Counter
Misdirection with two pulling linemen
- Ball carrier
- Block
Counter adds a misdirection element to gap-scheme blocking. The running back takes one or two counter steps away from the play direction, holding the backside linebackers in place, while two blockers pull to the playside. The first puller (typically the backside guard) kicks out the EMOL, and the second puller (backside tackle or tight end) wraps through the hole and leads on the playside linebacker. The "GT Counter", named for the Guard-Tackle pull, is the most common variant and a foundational play in multiple offensive systems.
Blocking
5 OLTap a lineman to isolate his block.
Blocking rules
Playside linemen execute down blocks toward the inside gap, sealing defenders away from the intended hole. The center blocks back. The backside guard (first puller) pulls across the formation and kick-out blocks the playside EMOL. The backside tackle (second puller) pulls behind the guard and wraps through the gap, leading on the playside linebacker. The misdirection steps by the RB hold backside LBs in position for a critical extra beat, slowing their pursuit.
Running back read
Take 1-2 counter steps toward the backside (away from the play direction) to sell the misdirection, then plant and redirect to the playside. Read the kick-out block by the first puller on the EMOL: if the EMOL is kicked wide, cut inside the kick-out behind the wrapping second puller. If the EMOL squeezes inside, bounce outside. Patience is essential, the two pullers need time to arrive.
Why it works
The counter steps freeze the backside linebackers, who read the RB's initial movement as a run to their side. By the time they redirect, two pulling linemen have already arrived at the point of attack, creating a two-on-one advantage. The misdirection combined with the physical gap-scheme blocking gives the offense both deception and power at the point of attack.
Conflict defender
Backside linebacker, the misdirection counter steps hold him in place for a critical beat, preventing him from flowing to the playside gap before the pullers arrive.
Play-action off it
1- Dagger · Counter action play-action, the pulling motion and RB counter steps sell the run, then the QB delivers a dagger concept behind the flowing linebackers.
Origin
Tom Osborne invented the Counter play at Nebraska, where it became the backbone of the Cornhuskers' dominant rushing attack. Joe Gibbs famously adopted it ("stole it," as he said) and rode the Counter to three Super Bowl victories with the Washington Redskins. The GT Counter is now foundational in Lincoln Riley's Power Raid offense.
Counter vs fronts
6 RATED- 4-3 OverEdge
Counter action freezes the backside linebackers while the guard and tackle pull to create a numbers advantage at the point of attack.Show reasoning
Conflict defender. WILL linebacker (playside gap)
Why the offense wins. Counter action freezes the backside linebackers while the guard and tackle pull to create a numbers advantage at the point of attack.
Key adjustment. WILL must read the pulling linemen, not the back, and scrape over the top to the ball.
- 4-3 UnderEdge
Misdirection holds the backside DE while the guard kicks out the playside end; the pulling tackle leads through the hole.Show reasoning
Conflict defender. Playside defensive end (kick-out target)
Why the offense wins. Misdirection holds the backside DE while the guard kicks out the playside end; the pulling tackle leads through the hole.
Key adjustment. Have the playside end wrong-arm the kick-out and the backside end chase flat down the line.
- 3-3-5 StackEdge
Athletic but light 3-3-5 defenders are susceptible to misdirection; counter action freezes linebackers and creates cutback lanes.Show reasoning
Conflict defender. WILL linebacker (counter action)
Why the offense wins. Athletic but light 3-3-5 defenders are susceptible to misdirection; counter action freezes linebackers and creates cutback lanes.
Key adjustment. LBs must read linemen pull direction and not the back to avoid biting on the misdirection.
- 3-4 One-GapToss-up
Four linebackers are disciplined against misdirection; the ILBs read pulling linemen and fill gaps before the counter can develop.Show reasoning
Conflict defender. Inside linebacker (reading the pullers)
Why the offense wins. GT counter is the staple call against odd one-gap fronts: tackle down-blocks the 4i, guard kicks the 9-tech OLB, tackle wraps for the ILB — two lead blockers account for the extra linebacker the front brags about.
Why the defense wins. Four linebackers are disciplined against misdirection; the ILBs read pulling linemen and fill gaps before the counter can develop.
Key adjustment. Have the inside linebackers read the pullers and fill before the wrap arrives.
- NickelToss-up
Nickel defenders are often more athletic and can adjust to misdirection faster.Show reasoning
Conflict defender. WILL linebacker (stacked weak side)
Why the offense wins. Counter action can exploit the light nickel box.
Why the defense wins. Nickel defenders are often more athletic and can adjust to misdirection faster.
Key adjustment. Have the WILL read the pullers and fill the kick-out gap; a safety fills opposite the pull.
- 46 DefenseTough
The 46 front loads the box with extra defenders; pulling linemen have no lane to reach the point of attack.Show reasoning
Conflict defender. Weak-side 3-technique (interior penetration)
Why the defense wins. The 46 front loads the box with extra defenders; pulling linemen have no lane to reach the point of attack.
Key adjustment. Keep the 3-tech penetrating; the pullers have no lane through a six-man line.