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Breakdown
Counter Weak out of the Strong I Wing formation is a power run play that pulls blockers away from the strong side to create a lead running lane to the weak side of the formation. The diagram shows the offensive line blocking down and across the formation while the fullback kicks out on the point of attack, with the HB taking a counter step before hitting the hole created by the pulling linemen. This is a run play with no route combos or pass options shown, so the primary read is the HB pressing the play side hole and reading the kickout block before deciding to bounce outside or cut back inside based on how the defense flows.
Defensive Reads
As the defense, key the pulling guard and fullback immediately at the snap since Counter Weak telegraphs its direction through the blocking scheme once the linemen start pulling across the formation. Play action linebackers and edge defenders need to stay disciplined and not crash hard on the initial line flow, since misreading the counter step opens a huge cutback lane for the HB. User a linebacker or safety to scrape over the top of the play and fill the cutback lane, since this is the primary weakness defenses exploit against Counter Weak. This run gets stopped cold by defenses that set the edge with a contain defender and keep the backside defensive end unblocked to string the play out. Look for a stacked front with linebackers at depth rather than crashing the line, since patient linebackers who read their run fits before committing are the biggest counter to this play.
Usage Tips
Run this play when the defense shows a hard flow to the strong side pre-snap, since Counter Weak attacks the opposite gap and punishes overpursuit.
Watch linebacker depth before the snap. If both linebackers are stacked tight to the line, expect quick fill and be ready to bounce the run outside once the kickout block seals the edge.
Pair Counter Weak with HB Toss and Mtn Power O in the same play calling sequence so the defense has to respect both directions of the formation, then come back to Counter Weak once they start cheating strong.
Use pre-snap motion or a hard count to bait linebackers into showing blitz, since a stacked box with linebackers creeping up gives you a clean read on where the cutback lane will open.
Save this play for early down situations like first and ten or second and short, where defenses are less likely to be in nickel or dime packages that speed up backside pursuit.
