Counter (7v7 flag football play)
R takes one step to the right, then turns back and gets the handoff going left while H fakes a sweep to the right. Defenders chase the fake for a step, and R runs through the gap between Y and C. It is a run that uses the defense's speed against it.
New to these terms? Counter · Split backs · Handoff · Sweep · Short yardage · Flat · Corner · Go · full glossary
When to call Counter
When the defense is flowing hard to stop your outside runs, and on short-yardage downs.
Who gets the ball
- R steps right, takes the handoff going left, and runs between Y and C.
- H carries out the sweep fake to the right flat and keeps running.
- Y runs a corner route to pull the left-side defender away from the run lane.
Coaching points
- The step right is small, just one step. A big step makes the play slow.
- Q turns and hands off to the left, then keeps the fake going toward H.
- X and Z run straight downfield so their defenders turn their backs to the run.
- Practice the timing so H and R never bump into each other at the handoff.
Rehearse the two backs' timing separately
Start with Q, H and R only. H carries out the sweep fake while R takes the small counter step and returns for the handoff. Freeze at the exchange to check that the backs have separate paths. Add the receivers after that exchange is repeatable. Their routes move defenders through coverage responsibilities; they must not stop in a defender's path to open the run.
Use Counter when the fake changes a defender's first step
Watch the defense against your ordinary run before calling Counter. If a defender stays on the left edge, the fake has not created an outside lane. Coach R to find available space without expecting the whole defense to follow H. Practice Handoff Exchange if the runner is still looking down for the ball.
Common mistakes
- R cuts outside Y instead of between Y and C, and runs into the defender Y pulled away.
- H stops running after the fake. The fake only works if H runs full speed all the way to the flat.
- Q hands off too deep, so R is going sideways when the ball arrives.
What to call next
Halfback Pass offers a related run-to-pass disguise, but its published Pistol Slot Right backfield differs from this Split Backs alignment. Rehearse the formation change and second-passer timing before adding it; use the existing Counter when you want these same starting jobs.
Drills that teach Counter
Run these in the practice before you install it, so the kids already own the pieces.
- Cone Weave and Juke Drill (8 min): The ball carrier weaves through a row of cones, then has to beat a live defender with one sharp juke before reaching a scoring gate.
- Handoff Exchange Drill (8 min): The QB turns and places the ball into the runner's pocket, and the runner squeezes it through a cone gate.
- Center-QB Snap Drill (7 min): Pairs practice the snap, then the center runs a short route and catches a pass.
Practice gear: league-compatible Flag belts and the league's specified youth size football. Optional wristband cards help players find a numbered call. These are Amazon search links; as an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
Plays that pair with Counter
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