What It Takes to Get Into the NFL: Drills, Workouts and Success Tools

Making it into the NFL is a dream many athletes share, but the truth is that few have made it. It requires a mix of talent, hard work, and smart preparation. From rigorous training routines to specialized drills and evaluate drills and evaluative tools like SkillShark, every little bit of prep work needs to be highly optimized.

From how much NFL players practice to the key drills necessary for success, Tom Brady’s famous workout routine, and tips on preparation for youth, high school, and adult athletes alike, this guide covers everything it takes to make it into the NFL.

What It Takes to Get Into the NFL

The NFL is one of the most competitive leagues in the world. Athletes must prove to stand out from among thousands with their peak physical performance and mental strength. But what about for those who already have been inside?

How many times a day do NFL players work out?

NFL players typically train at least once or even twice a day. Sessions are designed to build strength, agility, and position-specific skills. Morning sessions could involve weightlifting or conditioning, while afternoon practices are dedicated to drills and play execution.

How Many Hours a Day Do NFL Players Practice?

Players in season spend roughly 6–8 hours a day practicing and preparing. This includes:

• Team Practice: 2–3 hours of on-field drills, scrimmages, and game simulations.
• Film Study & Software Analysis: 1–2 hours of looking at game footage to see where one can improve.
• Recovery: This would include time spent stretching, getting massages, or taking ice baths to keep the body in top condition.

During the off-season, players do more individualized training, focusing on personal goals such as increasing speed or muscle mass.

How Much Do NFL Players Need to Practice?

Consistency is key: NFL players work in-season, and once the season is over, they have heavy practice periods followed by recovery phases. Even in their so-called ‘downtime’, they lightly work out and condition themselves to prepare for the future season.

Mastering Success: The Foundation of NFL Drills

The bread and butter of preparation in the NFL involves drills. They are designed to develop particular skills, enhance agility, and train athletes for real-game intensity.

Defensive Back NFL Drills

For defensive backs, quick reactions and agility are important. Here are some key drills:

• W Drill: Teaches lateral movement, sharp turns, and explosiveness.

• Backpedal Transition Drill: Builds the ability to seamlessly change direction.

• Ball Tracking Drill: Focuses on maintaining stride while locating and intercepting the ball.

3 Cone Drill Football

One of the staple drills at the NFL Combine, this drill shows agility, balance, and precision. It involves moving cones in an L-shaped pattern as quickly and efficiently as possible, highlighting how well the athlete can change direction on the fly.

Drills for Wide Receivers

Wide receivers need speed, hand-eye coordination, and sharp route-running. Some of the best drills for wide receivers include:

• Route Tree Drill: Precision and timing for different routes.

• Catching Drills: High-repetition ball-catching drills that enhance focus and hand strength.

• Acceleration Drills: Explosive speed to get off the line quickly.

Best Cornerback NFL Drills

Cornerbacks need to stay on their opponents while controlling and maintaining speed. The best cornerback drills focus on:

• Mirror Drills: Teaching athletes to shadow a receiver’s movements without overcommitting.

• Hip Flip Drills: Emphasizes quick transitions between backpedaling and forward sprinting.

Drills are not only about the physical aspect but also about mental toughness and concentration under pressure.

Tom Brady’s Workout: The GOAT’s Secret Sauce

Tom Brady’s workout routine is a lesson in longevity and success. Different from most NFL players, Brady incorporates a training philosophy called ‘pliability’ into his work outs, which keeps his muscles flexible, resilient to injury, and as explosive as ever.

Core Components of Brady’s Routine Include:

• Resistance Band Training: Functional strength is developed while the loads on the joints are minimal.
• Core Stability Workouts: This enhances balance and rotational strength, which is important for throwing and mobility.
• Focus on Recovery: Brady’s routine includes daily massages, hydration, and clean eating, among many non-negotiables.

Brady’s innovative approach proves that the key to success isn’t just how hard you work but how smart you train. Watch his famous routine below:

Preparation for the NFL at Any Age

It doesn’t matter if you’re beginning to compete in a sport or even nearing the end: It’s never too late or too early to begin working your way to the NFL.

Youth Football NFL Drills

For young athletes, the emphasis is on building solid skills while learning to enjoy the game. Key activities would be:

• Sprinting for speed and agility.
• Mastering basic catches and simple tackles.
• Playing league formats to develop team spirit.

High School Football NFL Drills

At the high school level, training gets serious. An athlete should:

• Concentrate on position-specific drills, such as route running if one is a wide receiver or defensive back drills if a cornerback.
• Do strength and explosive training.
• Attend exposure camps and showcases to get noticed by college scouts.

Adult Football NFL Drills

For adults, the pathway into the NFL is even more focused and dedicated. Success depends on:

• Joining semi-pro leagues or trying out to get experience.
• Working with specialized trainers to refine your skills.
• Utilizing resources such as SkillShark to monitor your performance and identify what you need to work on.

Regardless of age, it’s all about staying disciplined and active in your training.

How SkillShark Can Help You Achieve NFL Goals

SkillShark is an innovative athlete evaluation software built to simplify performance tracking and help athletes achieve their full potential.

Why SkillShark Stands Out

• Customizable Assessments: Coaches can create position-specific assessments measuring agility, speed, and strength.
• Data-Driven Insights: Provides in-depth performance reports, showing strengths and pinpointing weaknesses.
• Progress Over Time: Athletes can track their progress over time and adjust to their training regimen.

Learn more about how Skillshark works here and get started for free today.

Using SkillShark, players and coaches have the edge to ensure no detail goes unaccounted for in the path to NFL greatness.Wrapping things up – NFL Drills

Wrapping Up

Though a hard nut to crack, the NFL can be cracked when one is in the right frame of mind, prepared, and using the right equipment. Mastering your defensive back drills, perfecting the 3 cone drill, or even finding inspiration from Tom Brady’s workout—every step taken gets one closer to success.

With platforms like SkillShark, athletes can get real insights into their performance, refine their skills, and show scouts and coaches their full potential. So lace up, hit the field, and start building your legacy today.