Counter Y

Identify base 4-3 or 3-4 fronts with linebackers playing tight to the box, since Counter Y is designed to gash downhill flow and misdirection against these looks. Watch for a shooting backside linebacker on a run blitz or nano blitz, since he can beat the pulling guard to the point of attack and blow up the play before the kick out block sets. Check safety depth pre-snap, if both safeties are sitting deep in a two high shell the box is likely light and the counter has room to break through the second level. Post-snap, key the play side defensive end and outside linebacker for contain discipline, a disciplined edge that stays home on the counter action can string the run out and force a negative gain. Heavy user control at middle linebacker sitting and reading the counter step can jump the cutback lane, so avoid this call against defenders who consistently key mesh point action instead of biting on flow.