Playbooks

RPO Counter Read

Shotgun·Wing Stack Wk·12

Counter RPO Run Play Pass Play Power Run

Diagram coming soon

Quick Reference

FormationShotgun

SetWing Stack Wk

Personnel

121 RB · 2 TE · 2 WR

In 1 playbook

Shotgun OffenseOffense

Breakdown

RPO Counter Read pairs a Counter run scheme out of Shotgun 12 personnel with a run pass option keyed on a second level defender, usually a linebacker sitting near the box. The blocking scheme pulls the backside guard and tackle to lead the halfback through the alley while the quarterback reads whether that flowing linebacker crashes down on the run action. If the read defender steps up, the quarterback pulls the ball and throws the RPO route attached to the concept, making this a true hybrid run play and RPO rather than a straight handoff. This is primarily a light box and zone beater, since it punishes linebackers who overcommit to run fits.

Defensive Reads

Watch the play side linebacker depth at the snap, since a linebacker sitting shallow in the box is the primary key the quarterback uses to decide pull or hand off. Man coverage with an extra run defender in the box, like a robber or a Bear front, shuts this down because the puller has nowhere to work and the RPO route gets blanketed underneath. Zone coverage with light numbers in the box is where this play thrives, since the read defender has to choose between crashing the counter or covering the flat or slant. Look for user controlled defenders spying the mesh point or crashing down aggressively, since a smart user lurk can jump the RPO throw if the quarterback stares down the read too long. Fast flow linebackers who fly to the counter action removed will get gashed if the quarterback pulls correctly, so aggressive gap shooting or slanting fronts are vulnerable to the run fake.

Usage Tips

Check the box count before the snap and only trust the run side if you have a numbers advantage, otherwise lean on the RPO throw immediately.

Identify single high versus two high shells pre-snap, since a two high shell with light box numbers is the ideal trigger to hand the ball off behind the counter pullers.

Use your hot route to adjust the RPO receiver into a quick out or slant if the corner is playing off, giving you a simpler alert throw against soft zone corners.

Run this on early downs like first and ten or second and short to keep defenses honest, then sequence into RPO Zone Peek or RPO Read Bubble later in the series so linebackers cannot sit on the same key.

Pair this with HB Power or Inside Zone in your play calling script so the counter footwork and mesh point look identical, forcing the defense to guess run direction every snap.