Playbooks

HB Flip Counter

Shotgun·Trips TE Offset·11
Run Play

Quick Reference

FormationShotgun

In 4 playbooks

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Breakdown

HB Flip Counter is a misdirection run play out of Shotgun Trips TE Offset that flips the counter action to the opposite side of the formation from the initial flow, pulling the backside guard and tackle (or TE depending on personnel) to lead through the hole. The play design punishes aggressive linebacker flow and overpursuit by getting the offensive line moving one direction while the HB cuts back against the grain. This is a run play, not a pass concept, so the primary read progression is pre-snap box count and post-snap: identify the frontside flow of the defense, locate the pulling lead blocker, and press the hole before cutting off the last blocker's hip.

Defensive Reads

Check the Mike linebacker depth and alignment presnap, if he is creeping toward the initial flow side he is vulnerable to the counter cutback Identify whether the defense is running a 3-4 or 4-3 front, odd fronts with two gap defensive ends can clog the pulling lane and slow the counter timing Watch for user controlled defenders spying the backfield or sitting in the hole, a disciplined user Mike or Sam linebacker who reads counter action can blow this play up before the lead blocker arrives Look for run blitzes or nano blitz packages sent from the backside, since the flip counter is slower to develop than inside zone it is vulnerable to fast interior pressure that beats the pulling linemen to the point of attack Against Cover 3 or Cover 1 shells, safeties rotating down into the box late are a strong indicator the defense anticipates run, consider checking to a pass concept from this same set if you see heavy presnap rotation

Usage Tips

Run this against defenses that show heavy flow or fast flow linebackers who bite hard on initial zone steps since the flip action freezes them for a beat

Use down and distance situations like second and short or first down to keep defenses honest and prevent them from selling out on pass coverage shells

Pair this with RPO Alert Bubble or RPO Zone Alert Bubble earlier in a series so the defense respects perimeter run action and widens their linebackers, opening the counter lane

Watch the playside defensive end and any user controlled defender crashing down the line, if he sits home the cutback lane behind the pulling blockers becomes the primary path

Sequence this with HB Counter from the same set to keep defenses guessing on direction, since both plays share blocking principles but attack opposite gaps

Avoid calling this into a stacked box with nine or more defenders unless you have confirmed the Mike linebacker is out of position presnap

Other Plays in Trips TE Offset