USING THE SPRINT-OUT and dash series can raise your offense’s passing percentage and boost your quarterback’s confidence.
There are many varieties of pass routines within the sprint-out and dash series, making it easier to attack the opposing defense.
Here are nine reasons why this system benefits your QB and your team.
1. It attacks the entire field.
2. The scheme forces the defense to slide to cover all areas of the attack.
3. There are fewer defenders in the QB’s face.
4. It reduces the number of potential blitzers.
5. Your QB can be successful if properly trained.
6. It physically moves the QB closer to all receivers.
7. It gives the QB a better look at all receivers.
8. Your offensive linemen will enjoy the simple blocking schemes.
9. It offers excellent screen-pass potential.
QB’s Footwork, Body Position In Sprint-Out Series
The footwork and body position of your QB is very important when sprinting out. The ability of the QB to quickly get to where he’s supposed to be is critical for success in this high-powered offense.
The QB must get depth and width on the first step. His initial 5 to 7 steps should be short and under control. This is necessary in case he has to throw quickly. This also helps him if he has to stop short and throw.
Your QB should make sure that his arms are moving as he is running. The ball needs to be kept high, not below his belt. His hips and shoulders need to be facing the intended receiver. As his shoulders face the receiver, his hips need to rotate to be in the proper position. He should follow through off the toes of his front foot and make sure his shoulders aren’t facing the sidelines.
Sprint-Out Blocking Assignments
Blocking for the sprint-out series is very simple. Use zone steps to protect to the call side. If you’re facing a 40 front, have your center bucket step and read the play-side linebacker. The center may also pull out and mirror the LB.
If you’re facing a 50 front and both guards are uncovered, they should bucket step and mirror the LB to their side. In some instances, you’ll have both guards pulling and the tackles zone stepping. Pull the uncovered linemen to protect against a second-level outside blitz by the play-side LB. You want your covered linemen to get their butts facing the sidelines to the side that your QB is sprinting toward.
QB’s Footwork, Body Position In Dash Series
The dash footwork is the same as the 3- or 5-step drop. On the third or fifth step, the QB should pause and sit his hips slightly, then sprint to the call side. After the 3- or 5-step drop, the footwork is the same as the sprint out.
Dash Series Blocking Assignments
Blocking for the dash is a combination of zone and man blocking. If you’re facing a 40 front, the play-side guard and tackle are responsible for the defensive tackle and the near LB. The center, backside guard and tackle zone the backside taking the DT, defensive end and LB.
The running back is responsible for the play-side DE. He attacks the end outside in and pins him inside. If you use a tight end on the backside, he can help or release to occupy the corner.
Route Schemes
We use three level route schemes to attack the defense. It’s imperative that you run both series using trips sets.
We’ve had a very high completion rate using these routes. You may have to make route adjustments against other coverages. These are excellent vs. man-to-man coverage.
The diagrams on the opposite page illustrate how the routes work and the best way to attack a cover 3.
QB Reads
The QB must always look at the free safety first. If he is running to the sprint-out side, the QB must stop, set up and throw the post on the backside. If the FS stays in the middle, the next read is the corner.
If the corner is dropping back and staying in his deep third, the QB will be able to play catch with the second-level receiver. If the flat defender takes away the second-level route, drop the ball off to the player in the flat.
If the receiver in the flat is covered, the QB should keep the ball and run. The defense won’t have anyone left to cover him. Your QB needs to be taught to always look in a deep-to-short-to-run progression.
The red-sprint and red-dash series (diagrammed on the opposite page) have been very successful for our team and has enabled us to run an offense that features high-percentage passing, while cutting down turnovers.