The Board Drill Podcast

Coach Preston Troyer joins Kyle on this episode of the Board Drill Podcast to unpack what it really means to build a system on offense. The Tonganoxie HS head coach and author of Coaching Football Insight shares lessons from 17 years in the profession, including how to refine your scheme, evolve your identity, and stay grounded in player development.

Whether you're a new OC or a vet reworking your playbook, this one’s packed with wisdom.

Timestamps:
00:00 – Intro & Coach Troyer’s Journey
04:15 – Building a System: What It Really Means
15:30 – Self-Scouting & Adjusting Over Time
28:45 – Developing Your Coaching Voice
40:00 – Advice for Young Coaches

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In this episode of the Board Drill Podcast, we catch up with Cody Gardner, the Defensive Coordinator at Corner Canyon High School (UT), to dive deep into what it really takes to build and sustain a defensive identity at the high school level.

We talk foundational philosophy, how to reset your structure when needed, and how Cody blends system, player personality, and coaching staff dynamics into a cohesive, flexible defense. Whether you're starting from scratch or evolving your current approach, this episode is a blueprint for aligning scheme, culture, and staff into one united vision.

Timestamps:

00:00 – Intro

01:42 – Gardner’s program vision and year-round player development

08:30 – The role of aggression in defensive identity

14:05 – Building from a 3-4 base with 4-2-5 variation

21:12 – Handling RPO-heavy offenses and adjusting structure

29:45 – Evaluating staff: empowering young coaches and accountability

36:20 – Non-negotiables in team culture

41:58 – Offseason planning and “install backwards” philosophy

48:35 – Advice for young head coaches

55:00 – Final thoughts and closing

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The Board Drill Podcast – S2E30 | Dan Blackbourn: Building a Standalone Quick Game

In this episode, Kyle and Matt sit down with Coach Dan Blackbourn, OC at Brooks County (GA), to break down the fundamentals of quick game passing. Coach Blackbourn takes us through his step-based teaching philosophy, the importance of treating quick game as more than just an RPO extension, and how he installs and evolves the system from Day 1—even with limited time.

▶️ Timestamps00:00 – Intro and Coach Blackbourn joins01:03 – Why Quick Game Should Stand Alone02:15 – Adapting Illinois Roots to Georgia Football03:40 – The Value of Step-Based Routes vs. Yards05:30 – All-Hitch Install and Coaching Points08:20 – Building the Offense from Scratch11:10 – Handling Spring & Summer Limitations15:45 – Adjusting to Player Skill Levels18:30 – Formation Variations and Teaching Terminology22:00 – Practical Tips for High School Installations

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In this Quick Hit, Kyle and Matt dive into how Arizona State uses creative Y (tight end) and H-back screens to keep defenses off balance. From bluff counter action to motion tricks and split zone deception, these screens are dialed up off run looks that freeze defenders and create explosive opportunities.

Watch along as we break down game film, react live, and talk through why these screens should make a comeback at the high school level, especially as more teams lean into 11 and 12 personnel.

Timestamps:

00:00 – Intro: Watching ASU Tight End Screens Live

00:33 – Counter Bluff Screen Breakdown

01:25 – OL Blocking Mechanics & Leverage Discussion

03:00 – Motion to Wing: Screen Setup & Coverage Confusion

04:10 – Using the Rail Route to Decoy the Screen

05:20 – Diamond Formation Screen with Motion

06:45 – Split Zone Look & Guard Technique Breakdown

08:16 – Final Thoughts: Why More Coaches Should Use Y Screens

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In this episode of the Board Drill Podcast, Kyle and Matt are joined by Tom Elder, Associate Head Coach and Defensive Coordinator at Chaminade High School (NY), to break down one of the most versatile and effective defensive tools in high school football—5-Man Pressure Systems.

Coach Elder dives deep into how Chaminade utilizes a simple yet adaptable pressure philosophy based on four core blitz paths, how they disguise coverages, fit the run with undersized athletes, and put pressure on 17-year-old quarterbacks in a high-academic environment. If you're looking to build a pressure package that’s simple for your players but difficult for opponents to prepare for, this episode is for you.

