Football Library · Plays
Misdirection run. The back jab-steps strong-side to hold the LBs, then takes the handoff going BACK weak-side behind pulling blockers (typically the backside guard + tackle). The 'counter' is the defense's pursuit moving the wrong way. Best vs defenses that flow hard to initial back action.
Counter Right: jab-steps away from the play side to hold the LBs, then takes the handoff going right behind the pulling backside guard and tackle. The defense's pursuit moves the wrong way.
Against an aggressive front that over-pursues to the back's initial step. The misdirection at the snap pulls defenders away from the actual play side.
Avoid it against a slow-reading defense that is not flowing with the initial action, or when backside penetration will collide with the pulling path. Misdirection only buys space when pursuit reacts; otherwise the delayed track gives the front time to close.
Make the jab match the offense's best outside action and keep the pullers tight off the down blocks. If the edge wrong-arms the kick-out, spill the ball wider behind the second puller; if he stays upfield, cut inside immediately. In flag, replace pull blocks with routes that drag pursuit toward the false step.
