Playbook: Counter

Counter is one of the staple "power" running plays at every level of football. The back fakes one direction after the snap but then takes the handoff the opposite direction, following a pulling guard through the hole. The guard will either kick out the end man on the line of scrimmage or lead the back through the designed hole, depending on the defensive front:

The counter is designed to trick the defense, which often keys on a running back's first step. If the first step is a false one, the defense will begin flowing to the wrong side of the field. Any hesitation or misdirection in the defense is a win for the offense.

In the play below, RG Marshall Yanda is pulling, and RB Ray Rice will follow him through the hole.

Outside References

1) NFL 101: Introducing the Power-Running Game

2) Want to Learn the Base NFL Run Game?

3) Power & Counter Runs
4) Adding Multiplicity with a Flexible Run Scheme - The Counter Play 
5) COUNTER - The Ying to Power's Yang
6) Football Fundamentals - Counter H/F Primer
7) Steelers "Counter OF"