Helping Your Players Master Football Combine Drills

Football combines are critical for athletes to demonstrate their abilities across various physical tests, and performing well in these drills can significantly impact your athletic career. This guide covers essential tips and best practices for helping your players master the six key football combine drills, ensuring you’re ready to shine when it matters most.

1. Mastering the 40-Yard Dash: A Key Football Combine Drill

The 40-yard Dash is often considered the most crucial test at any football combine. Player’s performance in this sprint can be a make-or-break factor their athletic career.

The Stance

Players will begin aggressively, placing their foot slightly opposite their dominant hand back. This setup allows for a powerful and quick start, critical for shaving off milliseconds from their sprint time.

The Launch

Focus on a powerful first step and minimal weight on their back leg. This technique ensures maximum propulsion from the starting position.

The Sprint Technique

Players will maintain a 45-degree body angle and envision pushing the ground away behind them to maximize their acceleration. This mental imagery helps maintain speed throughout the dash.

See the 40-Yard Dash in action here

2. Agility on Display: The 5-10-5 Football Combine Drill

Also known as the Short Shuttle, this drill tests athletes lateral quickness and ability to change direction efficiently.

Execution Tips

• Start Position: Adopt a stance with their lead hand down and the opposite arm barred across the body.
• Movement: Use large cross steps to cover the first 5 yards swiftly, then pivot sharply at the turn points without losing momentum.

See the Short Shuttle in action here

3. The L-Drill: Mastering Agility in Football Combine Drills

The L-Drill, or 3-Cone Drill, is crucial for demonstrating agility and ability to navigate tight turns.

Performing the Drill

• Initial Stance: Players will begin in a left-handed stance regardless of their dominant hand, staying low to maintain speed around the cones.
• Cone Navigation: Players will tighten their route around each cone to minimize the distance covered and maintain a high speed throughout the drill.

4. The Standing Broad Jump: Power Testing in Football Combine Drills

This drill measures lower-body explosiveness and balance.

Technique for Optimal Performance

• Preparation: Ensure a consistent starting ritual to maximize each jump’s effectiveness and repeatability.
• Execution: Players will use a powerful arm swing to enhance their forward momentum, focusing on landing smoothly to prevent any backward movement.

5. The Vertical Jump: Maximizing Potential in Football Combine Drills

The height achieved in the vertical jump directly indicates leg power and explosiveness.

Jump Strategy

• Stance and Setup: Players will align their shoulder with the post and use a calculated arm swing to drive your body upwards.
• Mental Focus: Visualize the target height and execute with consistent technique to maximize their vertical reach.

6. The Bench Press: Strength Assessment at Football Combines

The bench press test at football combines assesses upper body strength and endurance.

Pressing Techniques

• Grip and Stance: Players will utilize a wide grip to shorten the range of motion, and engage their whole body to support the lifting movement.
• Execution: Focus on quick, forceful reps to maximize the number they can achieve within the time limit.

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