Playbooks
Quick Reference
Breakdown
Counter Bash is a Shotgun Bash package run play out of Normal Y Off Wk with 11 personnel that runs true counter action from the backfield. The diagram shows the RB taking a lateral jab step before the QB hands off, with the offensive line pulling to create a kick out and lead block through the point of attack. This is a power run play designed to attack gaps with misdirection, forcing linebackers to bite on the counter step before the ball actually gets there, making it a strong man beater against aggressive downhill defenses.
Defensive Reads
Key the play side linebacker depth pre-snap, if he is sitting shallow and square he can read counter quickly and blow it up. Watch for a Mike linebacker or safety flowing hard opposite the initial jab step, that misdirection bite is exactly what this run play exploits. Against zone blitz or scrape exchange fronts, the backside defensive end staying home can string the counter out and kill the cutback lane. Look for base 4-3 or 3-4 fronts with linebackers two yards deep, this alignment sets up poorly against the kick out and lead blocks. If the defense shows heavy stack fronts with extra defenders in the box pre-snap, this play loses value since gap integrity holds up better against the counter action.
Usage Tips
Run this early in a series to establish tendency before hitting play-action shots like PA Slide or PA WR Leak off the same Bash look.
Use in short yardage and second and short situations where linebackers are keying run fits tightly and can be manipulated by counter steps.
Watch pre-snap for stacked boxes with linebackers creeping up, since counter action punishes downhill flow and overpursuit.
Pair this with Inside Zone and QB Power from the same set to keep defenders guessing on gap direction out of the identical Bash alignment.
User the pulling lineman manually if the CPU AI misses an assignment, especially against odd front looks with a stand up defensive end.
