Playbooks
Quick Reference
In 1 playbook
Breakdown
Counter Y out of Singleback Doubles Y Off Close is a power run play built to attack the edge with a pulling blocker leading the way for the HB. The offensive line down blocks toward the play side while a puller wraps around to kick out the edge defender, creating a lane for the running back to cut off the misdirection action. This is a run play designed to punish overaggressive linebackers and run blitzes that flow hard to the initial step, not a pass concept, so the primary read is the running back reading the puller's block and the play side lane before deciding to bend it outside or cut it up inside the block.
Defensive Reads
Pre-snap, check linebacker depth and alignment, since stacked or crashing linebackers get exploited by the counter action and pulling blocker. Watch for run blitzes or fire zone pressure from the edge, since a disciplined edge defender who reads the pulling blocker can blow up the play before it develops. Post-snap, user a linebacker and stay patient rather than flowing hard with the initial line movement, since the misdirection is designed to bait quick trigger defenders. Look for defensive ends who can hold the edge and string the play out, forcing the back to cut inside into pursuit. Bringing extra defenders into the box pre-snap in run support neutralizes the numbers advantage the pulling blocker is trying to create.
Usage Tips
Use pre-snap motion or a quick glance at the box count to confirm you have enough blockers if the defense stacks the line of scrimmage.
Attack defenses that show aggressive downhill linebackers or run blitzes, since the misdirection and pulling blocker exploit poor gap discipline.
Run this on early downs like first and second and short to medium yardage to keep the defense honest and set up play-action off the same look later in the series.
Pair Counter Y with PA Boot Slide or Zone Fake Jet from this set since both plays start with similar backfield action, forcing linebackers to hesitate and open cutback lanes.
Avoid calling this against heavy inside blitzes with fast flowing linebackers who can beat the pulling blocker to the point of attack before the lane develops.
