Playbooks
Quick Reference
Breakdown
HB Counter Str is a power run play out of Singleback Wing Tight U that pulls blockers across the formation to create a lead lane for the HB. The line flows initially to the play side while the backside guard and wing pull across the formation, kicking out the edge defender and leading the HB through the resulting alley off tackle. This is a gap scheme run play built to punish overaggressive fits and linebackers who flow too fast downhill, not a man or zone beater since there is no route concept involved. The primary read progression starts with the pulling blockers setting the kick out and lead blocks, then the HB presses the hole before deciding to bounce outside or cut back based on backside pursuit.
Defensive Reads
Watch for linebackers stacked tight to the line pre-snap since aggressive downhill fits get gashed by the counter action once the pulling blockers arrive. Identify if the defense is running a nano blitz or edge pressure package, since a fast edge crash can beat the kick out block before the puller gets there. Key on the play side defensive end and outside linebacker, if they sit and read instead of crashing hard they can string the play out and force a cutback with no room. Man coverage shells with linebackers in run fits are vulnerable to this concept because their eyes are locked on receivers instead of the backfield flow. Zone shells with linebackers reading run gaps first and scraping over the top can blow this up if they diagnose the counter step quickly, so avoid calling this into defenses that show heavy run blitz tendencies on early downs.
Usage Tips
Run this out of early down and distance situations like first and ten or second and short to keep defenses honest against your pass calls from Wing Tight U. Check the defensive front pre-snap and confirm you have a numbers advantage on the play side edge before snapping, since counter needs a clean kick out block to hit for positive yardage. Use the pulling guard as your lead blocker key and let the play develop for a full count before committing to the hole, do not rush the handoff animation. Pair this with HB Power O and Mtn HB Power O in the same set to keep linebackers guessing on gap scheme direction since both plays share similar initial line flow but different pulling assignments. Sequence this after a few passing plays like PA Sprint HB Flat or Stick Nod Vertical to slow down linebacker flow and set up the misdirection counter action.
