Playbooks
Quick Reference
In 2 playbooks
Breakdown
Mtn Counter Y is a Shotgun power run play out of the Flex Y Off Close set with 11 personnel, using pre-snap motion to shift the box before the snap. The diagram shows a counter blocking scheme up front, with linemen pulling to create a kick out and lead block for the HB while the QB fakes a handoff footwork step to sell misdirection. This is a run play designed to attack gaps opened by pulling blockers, so the primary read is the initial flow of the pulling guard or fullback to determine whether to hit the frontside gap or bend the run backside if the kick out block gets beaten.
Defensive Reads
Key the play side linebacker to see if he steps up quickly to fill the counter gap or bites on the initial flow away from the run. Watch for a defensive end or edge defender staying home instead of crashing, since disciplined edge play can blow up the counter timing. Look for safeties rotating down into the box pre-snap, which signals a run blitz designed to beat gap schemes like this one. If the defense shows a stacked front with linebackers reading run keys, expect the counter to be picked up quickly by fast flowing linebackers. Man coverage defenders following the pre-snap motion can be an indicator of a blitz package that leaves the counter lanes vulnerable if the lead blocker wins his matchup.
Usage Tips
Use the pre-snap motion to identify if defenders follow across the formation, which reveals man coverage or a defender assigned to spy the run.
Call this on early downs in run heavy personnel packages to keep defenses honest and set up later play-action shots from the same Flex Y Off Close set.
Pair this with Mtn Rub Smash or PA Post Shot on similar downs so defenses cannot sit on the run fits once they see the initial motion and formation.
Watch linebacker depth before the snap, if they are stacked tight to the line expect an aggressive fit that can be countered by patience behind the pulling blockers.
Avoid calling this into heavy blitz looks with extra defenders crashing downhill unless you trust the lead blocker to seal the edge defender.
