Counter

Counter is Power's misdirection cousin. The backfield shows flow one way to get the defense moving, then the ball comes back the other way behind pullers (often a guard and a tackle, or a guard and an H-back). The down blocks plus the kick-out and lead-up of the two pullers open a crease against a defense that over-pursued the fake. It punishes fast, aggressive front sevens that flow hard to the first thing they see.

Defined by Coach Jay Freeman — 32 years coaching the offensive and defensive line.

Related trench terms

PowerO-Line

A gap run scheme with a pulling guard and a lead blocker hitting downhill through the hole.

PullO-Line

When a lineman leaves his stance and runs along the line of scrimmage to lead-block on a sweep, power, or counter.

Trap blockO-Line

When a backside lineman pulls and blocks a playside defender at an unexpected angle, "trapping" him.

45° setO-Line

Coach Jay's default pass set — kick on a 45° angle to close the rusher's path and meet him square at your spot, instead of dropping straight back (the vertical set).

Vertical setO-Line

A traditional pass set where the tackle drops straight back from his stance. Coach Jay teaches the 45° set instead — a vertical set hands the rusher time and space.

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