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Systems/Single Wing/Wingback Counter
RunBest for: Base down10U+ · Core

Wingback Counter

Tailback fakes the sweep and the wingback counters back inside off tackle.

Concept: Playside down-blocks and a pulling backside guard wrap up through the counter hole for the wingback.

Age version
GCGTTTEEBBFBTBW
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

TB

Fake the sweep one way to pull the defense's flow.

Coach it with
QB Pitch Delivery RB Pitch Relationship Track Pull and Kick Technique
WB

Counter back inside off tackle, following the pulling backside guard.

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

Fake the sweep lead to sell the initial direction.

Coach it with
QB Pitch Delivery RB Pitch Relationship Track
QB

Block the backside or seal pursuit.

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

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

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

Down-block inside to open the counter hole.

Coach it with
RB Vision and Cut RB Footwork and Start WR Stalk Block
Playside Guard

Down-block or combo to secure the interior.

Coach it with
Combo Double-Team to Linebacker Zone Combo Footwork WR Stalk Block
Backside Guard

Pull and wrap up through the counter hole to the linebacker.

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

Snap the ball, then block back on the backside gap.

Coach it with
Scoop / Cutoff Block WR Stalk Block TE Seal and Arc Block
Backside Tackle

Hinge and cut off backside pursuit.

Coach it with
DB Tackle in Space Angle Tackle Drill Pass Set Kick-Slide

How to teach it

  • 1Tailback's sweep fake pulls the defense so the wingback can counter back.
  • 2Playside down-blocks open the hole; the backside guard wraps through it.
  • 3Wingback times his counter to hit the hole as the guard arrives.

Common mistakes to fix

  • !Wingback beats the pulling guard to the hole — fix by teaching him to be patient.
  • !Down-blockers don't seal — fix by drilling the step-down together.
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