Doug Geiser, Head Coach, Ashland
This video was originally posted on Glazier Connect.
It is a segment of a content video from Glazier Drive: O-Line Drills & Techniques for Teaching the Counter Run Game
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A summary of the transcript is available below the video.
OVERVIEW
This video covers offensive line drills for teaching the counter run game, using a progression-based approach to build technique from perfect fits through full-speed reps.
THE COUNTER PLAY CONCEPT
The counter is a gap scheme staple built on three blocking actions: a down block or double team wall on the playside, a backside guard pulling to kick out the end man on the line of scrimmage, and a second puller (fullback or tight end) wrapping to the first playside linebacker. The play can be run to either a tight end or split end side.
THREE DRILL PROGRESSIONS COVERED
The coaching clinic breaks the counter down into three teaching tracks: a gap double team progression, a kick out/trap pull progression, and a reach/hinge technique on the backside.
GAP DOUBLE TEAM PROGRESSION
Drills are taught in phases — fit and drive, one-step, two-step, then full drive from stance. The key technical points are feeding the covered man into the A gap (contact on the hip, not the shoulder), timing simultaneous contact, and coordinating the guard’s two-step “gap it and pop it” with the tackle’s three-step approach. The guard is coached to slightly hang the gap step to allow both linemen to arrive in phase.
REACTING TO GAME LOOKS
Once the base progression is complete, linemen are drilled against the three most common defensive reactions: a run through by a linebacker or defensive lineman, a pinch by the three-technique, and a fast pursuit by backers over the top. The covered man is taught to keep his eyes inside while the uncovered man must not release to a backer until he has knocked the down lineman across the guard’s face.