdirection. The offensive line executes a counter blocking scheme, pulling backside blockers across the formation while the fullback and guard lead through the hole to seal defenders at the point of attack. The HB takes a counter step away from the play call before following his lead blockers, and this is strictly a ground-and-pound run with no route combos or pass options tagged.
Defensive Reads
Pre-snap, identify if the defense is in a goal line or heavy run front with extra defensive linemen and linebackers stacked tight to the box. Look for linebackers cheating toward the strong side based on formation tendencies, since the counter action exploits overaggressive flow to the play call. Post-snap, key on the backside defensive end and outside linebacker, if they crash down hard on the initial counter step, the cutback lane opens for a big gain. This play struggles against disciplined gap control defenses where linemen and linebackers stay home and do not bite on the counter step. User controlled defenders reading run fits early and staying square to the line of scrimmage can blow this play up before the pulling blockers get set.
Usage Tips
Use this play in short yardage and goal line situations where the defense is stacking the box expecting a dive or power play up the middle. Watch for defenses keying on your HB counter step, if linebackers are flowing hard to the play side pre-snap, the counter misdirection can gash them once they overcommit. Pair this with HB Dive or FB Dive earlier in a series so the defense respects the interior run threat before you bounce it outside with the counter action. Take manual control of your lead blocker to seal the edge defender or force a favorable angle for your pulling linemen against stacked fronts. This works best on 1st and short, 2nd and short, or any goal line snap where you need to punch in a tough yard against a heavy run defense.
