What Is a Football Combine? Everything Athletes and Parents Need to Know

Every spring, the sports world stops to watch the NFL Combine. We see the flashing lights, the high-definition cameras, and the stopwatches that determine multi-million dollar contracts. But for a youth or high school coach, the Combine is more than just a television event—it’s the ultimate blueprint for football evaluations.

Bringing a “Combine-style” atmosphere to your local football tryout does two things: it gives you objective data to build a winning roster, and it makes your players feel like pros before the season even begins.

Here is how you can take the gold standard of pro testing and adapt it for your team to run a high-level, data-driven evaluation.

Why “Combine Style” Works for Local Orgs

Objective testing removes the “coach’s son” bias. When you have a digital report showing that Player A is faster and more agile than Player B, it provides a transparent shield for your coaching staff. It turns a subjective opinion into a factual football evaluation that parents can understand and respect.

The “Big 5” Combine Tests (And How to Adapt Them)

1. The 40-Yard Dash (Pure Speed)

The 40 is the crown jewel of the Combine. In youth football, it tells you who your “stretch” players are.

• The Pro Tip: If 40 yards is too long for your younger age groups (8U or 10U), shorten it to a 20-yard dash. You are looking for the same thing: explosive acceleration.
• The Metric: Record two times and take the best one.

2. The 20-Yard Shuttle (Lateral Agility)

Also known as the “5-10-5,” this measures a player’s ability to change direction while keeping their center of gravity low.

• The Pro Tip: Use three cones placed 5 yards apart. It’s a short, high-intensity drill that yields massive data on a player’s balance and footwork.
• The Metric: Watch for “clean” touches at the cones. A slip usually indicates a need for better deceleration training.

3. The 3-Cone Drill (The L-Drill)

This is the ultimate test for pass rushers and defensive backs. It measures the ability to bend around corners at high speeds.

• The Pro Tip: Set three cones in an “L” shape. For younger players, focus less on the stopwatch and more on the “angle of the bend.” Are they taking wide turns, or are they “hugging the paint”?
• The Metric: Note their ability to maintain speed while transitioning between the second and third cones.

4. The Vertical & Broad Jump (Explosive Power)

Football is a game of vertical and horizontal explosion.

• The Pro Tip: You don’t need expensive machines. Use a brick wall and some chalk for the vertical, and a standard tape measure on the grass for the broad jump.
• The Metric: This is the best indicator of overall athleticism. A high broad jump often correlates with a player’s ability to “explode” off the line of scrimmage.

5. Strength Testing (The Safe Alternative)

At the NFL level, they reps 225 lbs. For your team, you need a safer metric.

• The Pro Tip: Swap the bench press for Maximum Push-Ups in 60 Seconds or a Medicine Ball Chest Pass (measuring distance).
• The Metric: This measures functional power and upper-body endurance without the safety risks of heavy weights for developing athletes.

How to Prepare for a Football Combine

Build True Speed and Power

You can’t fake combine performance. True speed comes from strength training, plyometrics, and sprint work. Focus on lower-body power (squats, deadlifts, calf raises), explosive movements (box jumps, bounding), and sprint mechanics (short-distance acceleration work). Combine prep starts months before the event.

Master the Drills

Practice the specific movements: the three-point stance, the shuttle footwork, the cone drill pattern. Athletes who’ve drilled the 40-yard dash multiple times often perform better because they know how to execute the movement. This isn’t gamesmanship—it’s smart preparation. Familiarity reduces anxiety and lets you perform closer to your actual ability.

Develop Your First Step

The first step is everything in football. Use resistance band sprints, acceleration ladder drills, and force-plate training to dial in your get-off. Watch video of top athletes at your position and copy their stance, head position, and arm drive.

Strength Foundation

You don’t need to be massive to do well at combines, but you need functional strength. Get comfortable with compound lifts (squat, bench, deadlift) and build muscular endurance. If your combine includes a bench press test, train reps at 225 lbs or the test weight so you know what to expect.

Film Study and Position Work

Combines evaluate athleticism, but coaches are always thinking about football fit. Study your position, perfect your footwork, and show up ready to demonstrate positional skills. If there’s a route-running component, know your cuts cold.

Mental Preparation

Combines are high-pressure environments. You’re measured, timed, and watched. Prepare mentally by visualizing successful performances, understanding your realistic targets, and focusing on execution rather than outcomes. Show up confident in your preparation.

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Learn more about TeamGenius combines

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Frequently Asked Questions