Timestamps

0:00 - Intro & Coach Elder’s Background

1:10 - Why 5-Man Pressure is Core to Chaminade's Defense

3:00 - Undersized Personnel? Why Movement is the Answer

4:55 - Odd vs Even Front Blending in the System

6:00 - "Five Notes, Endless Melodies" Philosophy

7:30 - 3-Under, 3-Deep Zone Pressure Breakdown

9:10 - How to Build Pressure Without Overloading Players

12:00 - Split-Safety Structures & Rotation Philosophy

13:35 - Day 1-2 Installs: Big 12 & Weak Rotation Coverage

15:00 - Teaching Pressure Paths: Edge, Neck, Face

18:00 - DL Techniques: Nail, Rail, Anchor

20:00 - Using Tags to Dictate Pressure Placement

23:00 - Corner Blitz—Why It's a Day One Install

26:30 - Scrape & Strike Paths Explained

30:00 - Adjusting Pressure for 3x1 & Motion

35:00 - Using Pressure to Protect Undersized Fronts

37:45 - Real-Game Examples & In-Game Adjustments

45:00 - The Power of Motion-Based Blitz Calls

51:00 - Closing Thoughts on Simplicity, Speed, and Versatility

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The Dash Passing Concept with Coach Wakely Bergener | Board Drill Podcast Ep. 28

In this episode of The Board Drill Podcast, we're joined by Coach Wakely Bergener, Offensive Coordinator at Pauls Valley High School (OK), to break down the Dash Passing Concept — one of the most quarterback-friendly protection schemes in football.

Despite some tech hiccups (this is our third attempt to record it!), this episode is a must-watch for coaches looking to create cleaner vision, simplified reads, and smarter protection for their quarterbacks — especially shorter or mobile QBs. Coach Bergener walks us through film, diagrams, and coaching points that have helped his team complete 60% of their passes and average 7.4 yards per play using this concept.

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👇 Timestamps:

00:00 – Intro: Why This Episode Was So Tough to Record

01:00 – What is Dash and Why It Matters for QB Vision

02:30 – Welcome Coach Wakely Bergener

04:00 – Origins of Dash at Pauls Valley (Since 2017)

05:30 – Solving QB Vision Issues with Dash

07:15 – Adjusting the Role of the Tailback

09:30 – Using Dash for Mobile, Shorter QBs

11:45 – Protection Breakdown: Rope & Lasso Calls

13:20 – Film Breakdown: QB Vision & Edge Pinning

16:00 – Coaching the QB: Drop Timing & Reversing Out

18:30 – Adjustments vs. Different Fronts & Blitzes

20:30 – Using Condensed Sets and Quick Game Pairings

22:45 – Empty Dash + GIF Concept Ideas

23:25 – What Makes Pauls Valley’s Program Unique

25:00 – Final Thoughts: Food Trucks, Spring Ball, and Split Zone Ties

💬 Have questions or want to connect with Coach Bergener?

Reach him on Twitter: @CoachBergener

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📢 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe — and if you’re running Dash or thinking about installing it, we want to hear from you in the comments!

Board Drill Podcast – Ep. 27 | Bobby Bowring on Building a 3x1 Defensive Toolbox

In this episode, we’re joined by Bobby Bowring, DC at a San Juan HS in Utah, for a deep dive into defending 3x1 formations with clarity, confidence, and a practical system. In this episode we chat about run fits and coverages for 3x1 sets out of a 3-4 base defense.

🏈 Timestamps:

0:00 - Intro

1:45 - Why 3x1 is so hard to defend

4:20 - What Bobby learned from facing elite spread teams

7:35 - Structuring your coverage toolbox

11:10 - Match vs zone: building clarity for players

15:05 - How to get sound against the run and the pass

19:00 - Teaching checks and communication

24:45 - Adjusting your 3x1 plan to match personnel

29:30 - Breaking down trips open vs trips closed

33:00 - Film room keys: diagnosing the threat

37:40 - Favorite coverages and when to use them

41:15 - How to drill and rep your 3x1 system

46:05 - Advice to young DCs installing sub-packages

49:20 - Final thoughts: keeping it simple under pressure

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Board Drill Podcast – Ep. 27 | Sprint-Based Football with Coach Shane Kinnee

What happens when a football program builds its entire structure—offseason, practice, culture—around speed? Coach Shane Kinnee joins us to break down how sprint-based training is transforming high school football. From reducing injuries to maximizing performance, this episode is packed with insights for coaches ready to train smarter.

🏈 Timestamps:

0:00 - Intro

1:30 - What is sprint-based football?

