Playbooks
Quick Reference
Breakdown
Counter Lead out of the Pistol Full House TE set is a gap scheme power run play with two lead blockers stacked behind the quarterback in the pistol alignment. The offensive line pulls the backside guard and tackle across the formation to kick out the edge defender and lead through the hole, while the fullback and lead back follow the pulling linemen to seal off linebackers at the point of attack. This is a downhill run play designed to beat gap exchange and overpursuing fronts, with the primary read starting on the playside double team and bouncing to the pulling guard's kickout block before working to the fullback's lead block on the linebacker.
Defensive Reads
Watch for defensive ends and edge rushers who crash down hard, since that sets up the pulling guard's kickout block for an easy lane. Identify if the defense is running gap exchange or scrape exchange stunts, since disciplined linebackers who stay home on their gap can blow this play up before the pull develops. Key the middle linebacker's depth and reaction to the counter step. A linebacker who bites on the initial flow opens up the cutback lane behind the fullback. Look for a user controlled defender flowing hard playside, since that leaves the backside cutback lane wide open if the runner presses correctly. Against heavy blitz packages with extra defenders in the box, this play gets clogged quickly, so check for run blitz alignment pre-snap and be ready to bail to a pass concept.
Usage Tips
Run this out of the pistol full house look on early downs to keep defenses honest against both run and pass since the personnel disguises intent well.
Check the box count before the snap. If the defense stacks the box with an extra linebacker or safety, counter run plays lose their leverage advantage.
Use the fullback's lead block as your guide. Follow him through the hole rather than trying to bounce outside too early.
Pair this with Mtn Power O and HB Dive from the same set to keep linebackers guessing on gap direction and prevent them from sitting on the counter action.
Mix in Read Option or a play-action shot like Mtn PA Power Cross after establishing Counter Lead to punish linebackers who start crashing down on the counter step.
