Playbooks
HB Counter out of Shotgun Bunch HB Str is a power run play that pulls the backside guard (and often a tackle or fullback-type blocker) to kick out the edge defender while the HB takes a counter step before hitting the hole. This is a gap scheme run designed to bait fast-flowing linebackers, then attack the misdirection lane once they overcommit. Your primary read starts with the frontside double team, then bounces to the pulling lead blocker to see if the point of attack opens inside or bounces outside the kick block.
Pre-snap, identify linebacker depth and alignment, if both backers are stacked tight to the line expecting run blitz you want to check to a play-action concept like PA Bunch Shot instead. Watch for a defensive end or outside linebacker sitting wide and reading the counter step rather than crashing down, disciplined edge defenders who stay home on backside contain will blow this play up immediately. Key the safety rotation before the snap, a single high shell with the strong safety cheating toward the bunch formation signals extra run support to that side and you should consider bouncing the run away from the bunch. Post-snap, track the play side linebacker's first step, if he flows hard downhill on the initial zone action fake you have a green light to cut behind the kick block for a big gain. User-controlled defenders who spy the backfield or sit in the backside A gap are the counter to this counter, since they can flow late and still make the tackle before your lead blocker gets a clean angle.
Run this on early downs (1st and 10 or 2nd and short) when you have established inside zone tendencies, since defenders keying on downhill run flow are exactly who counter is designed to exploit. Use the bunch alignment pre-snap to check for man coverage by motioning one of the bunch receivers, if defenders follow across the formation you know you have a numbers or leverage advantage on the backside. Manually control your lead blocker (fullback or pulling guard) after the snap to seal the alley defender instead of trusting the CPU logic, this is the single biggest skill gap play in competitive counter runs. Pair this play with Inside Zone from the same set so defenders cannot sit on one gap scheme, alternating the two forces linebackers to respect both A gap downhill runs and the counter bounce. Against aggressive user blitzers who crash the play side immediately after snap, counter naturally punishes that overpursuit since the backside cutback lane opens up behind the kick block.