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Breakdown
Counter Weak out of the Strong I Pro formation is a power run play that pulls the backside linemen and fullback to the weak side to create a lead blocker wall for the HB. The diagram shows the offensive line blocking down with the near guard and tackle pulling around the formation while the FB leads through the hole, and the HB takes a counter step before following the pullers through the weak side gap. This is a run play designed to attack aggressive downhill defenses and gap-shooting defensive tackles, with the primary read being the frontside double team and the backside pulling guard kicking out the first threat off the edge so the HB can press the hole and read the FB's block.
Defensive Reads
Watch for linebackers who flow hard to the strong side pre-snap, since Counter Weak exploits overaggressive run fits and misdirection against downhill defenses. Key the defensive line alignment, if the interior DTs are shaded strong you have a clean lane for the pulling guard to work through the weak side gap. Identify Mike linebacker depth, a linebacker sitting too shallow will get caught in the wash by the FB's lead block and cannot fill the cutback lane. Man coverage shells with blitz packages that send extra rushers off the edge can beat this play if the edge defender reads counter action quickly and squeezes the pulling blockers. Watch for a user defender spying the backfield or sitting in the hole, since that lurk threat can blow up the timing of the pullers before the HB reaches the second level.
Usage Tips
Run this on early downs like 1st and 10 or 2nd and short to keep defenses honest against your play-action shots from the same Strong I personnel.
Pre-snap, check the defensive front for over shifts or a 4-3 under look since Counter Weak thrives against fronts that flow hard to the strong side.
Use the FB as your key blocker read, delay your press point until he clears the hole so you do not outrun your blocking scheme.
Pair this with PA Power O or PA FB Fake from the same Strong I set to keep linebackers frozen on run fits before hitting them with play-action off the same look.
Against user-controlled defenders who crash down hard, be ready to bounce the HB outside since the counter action naturally creates a cutback lane if the backside pursuit overruns the play.
