Playbooks
Quick Reference
Breakdown
Mtn Counter Solid is a power run play out of I Form's Y Off Close set with 21 personnel on the field. The diagram shows the HB taking a counter step before hitting the hole behind pulling blockers, with the FB leading through as a lead blocker and the offensive line executing down blocks and a kickout to seal the edge. This is a downhill run play designed to attack gaps with misdirection, so the primary read progression starts with identifying the pulling guard's kickout block, then pressing the hole based on how the defensive end and linebacker flow react to the counter action.
Defensive Reads
Watch linebacker depth and flow before the snap, since fast-flowing linebackers who bite hard on initial line movement get sealed by the counter's backside blocking. Key the defensive end's crash technique, as an aggressive upfield rush plays right into the kickout block and opens the counter lane. Check safety alignment for run support cheating toward the strong side, since a light box with safeties out of the run fit is where this play hits hardest. User the playside linebacker or nickel defender to spy the counter hole and blow up the pulling guard before the lead block develops. Stacked fronts with extra defenders in the box or a linebacker reading counter action and staying home in the backside gap will shut this run down quickly.
Usage Tips
Use pre-snap motion or the I Form alignment to bait linebackers into overcommitting to the strong side before the counter hits back the other way.
Identify base 4-3 or 3-4 fronts with light boxes, since Mtn Counter Solid loses value against stacked eight-man fronts that clog the counter lane.
Hot route the FB into a lead block adjustment if you see a blitzer stunting into the counter hole, keeping the play alive against inside blitz packages.
Pair this with Mtn PA Counter and Mtn Flood from the same set to keep defenders honest, since the counter run action sets up the play-action pass shots off identical formation and motion.
Best called on early downs in normal or short yardage situations where linebackers are reading run keys aggressively, letting the counter misdirection freeze their gap fits.
