Coach -

Today we take a look at one of the most versatile plays in football that has found it’s way into a variety of offensive systems from 10 personnel spread to I formation to the Wing-T.  

It’s a play that allows for angles and combinations making it a viable option for a number of scenarios of the type of personnel you might have.  

Coach Kaufmann shares ideas from a variety of sources which have also become my favorites. Reminder...if you want a really deep dive into run game and everything line play, check out the new Mushroom Society Membership. Enjoy!

-Coach Grabowski

Unlocking the Deception: Mastering the Art of the Counter Run Game

The Counter Run Play adds a layer of misdirection to the traditional run game, challenging the defense to read and react. As players line up in a specific formation, the initial movement of the offensive line draws the defense in one direction, creating the perfect setup for the counter step by the running back. With pulling linemen, lead blocking, and downfield support, this play demands precision and coordination. We'll break down each element, emphasizing technique, timing, and execution. 

Diving into the Counter Run game we look at the need to mix up our tempo and influence the backers. This is no secret and many people view the Gap scheme as secondary to the zone scheme and working them in a complementary light. I encourage you to define an efficient play and then go back and self scout. Taking percentages of efficiency rating from your Gap schemes to your Zone schemes can be a big tell as to what should complement the other. Obviously you would need a decent sample size from each but, this can let you know what should potentially be your base scheme and which should be the changeup. Many people are surprised when they actually see the results. 

Mastering the Counter Run:

Leading us into the Counter run game is Coach Glenn Elarbee of Tennessee.

Video: Counter

The essence of a successful Counter Run Play originates with the center. Identifying the defensive front is the linchpin, as the offensive line's synchronized response hinges on a collective understanding of the opposing front.

Once the front is identified, assignments are understood. The focus shifts to accounting for linebackers, ensuring each offensive lineman climbs to their assignment correctly while negating run throughs. The backside backer must be accounted for. He is the counter killer. If this process is done effectively you create a meticulous flow of well timed lead blockers that are already in motion and ready to clear the way.

Dominating with Gap Combos:

With every Gap scheme there is going to come a time and a place for combos. A lot of coaches want to rep the pullers and get them into proper position for the kickout or whatever other teaching point you may prescribe to with that. What we lose focus on is the double team. As I noted previously the ability to cut off the backer and climb appropriately is a focal point.

To voice this Coach Cody Kennedy of Mississippi State gives a brief insight into his thoughts in this video.

Video: Gap Combos

Game plan for the double teams. Work to understand the defensive front and what they are looking to accomplish so you can most adequately negate their rush in order to get vertical displacement and open up rushing lanes.

Looking into individual defenders' strengths and weaknesses can be a great way to do this. In some cases you also may look to attack the best player because at the end of the day 600 lbs should handle 300 lbs and you need to be able to take advantage of the entire field. Especially to avoid keys when it comes to pullers.

Transitioning from discussing Counter Gap Combos, coordinated against conventional down linemen where we coordinate our scheme based upon the conventional front, now we shift our focus to the different looks. Every year defenses become more intricate and give new looks. The ability to prepare and address a variety of looks is paramount to your success. This gives the offensive line tools to work with as they head into various situations.

Counter vs Odd Front:

Helping give some simplistic adjustments when faced with a variety of fronts is Coach Bill Durkin of the Liberty Flames.

Video: Counter vs Odd Front

Adjustments do not always have to be intricate, sometimes they are very minute. But, often simple is better and it will be understood much better than a grand work around. 

Yes, sometimes Occam’s Razor does apply to football no matter how much we want to find the next big thing. 

Navigating the landscape of Odd Front defenses seamlessly leads us to the prevalence of the 3-3 stack formation, a defensive alignment gaining popularity for its versatility and disruptive potential. In the context of the Counter Run scheme, the 3-3 stack introduces a dynamic challenge with potential blitzing threats from multiple angles. To account for these blitzes or any others effectively, offensive strategies must be refined, incorporating quick decision-making, and adept identification of blitzing linebackers, within the Counter Play framework.

Blitz Pickup on Counter:

Coach Brendan Walsh shows a very short clip but, enough to see the importance of reps.

Video: Blitz Pickup

The biggest item with these blitzes are training the eyes of the lineman to find their man. They may be working a combo to the backer and he goes they have to understand what their responsibility is. If their gap is blitzed do not allow a run through. But, in some cases this movement will run the backer out of the play. 

Which leads me to a point. The video clip is short but it's enough and it iterates a point that has been pounded into me throughout my coaching career. 

Sometimes as simple as a walk through, half speed reps and then practice reps throughout the week are, they are still the most effective method. Everyone loves film and video but, whether it has been offensively or defensively we have had great success with walkthroughs over film sessions. As an educator they always talk about auditory, visual and tactile learning. This bridges all three compared to film hitting one or two of those points. 

When it comes to blitz pickup we can rep these items in a variety of environments and speeds. If you cannot find time to get to the field work with something like go army edge and project it from a field view.

As Always,

Compete!

Coach Kauffman

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