Seven Point LeadSeven Point Lead
Systems/Flexbone (Triple Option)/Counter Option
RunBest for: Base down10U+ · Core

Counter Option

Backfield shows one way then the quarterback runs option back against the grain to the other edge.

Concept: Backside guard and tackle pull to lead the counter option as the quarterback reads the contain defender.

Age version
TGCGTQBFBSSWRWR
Ball carrierBlock / pullMotionRoute / pass
14U — Add the edge: Add the kickout block and run it to both sides. Add pre-snap motion to stress the defense's edge. Add the fake/mesh — and a counter off the very same look. Run it fast both directions and check into it by defensive look.
Play movement — schematic, not to scale

Grows with your players

Same play, more layers as they age up — teach it once and build on it every season for a consistent program.

  1. 10UIntroduce: Nail the snap/exchange, aim the right hole, and finish downhill.
  2. 12UAdd the lead: Add the pulling guard(s) leading through the hole.
  3. 14UAdd the edge: Add the kickout block and run it to both sides. Add pre-snap motion to stress the defense's edge. Add the fake/mesh — and a counter off the very same look. Run it fast both directions and check into it by defensive look.

Every position's job

QB

Show flow one way, then run the option back against the grain, reading the contain/pitch defender to keep or pitch.

Coach it with
QB Pitch Delivery QB Read and Keys Team Skelly Pass Period
B-back

Fake the dive playside to sell the initial flow, then fill for backside pursuit.

Coach it with
Scrape & Fill Over the Top QB-RB Mesh Handoff RB Footwork and Start
Playside (counter-side) Slot

Arc or lead to the alley defender on the counter side.

Coach it with
RB Vision and Cut RB Footwork and Start TE Seal and Arc Block
Pitch Slot

Get into the pitch relationship on the counter side for the pitch.

Coach it with
QB Pitch Delivery RB Vision and Cut RB Footwork and Start
Backside Guard

Pull and lead the counter option, kicking or logging the contain defender.

Coach it with
Pull and Kick Technique Trap Block Angle Scoop / Cutoff Block
Backside Tackle

Pull and wrap up through the hole to lead for the QB.

Coach it with
Heads Up Form Tackle Progression Pull and Kick Technique Trap Block Angle
Playside Guard

Down-block/gap-down away from the pull to seal.

Coach it with
TE Seal and Arc Block Down Block Angle Drive Combo Double-Team to Linebacker
Playside Tackle

Down-block the first inside threat.

Coach it with
WR Stalk Block TE Seal and Arc Block DB Tackle in Space
Center

Block back away from the counter to seal.

Coach it with
TE Seal and Arc Block Down Block Angle Drive Combo Double-Team to Linebacker
Split End

Stalk the corner on the counter side.

Coach it with
RB Vision and Cut RB Footwork and Start
Frontside A-back

Sell the original flow then block the alley.

Coach it with
RB Blitz Pickup WR Stalk Block TE Seal and Arc Block

How to teach it

  • 1Sell the fake first — the QB and backs must show flow one way before countering.
  • 2Backside guard and tackle pull together; drill the pull-and-wrap path so they don't collide.
  • 3QB reads the contain defender after the counter step — one clean read for keep or pitch.

Common mistakes to fix

  • !Pullers get tangled or take a false step; fix by staggering their pull tracks and reps at walk-through speed.
  • !QB counters before selling the fake; fix by counting a beat on the initial flow footwork.
← Back to Flexbone (Triple Option) playbook

Build this into your call sheet.

Adopt this system in your coach portal, tag plays by situation, and print call sheets and player wristbands.

Get StartedBook a Demo