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Football Combine Training

           

FOOTBALL COMBINE TRAINING consists of body measurements, physical tests and position-specific drills. Physical tests are used to determine a player's size, speed, quickness and strength. Position drills allow players to demonstrate their ability in fundamental skill areas necessary for their position.

Body measurements consist of height, weight, hand span (measured from tip of thumb to tip of pinky), arm length (measured from shoulder blade to tip of middle finger), and body portrait (players are photographed from the front wearing shorts only).

PHYSICAL TESTS

Bench Press: An accurate measure of a football player’s strength? No. But it’s what they test so you better get it right. Maximizing one’s bench not only requires strength but flawless technique. At the signal from the tester, the athlete will bench press a certain weight (either 165, 185 or 225 depending on position and age) as many times as possible. The bar much touch the chest on each repetition, the buttock must remain in contact with the bench and no bouncing can occur.

Pro Agility Test ( Also known as 5-10-5, Pro Shuttle, 20 yard Shuttle): This test demonstrates lateral movement critical to the game. Again practice, coupled with proper technique, makes perfect. At the signal from the tester the athlete moves laterally (to the right or left) and touches the designated line or cone 5 yards away. The athlete then moves in the opposite direction and touches the line or cone that is 10 yards away. After touching the line the athlete runs back through the start/finish line. The drill is done in both directions.

Three Cone Drill (Also known as "L" drill): By far the most complicated drill; proper execution and technique are the keys to a good time. The drill must be practiced or you are doomed to be slow. At the signal from the tester the athlete sprints forward 5 yards and touches the line, turns around and sprints back 5 yards and touches the line, forward 5 yards and then turns right and runs 5 yards making a figure 8 around a cone and then sprints through the finish. The drill is done in both directions.

40-yard Dash: The 40 remains the highlight of the combine regardless of position and is a measure of straight ahead speed. Proper technique, from a clean, efficient and powerful start, to rapid acceleration, to maximum velocity are all critical to all out speed. Each phase must be perfected to obtain optimal results, and as every phase is mastered, there exist opportunities to lower one’s time. A disaster here cannot be salvaged by success in the other events.

Standing Long Jump or Broad Jump: At the signal from the tester and from a stationary position, the athlete jumps forward as far as possible while landing on both feet. A good measure of an athlete’s “explosive power.” Here again, technique reigns supreme.

Vertical Jump: The vertical jump is a measure of lower body strength and power. The test is conducted using the Vertec measuring device. The jump is a coordinated skill involving a rapid exchange between eccentric and concentric actions culminating with an accurate “touch” for maximum height. Proper foot and arm placement and timing body decent are the keys to a good jump. This event is commonly under-trained, but is one where proper technique and practice can really make a difference. At the signal from the tester and from a stationary position, the athlete jumps as high as possible and touches (with one hand) the highest vane possible on the Vertec vertical jump-testing device. In order to prepare for the jump, the athlete may bend at the knees and swing the arms. The athlete cannot take any steps prior to the jump.

POSITION SPECIFIC DRILLS

Quarterback

QB's perform a series of 3, 5 and 7 step drops while throwing to stationary receivers. QB’s throw to to TE’s, RB’s and WR's during the 1-on-1 coverage drills.

Runningback

RB's run routes against LB's in 1-on-1 pass coverage.

Tight End

TE's run routes against LB's in 1-on-1 pass coverage.

Wide Receiver

WR's run routes against DB's in 1-on-1 pass coverage.

Offensive Line

OL are timed in 10/20 yard dash. OL perform agility and pass block drills.

Defensive Line

DL are timed in 10/20 yard dash. DL perform agility and pass rush drills.

Linebacker

LB's cover RB's in 1-on-1 pass coverage.

Defensive Back

DB's cover WR's in 1-on-1 pass coverage.

Punters

Punters perform the Baseline Strength Test and Random Selection Scenario Test. During the Baseline Strength Test, punters are measured for hang time, distance and get-off time. During the Random Selection Scenario Test, punters are tested on their ability to perform various punts evaluating ball control.

Kickers

Kickers perform kickoffs and field goals. During kick-off tests, kickers will be measured for hang time, location and distance. During FG tests, kickers will be asked to kick FG's at randomly selected distances from 30-55 yards from both hashmarks.

Long Snap

Players experienced in long snapping are tested at both 7 and 15 yards. Each player completes 7 snaps at each distance and is graded on time and accuracy.

Position Specific Drills from Combines.com

Rehabilitation and Injury Care

Most athletes have previous injuries or nagging pains that need medical attention by a Active Release Techniques (ART) is a new non-invasive treatment used to correct conditions arising from overuse, repetitive stress injuries and to enhance athletic performance. ART is a hands-on therapy, designed to restore the normal texture and tension to soft tissue allowing full function and movement. ART breaks down scar tissue and adhesions that form within or between soft tissue. What attracts so many athletes to ART are the quick and lasting results without resorting to surgery. Dr. Horwitz is certified in ART and is a competitive powerlifter with a triple bodyweight deadlift.

Maryland Sports Injury Center
12200 Tech Road, Suite 104
Silver Spring, MD 20904
301-622-9000