Playbooks
Quick Reference
In 1 playbook
Breakdown
HB Counter Wk is a power run play out of Singleback Wing Tight Z with 13 personnel that pulls a blocker across the formation to lead the way for the HB. The line shows down blocks with the pulling guard or wing wrapping around to kick out the edge defender, while the HB takes a counter step away from the play side before pressing back across the formation into the hole created by the misdirection. This is a run play designed to attack aggressive downhill run fits and overpursuing linebackers who bite on the initial flow, and the primary read progression starts with the pulling blocker's kick out block on the edge defender, then flows to the lead blocker turning up into the alley, and finally the HB reading the interior daylight created by the double team on the play side.
Defensive Reads
Pre-snap, identify the strength of the box and check if the defense has shaded toward the wing tight end side since Wing Tight Z formations often draw safety rotation toward the tight end. Look for a Mike linebacker creeping downhill early since aggressive run fit linebackers get caught out of position on the counter step and open running lanes for the cutback. Watch for a user-controlled defender spying the backfield or sitting in the hole, since a disciplined lurk defender reading counter action can blow up the play before the puller reaches the point of attack. This play struggles against gap-sound defenses that keep contain and stay square, particularly odd front looks with a nose tackle who does not get moved off the ball. Overload blitzes and nano blitz packages that bring extra defenders off the edge before the pulling blocker arrives can beat this play, so if you see a heavy blitz look pre-snap consider checking to a quick pass instead.
Usage Tips
Use pre-snap motion or a hard count to bait linebackers into flowing hard toward the initial counter step direction before the HB cuts back. Check the box count before the snap: this play thrives against six or fewer defenders in the box since the counter action neutralizes fast flow linebackers. Against stacked boxes with eight defenders, audible to a quicker hitting run like HB Dive or HB Inside Zone instead. Pair HB Counter Wk with PA Misdirection or Fake HB Zone QB Boot Lt from the same set since both plays sell similar backfield action and force linebackers to freeze on their run fits. Run this on early downs, especially first and ten or second and short, when defenses are more likely to sit in base personnel rather than nickel or dime packages that speed up backside pursuit. Manually control the pulling blocker if possible to ensure the kick out block connects on the correct edge defender rather than letting the AI whiff.
