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Systems/Flexbone (Triple Option)/Counter Option Pass
SpecialBest for: Trick / change-up14U+ · Advanced

Counter Option Pass

Counter option action one way sets up a throwback pass to a leaking receiver on the other side.

Concept: Counter flow and option threat hold the defense as the backside slot slips uncovered into the throwback lane.

TGCGTQBFBSSWRWR
Ball carrierBlock / pullMotionRoute / pass
14U — Introduce: Nail the snap/exchange, aim the right hole, and finish downhill. Add pre-snap motion to stress the defense's edge. Add the fake/mesh — and a counter off the very same look. Add the play-action throw off this run action. Run it fast both directions and check into it by defensive look.
Play movement — schematic, not to scale

Every position's job

QB

Run counter option action one way to hold the defense, then throw back to the leaking backside slot.

Coach it with
QB Pitch Delivery QB Throwing Mechanics Bootleg Footwork and Throw
B-back

Fake the dive/counter to hold the linebackers.

Coach it with
RB Footwork and Start QB-RB Mesh Handoff RB Vision and Cut
Frontside (Counter-side) Slot

Sell the arc/pitch relationship to pull defenders that way.

Coach it with
Pull and Kick Technique Trap Block Angle QB Pitch Delivery
Backside Slot

Slip uncovered into the throwback lane and be the primary target.

Coach it with
Team Skelly Pass Period QB Throwing Mechanics Bootleg Footwork and Throw
Playside Guard

Show the counter pull/block then protect.

Coach it with
Pull and Kick Technique Trap Block Angle RB Vision and Cut
Playside Tackle

Show run block then set to protect.

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

Show run then set and protect the A-gaps.

Coach it with
DL Stance and Get-Off DL Shed and Block Destruction DL Gap Control and Two-Gap Read
Backside Guard

Set and protect the interior (or fake the pull).

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

Set and protect the backside edge.

Coach it with
Scoop / Cutoff Block DB Tackle in Space Heads Up Form Tackle Progression
Split End

Run off the coverage on the throwback side to clear space.

Coach it with
Team Skelly Pass Period Screen Setup & Block in Space QB Throwing Mechanics
Frontside A-back

Sell the counter option flow to hold the defense.

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

How to teach it

  • 1Sell the counter option threat fully — the throwback only opens if the defense flows to the fake.
  • 2Backside slot leaks late and quietly into the throwback lane; drill the delayed release.
  • 3QB carries out the option action before turning to throw back.

Common mistakes to fix

  • !Defense doesn't flow because the option fake is weak; fix by selling the counter option action.
  • !Backside slot leaks too early and gets covered; fix by teaching a delayed, hidden release.
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