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Systems/I-Formation/Counter 39
RunBest for: Base down10U+ · Core

Counter 39

Tailback takes a counter step then follows backside pullers to the other side.

Concept: Backside guard kicks out the end man while the backside tackle wraps through the hole.

Age version
TGCGTTESEQBFBTBFL
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. 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 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

QB

Take the snap, give a counter-step fake to the tailback one way, then hand off as he replants back to the nine hole.

Coach it with
QB-RB Mesh Handoff RB Vision and Cut RB Footwork and Start
TB

Take a false counter step away, replant, and follow the backside pullers through the off-tackle hole.

Coach it with
RB Vision and Cut RB Footwork and Start Pull and Kick Technique
FB

Take a lead step to the fake side then block back or fill for the pulling linemen.

Coach it with
RB Blitz Pickup Pull and Kick Technique Trap Block Angle
Backside Guard

Pull and kick out the end man on the line of scrimmage.

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

Pull behind the guard and wrap up through the hole to block the linebacker.

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

Down-block the first inside defender to seal the hole.

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

Down-block the interior defender to wall off pursuit.

Coach it with
WR Stalk Block TE Seal and Arc Block LB Read Keys and Shuffle
Center

Block back to fill for the pulling backside linemen.

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

Down-block the defender inside to help seal the counter lane.

Coach it with
TE Seal and Arc Block Down Block Angle Drive Hinge Back-Side Block
Wingback

Seal the edge or block the outside force to protect the hole.

Coach it with
TE Seal and Arc Block RB Blitz Pickup Down Block Angle Drive

How to teach it

  • 1Teach the two-puller timing: guard kicks out first, tackle wraps behind him through the hole.
  • 2Tailback sells the counter step so the linebackers flow the wrong way before he replants.
  • 3Down-blockers must all step down together to create the wall.

Common mistakes to fix

  • !Pulling tackle and guard collide — fix by having the guard go first, tackle stay tight behind.
  • !Tailback rushes the counter step so the fake doesn't sell — fix by drilling the false step tempo.
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