Dash feint

Dash feint, also known as spot dashing, is a technique that exploits an early input window during block to cancel into a dash repeatedly in quick fashion.

How to perform

All characters can perform this, as long as they have a ground / air Block and a Dash ability equipped. This can be performed before or after a dash.
1) Press R. Keep holding R.
2) Now press triangle right after inputting R. Do not input both at the same time. Instead, triangle should be right after R. You have 4 frames to time this input.
3) You have now cancelled a block into a dash. Repeat as necessary.

Applications

A notable use for this technique is that it allows a player to maintain their current position while using the basic ability "Assist Gauge Up Dash" to generate assist gauge with the dash. This is one of the safest ways to build assist in high level play, though performing an attack is still required to prevent assist gauge decay; Because dashing does not count as an offensive move, prolonged use of dash feinting will result in assist gauge decay.

As this technique can be performed out of a dash, it also allows a player to realign their Free Air Dash to chase after an opponent's aerial dodge for a dodge punish.

Due to it's repeatable and ambigious nature, this technique can also be used to delay approaches to catch an opponent's countermeasure off-guard.

Note, that if you have Omni Ground Dash or Omni Air Dash equipped while performing a dash feint, the character will always dash forward first without accounting for the opponent's vertical axis.