Playbooks
Quick Reference
In 2 playbooks
Breakdown
Counter Weak out of Strong I Slot Flex is a gap scheme run play that pulls a blocker across the formation to lead the HB back to the weak side. The diagram shows the HB taking a counter step before hitting the hole with a lead blocker (FB) clearing the way, while the offensive line executes down blocks to seal the point of attack. This is a pure run play designed to attack the backside of the defensive front, and the primary read is to press the play side hole to bait the linebackers before cutting back to the weak side lane created by the pulling blocker.
Defensive Reads
Watch linebacker alignment before the snap, if they are shaded toward the strong side or showing an overload blitz look, Counter Weak has a clean lane on the backside. Key the weak side defensive end and outside linebacker, if they crash down hard on the counter step they can blow up the pulling blocker before he reaches the hole. Check safety depth in the box, a light box with safeties rotated away from the run direction signals green light for this call. Man coverage with no extra run support in the box is the ideal shell to attack, since Counter Weak does not rely on any receiver winning a route. Stacked fronts with disciplined defensive ends who stay home on the counter action and quick flowing linebackers are what shut this play down, so avoid calling it into heavy run blitz packages that key the backfield.
Usage Tips
Run this on early downs like first or second and short to medium yardage when you have base personnel on the field. Check the defensive front pre snap and look for a shaded or bear front that overloads the strong side, since that misdirection is exactly what Counter Weak exploits. If linebackers are stacked tight to the line with no depth, expect a quick fill and be ready to bounce the run outside using the LT or RT hot route to adjust the double team. Pair this with HB Sweep and Power O from the same set to keep the defense guessing on gap direction, since all three plays start with similar backfield action but hit different lanes. Use Counter Weak after establishing Inside Zone Split to slow down linebacker flow, then hit the cutback lane once they start cheating toward the strong side.
