The Importance Of Combine Training

It’s the DAWG here! A couple weekends ago, I had the PVR set and my butt glued to the couch watching the show that they call the “NFL Combine”. Here in Canada, we tend to follow suit and the CFL’s version (the E-Camp) was held this past weekend in Toronto. So, sticking in the spirit of things I am going to address 3 important things the DAWG works on when trying to get one of SST’s athletes ready for a combine or any testing procedure. These may seem like simple things, but this is a HUGE job interview where first impressions mean everything, there is no 2^nd chance so each and every athlete has to make sure they make the most of the opportunity in front of them.

3. TRAIN YOUR VERTICAL JUMP IN THE WEIGHTROOM
I have said it for years, and watching over the weekend I heard these beautiful words come out of Mike Mayock’s mouth “guys who jump high; run fast”. If you see my facility, we don’t run 40 yard dashes inside – why, well simply because we only have 30 yards of turf. So how is SST ranked #1 in Canada for speed training year after year if we can’t even train the full distance? Simple – when trying to get a guy to run fast, get him to jump high! That’s not to say I don’t train a combine athlete for the 40 yard dash – when doing this 90% of the focus is on the 1^st 10 yards – this is where the CASH is made!!!

2. GET STRONGER… MUCH STRONGER!!
Yes, most combines do test bench – and for some positions this can be a very criticial factor in how you appear in scouts eyes. Do you want to be a 300lb lineman who fails to crack 20 reps at 225? That is sure to drop you right off a few teams draft or recruiting boards right away. But what I’m talking about is getting physically stronger, all over your body. When working with young athletes, one of the biggest areas that needs to be addressed is strength. Too many are not strong enough to even hold a flat back in their stance, and way way too many lack the necessary strength to explode out of the gates!! Guess what – I see a lot of high school and university athletes who are exactly the same – not strong enough!!!

1. GET LEAN!!!!
There is a reason these events are commonly nicknamed the “Underwear Olympics.” As I mentioned, this is a job interview where first impressions can make or break you. Most athletes have about 12 weeks to get ready for these events, plenty of time to make some gains in the gym and show everyone just how hard you have been working so you can perform at your absolute best. If you show up soft bodied and weak, everyone will question your work ethic and desire to succeed – not a very good first impression if you ask me! Even more importantly than how you look however, is how you perform. Ever try running with a 20 or 40lb vest on your back? Well if you haven’t it is much harder, and you will run much slower!! This is what it is like if you are carrying around excess body fat – your existing muscle has to push through that extra fat in order to make your body explode. Well very few athletes are strong enough with a good body weight (and body fat). Now imagine how much stronger you would need to get if you intend to carry around that spare tire in your belly!

There you have it folks, straight from the Big Dawg’mouth. 3 crucial things to focus on in order to make sure you are truly ready for any combine or testing that may be thrown your way!

Stay tuned more to come soon!