Counter Y

Watch for a fast flowing linebacker crashing the initial hole, that is a sign the cutback lane will be open once the pulling blockers seal the edge. Look at the defensive end and outside linebacker alignment on the backside, if they are sitting wide the kick out blocker may not have a clean angle and the run should stay tight. Man coverage on the trips side often leaves an extra defender in the box, which can clog the counter path, so be ready to check to a pass concept if you see six or more in the box pre-snap. Zone coverage shells with two deep safeties usually mean lighter boxes, making this an ideal run since the linebackers have to respect both flow and cutback responsibilities. User controlled defenders flowing hard to the play side call are the biggest threat, since a smart user linebacker can sit on the counter and blow up the pulling guard before the lead blocker arrives.