Playbooks
Quick Reference
Breakdown
Counter out of Wildcat Trips Over is a pure power run play with a 22 personnel grouping and no receivers running routes downfield to distract the box. The diagram shows the direct snap runner taking a counter step before pulling behind the offensive line, with linemen pulling from the play side to the backside to create a lead blocker and kick out the edge defender. The primary read is the runner's initial jab step, keying the pulling guard's kick block on the edge defender before pressing the crease created by the counter action.
Defensive Reads
Watch for defensive ends that crash hard upfield on the initial counter step, since disciplined edge defenders who sit and read will blow this play up before the pulling guard arrives. Check linebacker depth pre-snap, since stacked linebackers who stay square and read the backfield can fill the counter lane before the second puller gets there. Look for safeties cheating toward the trips side pre-snap, which signals man coverage or an overload blitz that leaves the counter lane thinner on the backside. Post-snap, identify any user-controlled defender flowing hard with initial motion, since a disciplined user linebacker sitting on the counter trey action can trigger for a big tackle for loss. Defenses in a 46 front or heavy run blitz packages with linebackers crashing downhill tend to shut this down quickly, while spread out zone shells with passive linebackers are more vulnerable to the misdirection.
Usage Tips
Run this out of Wildcat Trips Over on early downs when the defense shows a light box, since the direct snap removes a traditional pocket passer and often lures defenses into stacking the line with extra DBs. Pre-snap, check for overload blitzes to the trips side, since the counter action away from bunched receivers can exploit defenses that crash toward the numbers advantage. Use the initial counter step patiently, let the pulling linemen get out ahead before committing to a lane, and avoid bailing outside too early. Pair this with Power and Blast Rt from the same formation to keep the defense guessing between misdirection and straight downhill runs, since both share similar pre-snap looks. Save Counter for 2nd or 3rd and short situations where defenses are more likely to sell out on containment rather than respecting cutback lanes.
