The Dash Concept: More Than Just a Sprint-out
In the evolution of offensive football, the sprint-out game has long offered a way to move the pocket, simplify reads, and protect shorter quarterbacks. But for Coach Wakley Bergner of Pauls Valley High School (OK), the traditional sprint-out left too much to be desired, literally. The Dash Concept, his innovative take on boot and sprint protections, was born out of necessity, refined through repetition, and has emerged as one of the most quarterback-friendly systems in the high school landscape.
What Is the Dash Concept?
Coach Bergner defines Dash as a pass-action boot concept, a hybrid between a quick-game setup and a rollout that maintains a layered passing attack while optimizing quarterback vision and decision-making. Initially installed in 2017 for coach, Dash uses a full slide protection opposite the rollout while the quarterback executes a quick-game drop and then boots back against the grain.
Unlike traditional sprint-out, where offensive linemen reach to the perimeter and often obstruct the quarterback's view, Dash clears the visual lane. The quarterback has fewer bodies in front of him and more time and space to throw or run.
“He’s really got a lot of vision to throw or run the football,” Bergner explains. “You're not flying guys out in front of his face—he can actually see."
Key Features of the Dash Concept
1. Drop Mechanics
Rather than the QB turning and running straight to the perimeter, Bergner teaches a reverse-out drop, when the rollout is to the quarterback’s non-dominant side. This reverse-out keeps the QB’s eyes downfield, shoulders square, and allows a smoother transition into throwing posture.
“It helps the QB get downhill. He has to be intentional about getting his head around, which helps his shoulders get more downhill,” says Bergner.
2. Gift Throw Built-In
A “gift” throw, often a boundary hitch or fade, is tagged to the play pre-snap. If the defense shows off-coverage on the single receiver side, the QB has the green light to take the easy throw.
“We might throw the gift 30% of the time. If it's there, take it. If not, we’re sprinting to the concept side,” Bergner adds.
3. Manipulated Flat Defender
By positioning the tailback opposite the rollout direction, the concept baits the flat defender into flow. As the back leaks across to the flat, he often slips unnoticed underneath zone droppers or out-leverages man defenders.
“He’s coming from the other side and the flat defender often doesn’t even see him,” says Bergner.
Blocking the Edge: A Deceptive Slide Scheme
The protection scheme is deceptively simple but requires precision:
The offensive line slides away from the rollout direction, simulating full-slide protection.
The H-back or RB becomes the seal blocker, responsible for pinning the C-gap defender (often a DE or OLB) inside.
To achieve the pin, the blocker uses an “invite” technique, hesitating with a shuffle step to bait the rusher into an inside track.
“Defenders are greedy, they see the QB drop like quick game and think they’re about to get a sack. Then we pin them inside,” says Bergner.
This setup creates a natural escape route and a clean throwing platform. Even when the block isn’t perfect, the QB often has the space and vision to make a play.
Route Structures: Layering the Dash
Dash operates primarily from 2x1 or trips formations and can be adapted to both 20 and 10 personnel. Most commonly, the play uses a flood concept to the rollout side with three layers:
A flat route by the RB or H-back
An intermediate out or comeback
A deeper cross or corner
In Bergner’s variation of Y-Cross, the boundary #1 receiver runs the gift, #2 (from the field) runs the cross, and the field #1 runs the comeback or vertical. This provides high-to-low reads with built-in spacing.
Common Issues and Coaching Points
Despite its simplicity, the Dash concept requires attention to detail. Common problems include:
1. QB Exits Too Fast
If the quarterback boots too quickly, blocks don’t have time to develop, and the throwing lanes collapse. Bergner drills a slow left-right backpedal drop before the rollout begins.
“Be slow with the left foot, really left-right. Let your block set up in front of you.”
2. Blocker Gets Beat Outside
If the seal defender wins outside, the QB must step up or spin out—one reason Bergner prefers reverse-out mechanics. When double-edge pressure is expected, both the RB and H-back may block, though this limits the passing options and typically defaults to a QB run.
3. Spacing and Greedy Routes
Bergner emphasizes spacing, 5 yards to the sideline for the flat route, 12-18 for the intermediate, to avoid congestion. Overeager RBs sometimes drift too deep or “play defense,” disrupting the concept.
Dash into the Future: What’s Next?
Looking ahead, Bergner’s expanding Dash with:
Condensed formations to create space outside and aid in route combinations.
Quick game tags before the rollout to add more pre-snap reads.
Screens and empty looks as changeups.
“We’re going to be a big condensed set offense this year… get some space out there and have some different combinations off it.”
Conclusion: Dash as a System, Not Just a Play
The Dash Concept is more than a play, it’s a systematic adjustment that gives smaller, athletic quarterbacks a chance to thrive, even against aggressive fronts and edge pressure. For programs without elite arm talent or size, Dash is a game-changer, offering simplicity in protection, clarity in reads, and adaptability in design.
Coach Bergner’s approach proves that with clever structure, even small-school teams can dictate terms on offense.
Want to learn more?
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Great read, could definitely use the Dash System here at TMA in the near future!