Coach-
We all run the Counter. It's a staple. But a staple that gets spilled, washed out, or slowed down is just wasted reps. Kyle Flood's approach to the play is built on clarity and violence. He simplifies the complexity of a gap scheme with three rules that are non-negotiable.
Here is exactly how Flood teaches Counter:
The Non-Negotiable Counter Rules
The goal is an A-gap, gap scheme. Every rule on the play is designed to keep the ball on that path.
1. The Kick-Out Puller
- You are going in there to kick this guy out. You don't have a choice. This is non-negotiable.
- We do not log anybody.
- If a defender is willing to give up the line of scrimmage to spill the play, you will pin him into the line of scrimmage. We still don't call it a "log". We are still trying to kick him out.
- Why? Because even the teams that spill constantly, they eventually give it up, and when that happens, you kick him out and the ball goes up inside.
2. The Second Puller
- His aiming point is the outside hip of the play-side tackle.
- The only time he goes around the guard's kick-out is if the guard pinned the defender into the line of scrimmage.
3. The Running Back's Path
- The back enters the line starting in the A-gap.
- The full track is: A-gap, B-gap, inside hip of the second puller, stay on the move.
The Gap Combination Calls
Flood simplifies who you are combo-blocking to by using distinct calls for frontside versus backside linebackers. This helps younger players by giving them more emphasis on where to go.
- Deuce: Targets the Backside Linebacker (Will). Flood uses this to emphasize: "We're going back there."
- Dig: Targets the Frontside Linebacker (Mike). Used to emphasize: "The guy's right here."
- Trey: Standard combination call for the Backside Linebacker.
- Tram: Standard combination call for the Frontside Linebacker.
- Quad: Used when blocking a Sam Linebacker in static, two-tight-end (YY Pair) sets.
Ace Block: Attacking the Nose
The "Ace" block is the center-guard combination and you see it most against an Odd Front with a big two-gapping nose guard.
Your center is probably smaller than your guards and tackles. Here is the technique for the center and the guard to create movement:
Center's Job: Set Up
- Step away from your help.
- Use your hands because the defender is head up.
- Hit him right down the middle and lift him up in the air.
- Your job is the setup. The guard creates the movement.
Guard's Job: Create Movement
- Use your near shoulder and far hand.
- If the defender is already head-up and "there is no color" to chase, you immediately shoulder punch with the near shoulder.
- Take your backside hand right to the defender's hip and snap the hip.
- Stick your shoulder right in his ribcage to create movement.
Watch the clip on the Ace Block shoulder punch technique below.
This level of detail—the non-negotiable kick-out, the front/backside combination calls, and the aggressive shoulder-punch on the nose—is why the best run the ball better.
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P.S. When you take the word "log" out of your O-line room, you will be shocked how much more movement you get. The goal is always to kick out.
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