Football Library · Plays
Counter· 6v6 Flag
intermediateaka Counter Treyaka Counter GT
Misdirection run. The back jab-steps strong-side to hold the LBs, then takes the handoff going BACK weak-side behind pulling blockers (typically the backside guard + tackle). The 'counter' is the defense's pursuit moving the wrong way. Best vs defenses that flow hard to initial back action.
Coaching breakdown
Counter Right: jab-steps away from the play side to hold the LBs, then takes the handoff going right behind the pulling backside guard and tackle. The defense's pursuit moves the wrong way.
When to call it
Against an aggressive front that over-pursues to the back's initial step. The misdirection at the snap pulls defenders away from the actual play side.
Common mistakes
- Fake step too lazy; defenders read it. Must be a hard one-step fake to sell the strong-side action.
- Pulling blockers trip over each other (tackle); need clean pull-around timing — backside guard pulls first, tackle follows.
- Back doesn't widen enough after the jab; the counter path should bend BEHIND the blockers' wash.