5:45 - The science behind sprint training

9:10 - Implementing sprint methods year-round

13:20 - Practice structure: how sprint-based football changes everything

17:00 - Lifting and speed: marrying the two effectively

21:40 - Common mistakes teams make when adding sprint work

25:10 - Culture and buy-in: making the shift with your players

30:00 - Offseason programming details

34:25 - How to track and assess speed in your program

38:50 - Recovery, wellness, and why less can be more

43:10 - Results: what we’re seeing on the field

46:55 - Final advice for coaches looking to go sprint-based

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Welcome back to the Board Drill Podcast! In Season 2, Episode 25, we’re diving into the foundation of gap scheme football with one of the best in the trenches—Coach Ian Tatum, Assistant Head Coach, OC, and OL coach at Walkertown High School in North Carolina.

Coach Tatum breaks down the ins and outs of Power—from install day to adjustments, including QB power, power read, and the toss read series. We talk personnel, back alignment, puller rules, and how to build a nasty offensive line mentality around your gap game.

This is a must-listen for any coach looking to enhance their run game and understand how to marry Duo, Power, and Counter into a cohesive, hard-nosed attack.

Timestamps:

00:00 – Intro: Kyle, Matt, and Coach Ian Tatum kickoff01:00 – Philosophy of Power: "God’s play" and why it’s day one install02:10 – Base Power from 20 Personnel with a sniffer03:15 – Installing Duo alongside Power – differences and similarities04:40 – Adjustments vs. different fronts – fitting Power to your team06:00 – Power Read and Toss Read variations07:30 – Teaching Puller Footwork and Rules10:15 – OL Drills and mindset to build a gap scheme culture13:00 – Gameplan integration – mixing Duo, Power, Counter16:20 – Reading the DE on toss vs. power read18:40 – When to tag QB Power and how to package it21:00 – Dealing with safeties fitting the backside24:00 – Creating constraint plays off your base run28:45 – Managing OL personalities and building toughness32:10 – Practice scripting and how Tatum installs run game in-season36:30 – Favorite formations and motions to dress up Power40:45 – Power vs. odd vs. even fronts – blocking rules44:00 – Run game adjustments midseason48:30 – RPOs off Power and Buck Sweep52:15 – Why Toss Read is underutilized in HS ball56:30 – Coaching impact, daily player relationships57:55 – Social media and YouTube/Content support for coaches59:30 – Final thoughts and sign off

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In this episode of the Board Drill Podcast, we welcome Mitch Wieland, offensive coordinator at Iowa City Liberty High School, to break down the most common quarterback mistakes and how to fix them. From footwork disasters to bad pocket habits, Coach Wieland gives a clinic on practical drills, quarterback development, and how to coach up any QB, regardless of arm talent.

We also talk about how to integrate film study into your daily QB routine, fixing overstriding, improving pocket presence, and unlocking the deep ball game at the high school level.

Whether you're a QB coach, offensive coordinator, or a defensive coach looking to understand how QBs are taught, this episode is a must-watch.

Timestamps:

0:00 - Welcome & Midwest Coaching Vibes

1:40 - Coach Wieland's background & QB coaching journey

3:30 - How to develop efficient QBs of all sizes & styles

4:49 - Common Mistake #1: Weak finishing position & drills to fix it

9:20 - Filming practice: Why it matters for QB development

12:30 - Common Mistake #2: Overstriding & simple fixes

15:45 - QB drills should be individualized, not one-size-fits-all

17:00 - Common Mistake #3: Eyes on the rush & pocket drills

20:50 - How to drill pocket escapes & throwaways (double evade, chaos drills)

23:50 - Don't try to outrun the rush: Go against the grain

28:50 - Scramble drill chaos & the struggle of WR scramble rules

31:30 - Teaching the deep ball with timing, not arm strength

36:30 - Throwing with touch: Over/under drills & QB anticipation

42:00 - How flight paths drift & adjusting deep balls left vs. right

46:00 - Dropping in the bucket drill explained

48:50 - Best throw in football? The underthrown deep ball

51:30 - Teaching throwing on the run vs. sprinting throws

54:00 - QB mechanics on sprint outs & real-world escape drills

56:30 - Program tradition: Liberty’s Purple Rain & Lightning Jacks

59:00 - Final thoughts & Mitch's advice for QB coaches