Need a play to run in short-yardage situations? Want to use the same play to get a big-time gainer? The 22 counter provides a basic misdirection play to young players just starting out in the game. The blocking scheme in this play requires a big push from both the center and the right halfback. The tight ends will need to get their feet moving in order to get downfield to block the safeties. Here’s how it breaks down out of the T formation:
Left tight end: Shoots out to block the free safety to the outside.
Left tackle: Blocks the right defensive tackle to the outside.
Left guard: Blocks the right defensive lineman to the outside.
Center: Double-teams the left defensive lineman, teaming with the right guard to block the D-lineman to the outside.
Right guard: Double-teams the left defensive lineman, teaming with the center to block the D-lineman to the outside.
Right tackle: Blocks the left defensive tackle to the outside.
Right tight end: Shoots out to block the strong safety to the outside.
Quarterback: At the snap, takes a couple of steps back. More experienced players can add a wrinkle by using a pump fake to one of the tight ends here. After the short drop, the QB runs to his left at a slight angle and hands off the ball to the left halfback.
Left halfback: Takes a step or two back and to his left at the snap. After he sees the fullback get out of the way, he runs to spot where the center snapped the ball. With the right halfback blocking the middle linebacker and the center and right guard double-teaming the left defensive lineman, it’s smooth sailing the rest of the way after scooting through the 2 hole. If the tight ends gets his block on the safety, it’s time to strike up the band.
Fullback: Runs in front of the left halfback and provides a block on the pursuing right defensive end. The fullback must proceed quickly in order to get out of the way of the left halfback, who has taken a step or two back at the snap. The left halfback, however, will be full speed ablazing as soon as the fullback runs in front of him.
Right halfback: Darts immediately to the 1 hole, just off the left guard’s left foot. He proceeds to provide a pivotal block on the middle linebacker.
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Story courtesy of Red Line Editorial, Inc.