Preparing for the NFL Scouting Combine can be daunting for any aspiring pro football player. There are a number of factors to consider, from your physical conditioning and on-field performance to your interviews with team personnel.
One of the most important aspects of Combine Preparation is making sure you’re physically ready to compete. This means not only being in peak condition, but also being able to show scouts your athleticism and strength.
You’ll need to train hard to make sure you’re in the best possible shape for the Combine. This means working on your speed, quickness, agility, and strength. You should also focus on improving your vertical jump and broad jump. The NFL Scouting Combine includes several events and drills that test these physical attributes, so it’s important to be prepared.
In addition to your physical conditioning, you’ll also need to focus on your on-field performance. You’ll also be asked to participate in position-specific drills that showcase your skills, in addition to other events such as:
The 40-Yard Dash
The 40-yard dash is a marquee event at the NFL Scouting Combine. It’s an opportunity for prospects to show off their speed and athleticism, and can be a determining factor in whether or not they’re drafted.
There are a few things prospects can do to prepare for the 40-yard dash. First, they should make sure they’re in peak physical condition. This means having a well-balanced diet and working out regularly. They should also focus on sprinting drills to build up their speed.
Finally, they need to make sure they have the right mindset going into the event. The 40-yard dash is all about explosiveness and being able to run fast for a short burst of time. NFL Combine prospects should focus on being mentally prepared to give it their all for the brief amount of time they’re on the clock.
With the right preparation, prospects can put themselves in a good position to impress scouts with their 40-yard dash times.
3 Cone Drill
The 3 cone drill is another important event at the NFL Scouting Combine. It’s used to measure a prospect’s agility, change of direction, and speed.
To prepare for the 3 cone drill, prospects should focus on drills that improve their agility and quickness. These can include things like ladder drills, shuttle runs, and cone drills. They should also focus on building up their leg strength, as this will help them generate more power when changing directions.
60-Yard Shuttle
The 60 yard shuttle is yet another event at the NFL Scouting Combine that measures a prospect’s speed, agility, and change of direction.
To prepare for the 60 yard shuttle, prospects should again focus on drills that improve their agility and quickness. They should also make sure they’re in peak physical condition, as this will help them sustain their speed for the duration of the shuttle. Finally, they need to have the right mindset going into the event. The 60 yard shuttle is a long and tiring event, so prospects should focus on staying mentally tough and pushing through the fatigue.
Broad Jump
The broad jump is an event at the NFL Scouting Combine that measures a prospect’s lower-body explosiveness and power.
To prepare for the broad jump, prospects should focus on exercises that improve their leg strength, such as squats and lunges. They should also make sure they’re properly warmed up before they attempt the jump. A good warm-up will help them loosen their muscles and get their blood flowing.
Vertical Jump
The vertical jump is another event at the NFL Scouting Combine that measures a prospect’s lower-body explosiveness and power.
To prepare for the vertical jump, prospects should again focus on exercises that improve their leg strength, such as squats and lunges. They should also make sure they have a good jumping technique. This means using their arms to generate momentum and using their legs to explode upwards.
With the right prep, NFL prospects can put themselves in a good position to impress scouts with their vertical jump.
Bench Press (225 lbs)
The bench press is an event at the NFL Scouting Combine that measures a prospect’s upper-body strength.
To prepare for the bench press, prospects should focus on exercises that target their chest, shoulders, and arms. This can include things like push-ups, pull-ups, and dumbbell presses. They should also make sure they have a spotter to help them with the lift.
Other NFL Scouting Combine events include:
- Physical evaluations
- Interviews
- Drug screening
- Cybex test
- Wonderlic Contemporary Cognitive Ability Test
Physical evaluations are conducted by team doctors and measure things like a prospect’s height, weight, body fat percentage, and wingspan. They will also evaluate you for injuries.
Interviews are conducted by teams and help them get to know the prospects on a more personal level. These can be nerve-wracking, but it’s important to remember that they’re just looking to get to know you as a person. Be yourself and be honest in your answers.
The drug screening is just a standard test. There’s nothing to prepare for here other than being clean before the Combine.
The Cybex test is a test of your joints and ligaments. You don’t need to prepare for this ahead of time, but it’s important to listen to the instructions and follow them carefully.
The Wonderlic Contemporary Cognitive Ability Test is a cognitive ability test that measures your aptitude for learning and problem solving. There’s not really a way to prepare for this ahead of time, but it’s important to get good rest and nutrition, then try your best—don’t stress out.
The NFL Scouting Combine is a huge event for any aspiring pro football player, but with the right prep, you’ll be ready to take on anything that comes your way.
Combine Preparation in Denver
FAST Performance in Denver, CO has the experience and understanding of what it takes to get an athlete ready for their Combine. With over 20 years of NFL Combine training program experience, we have the ability to program for any level of football player. If you are looking for a place to start preparing yourself or your athletes for the next step in their career, look no further than FAST Performance. Contact us today to get started on your journey to the top!
