Play-ActionBest for: Shot play
Counter Pass
Counter action holds the linebackers while the quarterback throws to a receiver off play-action.
Concept: Pullers show counter blocking briefly before the receivers break to the flat and post off the fake.
Base alignment — schematic, not to scale
Every position's job
BB (QB)
Fake counter, set, throw the backside wing.
FB
Fake the counter carry hard.
WB
Playside wing sells the block; backside wing runs a flat or corner.
Playside OL
Sell counter blocking one count.
Backside OL
Pull like the counter then protect.
Center
Snap and protect.
TE
Sell down-block then release.
How to teach it
- 1Rep the counter fake before the throw.
- 2Teach the backside wing to slip out cleanly.
- 3Keep throws short and safe.
Common mistakes to fix
- !Quarterback rushes the fake—teach fake-then-scan.
- !Wing releases too early—rep the timing.
Build this into your call sheet.
Adopt this system in your coach portal, tag plays by situation, and print call sheets and player wristbands.