Playbooks
HB Cntr Wk is a weak side counter run out of the Strong I H Wing formation, using classic misdirection blocking with the play side guard and tackle pulling to lead the hole while the fullback and H Wing seal the edge. It is a pure run play designed to attack over aggressive fronts and slow flowing linebackers by getting the offensive line moving one direction before the hole opens weak side. The primary read progression starts with the pulling guard, then the fullback lead block, and the ball carrier should press the line of scrimmage to set up the counter action before breaking to daylight based on how the second level defenders flow.
Check the linebacker depth and alignment pre-snap, since stacked or blitz heavy fronts with linebackers crashing hard will get gashed by the counter cutback if they overcommit to the initial flow. Identify if the defense is running a scrape exchange technique, where the defensive end sits and the linebacker loops around, since this is the primary counter to this play and will blow up the pulling guard's angle. Look for user controlled defenders flying downhill on the snap read, since aggressive user linebackers or safeties crashing the line of scrimmage can be baited into overrunning the play if they do not respect the misdirection. Watch safety alignment before the snap, since a single high safety cheating toward the strong side can be late to fill the cutback lane weak side. This run struggles against gap sound defenses and heavy blitz packages that send extra defenders into the backfield immediately, since the pulling linemen do not have time to develop their blocks before penetration arrives.
Run this out of Strong I H Wing when the defense shows a base 4-3 or 3-4 front with linebackers sitting tight to the box, since the counter action punishes fast flow and overpursuit. Use pre-snap motion sparingly with this personnel since 22 personnel already declares run to most defenders, so lean on down and distance disguise instead by mixing this with Power O and HB Duo from the same set. Watch for defenders keying the pulling linemen immediately, since a disciplined defensive end who sits on the counter can blow this up before the fullback gets a clean track. Best used on early downs, especially first and ten or second and short, when defenses are more likely to stay in base personnel instead of sub packages built for pass rush. Sequence this play after a few reps of Inside Zone Wk or Zone Wk so linebackers start flowing hard downhill, then hit them with this counter to gash the backside cutback lane.