Playbooks
Quick Reference
In 1 playbook
Breakdown
Counter U out of Singleback Wing 12 personnel is a gap scheme power run play built to attack the edge with numbers and a lead blocker. The blocking scheme pulls the backside guard and lead blocker around to the play side, creating a wall that lets the HB counter step away from the flow before hitting the crease off tackle. This is a run play with a slight misdirection element, designed to punish overly aggressive downhill linebackers and slow-flowing fronts, with the primary read progression starting at the play side double team block, then the pulling lineman's kick out on the edge defender, then the crease created by the lead blocker before the HB decides to bend it back inside if the alley is sealed.
Defensive Reads
Pre-snap, identify the linebacker depth and edge alignment, if the defensive end and outside linebacker are crashing hard down the line this counter action will exploit their aggressiveness with the kick out block. Watch for a Mike linebacker who reads the pulling guard quickly and flows to the play side, a disciplined linebacker who stays home in the box can blow this play up before the crease forms. Check for stacked fronts or overshifted fronts, an overshifted front to the counter's play side reduces the blocking angles and can clog the running lane. Post-snap, key on any user-controlled defender flying to the edge, since Counter U relies on the lead blocker sealing that defender, a quick diagnosing user can beat the block and stop the play in the backfield. This run struggles against gap-sound defenses that keep linebackers in their run fits and against blitz packages that send extra defenders through the backside gap the pullers vacate.
Usage Tips
Run this on early downs like first or second and short to medium yardage when you want to establish tempo and keep the defense honest against your play-action shots. Check the box count before the snap, if the defense has six or fewer in the box this play has a numbers advantage and should hit for solid yardage. Use your player lock on the HB and press the sprint button late, letting the counter action develop and the lead blocker clear the edge before accelerating through the hole. Pair this with PA Power O and HB Power O from the same set so the defense has to respect both the counter footwork and the play-action rollout off similar HB alignment. Against aggressive linebackers who crash hard on run fakes, this play punishes overpursuit, so mix it in after showing HB Dive or HB Blunt Dive to keep second level defenders guessing.
