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 — 34 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.

A gap (gap lettering)Both sides

The gap between center and guard — first letter in the gap-lettering system that names every hole up front.

DuoO-Line

A downhill run built on double teams with no puller — 'power without the pull.'

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