Understanding the Metrics: What Coaches Look For in Combines

Football combines are essential events where athletes showcase their skills, athleticism, and potential to coaches and scouts. These combines measure various performance metrics that are crucial for evaluating a player's abilities and suitability for higher levels of competition. Understanding what coaches look for in these metrics can help athletes prepare effectively and improve their chances of being recruited. This blog will explore the key metrics that coaches focus on during combines and how athletes can excel in each area.

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Speed and Acceleration

Speed is one of the most critical metrics in football combines, as it directly impacts an athlete’s ability to perform on the field. Coaches evaluate speed through drills like the 40-yard dash and look for athletes who can demonstrate explosive acceleration and top-end speed.

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40-Yard Dash: The 40-yard dash is the gold standard for measuring speed in football. Coaches pay close attention to both the overall time and the 10-yard split, which indicates an athlete's burst off the line. A fast 40-yard dash time can significantly enhance an athlete’s recruitment prospects.

Acceleration: Acceleration is the ability to reach top speed quickly. Drills that measure acceleration, such as the 10-yard split in the 40-yard dash, are crucial for positions that require quick bursts of speed, like wide receivers and defensive backs.

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Agility and Change of Direction

Agility and the ability to change direction quickly are vital for football players, especially those in skill positions. Coaches use various drills to assess these attributes, including the shuttle drill and the cone drill.

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Shuttle Drill: Also known as the 5-10-5 drill, the shuttle drill measures an athlete’s lateral quickness and ability to change direction efficiently. Coaches look for athletes who can maintain speed while changing directions and who have excellent body control.

Cone Drill: The cone drill, or L-drill, tests an athlete's agility and ability to navigate tight turns. This drill is particularly important for positions that require quick, sharp movements, such as running backs and linebackers.

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Strength and Power

Strength and power are fundamental for football players, impacting their ability to perform explosive movements and maintain physicality during games. Coaches evaluate these attributes through drills like the bench press and vertical jump.

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Bench Press: The bench press measures upper body strength and endurance. Athletes are required to lift a standard weight as many times as possible. Coaches use this metric to assess an athlete's strength, which is essential for positions that require blocking and tackling.

Vertical Jump: The vertical jump tests an athlete’s explosive power and lower body strength. A high vertical jump indicates an athlete’s ability to generate force quickly, which is crucial for positions that involve jumping and reaching, such as wide receivers and defensive backs.

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Endurance and Conditioning

Endurance and conditioning are critical for maintaining performance throughout a game. Coaches assess these attributes through various drills and tests, looking for athletes who can sustain high levels of effort over extended periods.

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Conditioning Drills: Coaches often use conditioning drills, such as repeated sprints or shuttle runs, to evaluate an athlete’s stamina and cardiovascular fitness. These drills help determine whether an athlete can maintain their performance late in games.

Game Simulations: Some combines include game simulations to assess an athlete’s endurance in real-game scenarios. Coaches observe how well athletes maintain their speed, agility, and strength under game-like conditions.

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Football IQ and Technique

Beyond physical metrics, coaches also look for football IQ and technical proficiency. Understanding the game, making smart decisions, and executing techniques correctly are essential for success on the field.

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Football IQ: Coaches value athletes who demonstrate a deep understanding of the game, including play recognition, strategic thinking, and situational awareness. High football IQ indicates an athlete’s ability to contribute to team success beyond physical attributes.

Technique: Proper technique in drills and game simulations is crucial. Coaches look for athletes who execute skills with precision and efficiency, indicating good coaching and strong fundamentals.

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