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.
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.
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
Once the defense stops chasing the fake, throw it with Halfback Pass from the same backfield.