Playbooks
Quick Reference
In 12 playbooks
Breakdown
HB Counter out of Singleback Ace Slot is a 12 personnel power run play built to attack the backside gap with pulling linemen. The offensive line down blocks to the play side while the guard and tackle pull across the formation to lead the HB through the counter hole, and both TEs stay attached to seal the edge. This is a run play, not a man or zone beater in the passing sense, and the primary read progression for the ball carrier is to press the initial flow, let the pullers get to their landmarks, then decide between the wrapped lead blocker or cutting back if the backside is overpursuing.
Defensive Reads
Watch for the linebackers flowing hard to the initial step direction, since overrunning the play side action is exactly what counter is designed to exploit with the backside cutback lane. Play side defensive ends and outside linebackers who stay disciplined and hold their gap will disrupt the pulling guard and tackle before they reach their landmarks. Look for safeties stacked in the box pre-snap, since a two high shell with light numbers inside gives the counter action room to hit the hole clean. If the defense shows a slanting front or run blitz to the counter side, this play can get blown up quickly because the pullers lose their angle on the second level defenders. User controlled defenders spying the backfield or crashing down hard on the fake flow can beat the blocking scheme before the lead blockers get in position, so mixing in play-action off this look keeps defenders honest.
Usage Tips
Check the defensive front pre-snap and look for light boxes or safeties cheating out of the box, since counter needs a numbers advantage inside to hit cleanly.
Use the misdirection to your advantage against aggressive linebackers who key the initial step, since HB Counter is designed to punish downhill flow to the play side action.
Pair this with HB Misdirection or HB Power O in the same set to keep defenders guessing on gap direction while using nearly identical pre-snap looks.
Run this on early downs (1st and 10 or 2nd and short) when you want to stay ahead of the chains without tipping pass intent.
Bang the play immediately if you see the pullers get instant penetration, but be patient behind the line if the front is stacked, since counter often needs an extra beat to develop compared to inside zone.
