Playbooks
Quick Reference
Breakdown
HB Counter out of Shotgun Trips TE Offset is a power run play that pulls the backside guard and tackle (or fullback in some blocking schemes) to lead the HB through the play side gap after a counter step to sell the misdirection. The diagram shows the running back taking a jab step away from the play call before redirecting downhill behind the pulling linemen, while the three receivers to the trips side and the offset TE hold their blocks or occupy defenders with minimal route action. This is a base run concept, not a play-action or RPO, and the primary read is the play side puller: key the down block from the offensive line at the point of attack and let the counter blocking clear the alley before making your one cut upfield.
Defensive Reads
Watch linebacker depth and gap alignment pre-snap: stacked or crashing linebackers who fly to the initial flow are the exact defenders this counter action is designed to exploit. Man coverage on the trips side with no extra run support in the box is ideal since it isolates the pulling guard on the second level with a clean angle. An overloaded box with a nine-technique or extra safety rotated down near the play side gap can blow up the counter path before the puller arrives, so avoid this play against heavy run blitz looks. Post-snap, key whether the play side defensive end squeezes down hard on the initial flow read, since a disciplined end who sits and reads counter can string the play out and force a cutback. User-controlled linebackers sitting in the hole instead of biting on flow are the biggest threat, so if you see a defender staying home at the mesh point, be ready to cut the run back against the grain.
Usage Tips
Run this out of neutral downs like 1st and 10 or 2nd and short so the defense cannot immediately key run based on distance.
Check the box count before the snap: if the defense has six or more defenders stacked in the box, consider audibling out since counter needs numbers advantage to hit clean.
Use motion or a play fake tempo to freeze linebackers, since counter relies on misdirection and any hesitation from the second level creates a bigger crease for the pulling blockers.
Pair this play with Inside Zone or Speed Option earlier in a drive so defenders start flowing hard to zone action, then hit them with Counter to punish overaggressive linebacker fits.
Sequence this with RPO Alert Bubble or RPO Zone Alert Bubble from the same formation to keep the defense honest against both the run action and perimeter bubble screen looks.
