Playbooks
Quick Reference
Breakdown
HB Counter out of Weak I Close Flex is a power run play that pulls blockers to the play side to seal the edge while the HB takes a counter step away from the flow before pressing back downhill. The diagram shows the fullback and pulling lineman leading through the hole with the offensive line working down blocks to the play side, creating a natural rebound lane if the initial gap is clogged. This is a gap scheme run designed to attack overaggressive linebacker flow, not a man or zone beater since there is no route concept, and the primary read progression starts with the play side A gap, then bounces to the B gap off the puller's block, and finally kicks outside if the edge defender gets sealed.
Defensive Reads
Key the play side defensive end and outside linebacker pre-snap since a wide 9 technique or crashing edge defender can blow up the counter before the puller arrives. Watch for scraping linebackers who stay disciplined and do not bite on the initial counter step, since they can fill the rebound lane quickly. Identify run blitzes or nano blitzes from the strong side A gap, which can beat the counter's timing before the double team develops. Check safety alignment: a single high safety who triggers downhill fast can close off the cutback lane, while two deep safeties often mean lighter box counts that favor this run. User linebacker spies or defenders sitting in the B gap can jump the counter's natural bounce path, so have a backside cutback answer ready.
Usage Tips
Run this out of Weak I to keep the fullback and lead blocker in the backfield for maximum deception on the counter step.
Watch linebacker depth pre-snap: if the Mike and Will are sitting tight to the line, they are more likely to flow hard and get hooked by the pullers.
Use this on early downs like first and ten or second and medium to keep defenses honest and set up play action later.
Pair this with HB Dive and PA Boot Slide from the same Close Flex set since the initial back footwork looks identical, forcing linebackers to hesitate on their run fits.
If the defense loads the box with eight defenders, check into Mesh or Qk Slants to punish the light coverage behind it.
