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Systems/Flexbone (Triple Option)/Counter Trey
RunBest for: Base down8U+ · Basic

Counter Trey

Slot or fullback runs counter off-tackle behind a pulling guard and tackle from the backside.

Concept: Backside guard kicks out the edge while the backside tackle wraps up through the hole for the runner.

Age version
TGCGTQBFBSSWRWR
Ball carrierBlock / pullMotionRoute / pass
14U — Add deception: 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. 8UIntroduce: Nail the snap/exchange, aim the right hole, and finish downhill.
  2. 10UAdd the lead: Add the pulling guard(s) leading through the hole.
  3. 12UAdd the edge: Add the kickout block and run it to both sides.
  4. 14UAdd deception: 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

Ball Carrier (Slot or FB)

Take a counter step, then run off-tackle behind the pulling guard and tackle.

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

Open away to sell flow, hand off cleanly, then fake to the edge.

Coach it with
QB-RB Mesh Handoff Edge Rush & Bend the Corner
Backside Guard

Pull and kick out the edge/contain defender (the first man outside the down-blocks).

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

Pull and wrap up through the hole to lead on the linebacker for the runner.

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

Down-block the first inside threat.

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

Down-block the interior gap.

Coach it with
WR Stalk Block TE Seal and Arc Block DL Stance and Get-Off
Center

Block back to seal the backside A-gap.

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

Down-block or seal the edge alley.

Coach it with
TE Seal and Arc Block WR Stalk Block Screen Setup & Block in Space
Backside Slot

Fake flow to hold backside pursuit.

Coach it with
LB Read Keys and Shuffle LB Pursuit Angles DB Tackle in Space
Split End

Stalk-block the corner or clear coverage.

Coach it with
WR Stalk Block Team Skelly Pass Period Screen Setup & Block in Space
Frontside A-back

Sell flow then block the near defender.

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

How to teach it

  • 1Two pullers with two jobs: guard kicks out, tackle wraps up through — drill the kick and wrap paths so they don't collide.
  • 2Runner takes a jab/counter step to sell the misdirection before running downhill.
  • 3Down-blockers on the playside must seal inside so the pullers have a clean hole.

Common mistakes to fix

  • !Puller collision — guard and tackle run the same path; fix by staggering and drilling kick-then-wrap timing.
  • !Runner declares too fast and kills the counter; fix by teaching a deliberate counter step first.
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