Playbooks
Quick Reference
Breakdown
Counter Y out of Shotgun Bunch Offset is a power run play built to attack the edge with a counter blocking scheme. The diagram shows the offensive line pulling from the play side to lead through the hole while the bunch alignment creates natural rub potential and forces defenders to widen out of the box pre-snap. This is a run play designed to hit off tackle behind the pulling guard, with the primary read being the pulling lead blocker to determine whether to bounce outside or press the hole downhill.
Defensive Reads
Watch for a fast flowing linebacker crashing down on the pull, this is the biggest counter killer if he stays disciplined and scrapes over the top. Check safety depth pre-snap, if a safety is stacked in the box expect quick run support and consider bouncing outside immediately. Identify if the defense is in a run blitz or gap exchange front, since counter is vulnerable to defensive tackles crashing hard down the line before the pull develops. Man coverage on the bunch receivers can leave extra bodies in the box, so check if the defense rotates a corner or safety down before the snap. Look for user-controlled defenders spying the backfield motion, since a heads up user linebacker can blow up the counter timing if he reads the pulling linemen instantly.
Usage Tips
Run this out of the bunch look on early downs to keep defenses honest against your pass-heavy Bunch Offset menu like Z Spot and Flood.
Check the defensive front pre-snap: if you see a stacked box with 7 or more defenders, consider audibling to a quick pass instead.
Use the pulling guard as your key, press the hole hard if the linebacker flows too fast and bounce outside if the edge is sealed.
Pair this with PA Dig or PA Cheat Switch Dig from the same formation to keep linebackers hesitant on run fits later in a drive.
Best called on early downs (1st and 10 or 2nd and short) when defenses are more likely to play base personnel instead of nickel or dime looks.
