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Quick Reference
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Breakdown
HB Counter out of Shotgun Y Trips Wk is a power run play that pulls the backside guard and uses misdirection to attack the frontside gap after the initial flow steps the opposite way. The offensive line executes a down block scheme up front while the pulling lineman leads through the hole, creating a natural cutback lane if flow overpursues. This is a base run play designed to beat aggressive downhill defenses, gap exchanges, and overplayed inside zone reads, with the primary read progression being the play side gap first, then the cutback lane if the backside pursuit crashes too hard.
Defensive Reads
Watch the play side defensive end and outside linebacker pre-snap. If they are crashing hard on run flow, the counter action can seal them out of the play for a cutback lane. Identify if the defense is running a scrape exchange. A disciplined scrape exchange defender who stays home on the backside can blow up the counter before the puller gets there. Key the middle linebacker depth at the snap. If he flows hard with the initial fake, the cutback lane opens behind him. Look for user-controlled defenders flashing down into the backfield immediately after the snap, since a fast diagnosing user defender can beat the pulling lineman to the hole. Against a stacked box with nine or more defenders in the box, this play becomes risky since the numbers favor the defense in run fits.
Usage Tips
Run this out of 11 personnel on early downs to keep defenses honest against your trips formation passing concepts in this set.
Check the defensive front pre-snap. If the defense shows a 3-4 look with linebackers stacked tight, the counter action can seal them inside for a big cutback.
Use manual motion or user the fullback lead blocker if the play call includes one to seal the edge defender on the play side.
Pair this play with RPO Peek Slant or RPO Buck Alert Smoke from the same set to keep linebackers honest and prevent them from crashing down on run fits.
Best deployed on second and short or first and ten to set up play-action shots like PA Y-Out or PA Ohio X-In N Up later in the same series once the defense bites on the counter look.
