Playbooks
Quick Reference
Breakdown
Mtn Counter Solid is a power run play out of Strong I in the Y Off Close set that pulls the backside guard and fullback to lead through the hole for the ballcarrier. The diagram shows the offensive line executing down blocks and combo blocks at the point of attack while the counter action creates misdirection, drawing linebacker flow away from the actual point of attack before the runner cuts back downhill. This is a run play, not a pass concept, and the primary read progression is press the hole, read the pulling guard and fullback lead blockers, then decide between the cutback lane or bouncing outside based on how the edge defender and linebackers flow.
Defensive Reads
Pre-snap, identify if the defense is stacked in the box with extra linebackers or safeties creeping down, which signals they expect run and will crash the counter action quickly. Watch the defensive end assigned to contain, if he sits and reads instead of crashing, the counter lead blockers get eaten up and this play stalls. Post-snap, key the linebackers' first step, if they flow hard with the initial action away from the counter point of attack you get a clean cutback lane. Look for user-controlled defenders spying the backfield or sitting in the counter gap, aggressive human defenders reading counter action first will blow this play up before the pullers get set. Against fast flowing 46 or heavy blitz fronts this play struggles unless the defensive end overpursues, so mix in play-action from this same look to punish defenders who jump the counter run fake.
Usage Tips
Run this out of Strong I to keep the box count manageable against base fronts and 4-3 alignments. Check defensive line width before the snap, if the defensive end is crashing hard down the line the counter misdirection will open a bigger cutback lane. Use motion sparingly here since the play already has built in misdirection, adding extra motion can tip your run to defenders keying on flow. This works best on early downs, first and second and short to medium yardage, when defenses are not selling out to stop the run. Pair Mtn Counter Solid with Mtn PA Counter and PA Boot X Shot from the same set to keep linebackers and safeties guessing between run and play-action off identical formation and initial action.
