Playbooks
Breakdown
Counter Weak out of Strong I Z Close is a power run play that pulls the backside guard and the fullback to lead through the weak side of the formation, with the offensive line blocking down and sealing the point of attack while the HB takes a counter step before hitting the hole. This is a run play, not a man or zone beater in the pass sense, so the primary read progression starts with the pulling blockers: the HB keys the fullback's lead block and the guard's kick out or wrap to decide whether to bend it inside or bounce it outside. The diagram shows both outside receivers running vertical releases to occupy the deep corners, which clears the alley for the counter action underneath.
Defensive Reads
Watch linebacker depth before the snap, if they are sitting shallow and crashing hard to the strong side flow, they are vulnerable to the counter bounce back to the weak side. Identify blitz packages with an overloaded strong side, since Counter Weak exploits gap voids created by aggressive strong side pressure. User the weak side linebacker or the play side defensive end to string out the pulling blockers and force the HB to bounce it wider than designed. Check safety alignment pre-snap, a single high safety cheating to the strong side leaves the counter lane wide open, while two deep safeties often signal better run support underneath. Post-snap, key the backside defensive end's contain discipline, if he crashes down on the counter step instead of staying home, the play can be blown up before the pulling linemen arrive.
Usage Tips
Use pre-snap motion or a quick glance to check if the defense is stacked heavy to the strong side, since Counter Weak attacks the weak side and benefits from lighter fronts away from the tight end.
Look for linebackers flowing hard toward the strong side flow fake, as overpursuit opens up the cutback lane behind the pulling guard and fullback.
Hot route the outside receivers into quick hitches or drags if the defense shows man coverage with no safety help, turning this into a play-action friendly pairing with PA Power O later in the drive.
Best called on early downs (first and second down) or short yardage situations where defenses expect a straightforward run and are not selling out on outside contain.
Pair Counter Weak with HB Dive and PA Power O in the same series, since all three sell similar backfield action but attack different gaps, keeping linebackers guessing on run fits.
