Playbooks

Counter Trey

Shotgun·Doubles Offset·11

Counter Run Play Power Run

Play diagram for Counter Trey from Shotgun Doubles Offset in Madden 27

Quick Reference

FormationShotgun

SetDoubles Offset

Personnel

111 RB · 1 TE · 3 WR

In 2 playbooks

Balanced Pass OffenseOffense Franchise Offense BackerattackerOffense

Breakdown

Counter Trey out of Shotgun Doubles Offset is a gap scheme power run that pulls the backside guard and tackle to lead the HB through the point of attack. The diagram shows a two receiver split on the left and a single receiver split on the right with a TE tight to the formation, and the HB starts in the backfield before taking a counter step opposite the play call direction to sell misdirection before hitting the hole downhill. This is a run play, not a man or zone beater by design, and it punishes overaggressive gap shooting and downhill linebacker flow with the misdirection action. Primary read progression is backside pulling blockers first, then the play side kickout block, then vertical square into the alley created by the trey blocking surface.

Defensive Reads

Watch for a light box count pre-snap, six or fewer defenders in the box gives the pulling linemen a clean path to the second level. Attack teams that play read and react linebackers who bite on the initial counter step misdirection, this is a classic scheme fit against slow flowing MLBs. Avoid running this into a stacked front with an extra defender crashed into the play side gap, the counter blocking scheme loses the numbers advantage instantly. Post-snap, key the play side defensive end and outside linebacker, if they stay home and do not chase the counter step the cutback lane disappears. Be wary of aggressive edge blitzes from the play side, since a fast penetrating defender can blow up the pulling guard and tackle before they reach the point of attack.

Usage Tips

Use pre-snap motion or a hard count to see if linebackers flow with the initial counter step, since overzealous defenders trigger easy cutback lanes.

Call this on early downs in normal 11 personnel sets to keep defenses honest against your pass heavy Doubles Offset menu like Mesh Spot and X Dagger.

Pair Counter Trey with Read Option and Buck Sweep from the same formation so linebackers cannot key run direction based on backfield action alone.

If the defense shows a stacked box or heavy blitz look pre-snap, check to HB Slip Screen or RPO Zone Alert Bus instead of forcing the run into a loaded front.

User the fullback or lead blocker manually to seal the edge defender on the kickout block, this is the single biggest factor in breaking the play outside for extra yardage.