The very simple ways to dominate each NFL Combine event

The NFL Combine is one of the most pressurized, intense, grueling, and stressful parts of the draft process. First, there are the six extremely challenging events, but also difficult mental tests like interviews with teams. But have no fear, prospects — I’m here to tell you guys how to nail your rehearsals.

This is one of the most important events, especially for receivers, running backs, and defensive backs.

But the real keys here are as follows:

The vertical jump allows players to show off their lower-body strength while jumping up. Here’s former NC State defensive end Bradley Chubb with a nice demonstration:

Vertical means up and down, not side to side. So the way to have a successful vertical jump is to leap upward, preferably very high. It’s that simple.

The bench press is a true test of strength. All participants are required to bench press 225 pounds for as many reps as they can. Shaquem Griffin demonstrates:

The way to have a successful bench press performance like Shaquem here is to use the strength in your upper body, most importantly your chest, to push the bar up. Then, do it again. And so on.

This event is common in track and field. Each player starts with their feet flat on the ground, then jumps as high and as far as they can, then land on their feet. The further you jump, the better your lower body strength looks to scouts, but try to land on your feet.

As you can see here, there are three different to-dos with this drill, pretty much. That might sound like a lot, but let’s break it down into three simple steps:

Not so hard!

The three-cone drill tests allows players to demonstrate how well they can cut from one direction to the other while running fast. Essentially, the three cones are placed in an L-shape — players will run to the first cone and back before running around the top of the L. Here’s a video demonstration, in case that doesn’t make sense:

The biggest thing here is to run fast, but follow the route and try not to get lost. If you fall, get up and complete the drill, instead of just laying on the ground in failure.

The shuttle run measures how fast players can run laterally. There are three cones, and the player starts in a three-point stance. When the whistle is blown, the player runs laterally left, then quickly changes direction to the right, then back to the left out of the drill. Here’s a demonstration:

Pretty simple, right? All you need to do is run laterally left, then explode right, then back to the left out of the drill.

While this isn’t one of the official drills, it’s an important part nonetheless. Former NFL offensive lineman Geoff Schwartz describes the combine as more of a mental game overall, especially when it comes to interviews:

These are the interviews we hear about with the odd questions. The team has 15 minutes to ask whatever they want. Some teams keep it casual. Get up on the board, draw some plays. Watch some film and have a general chat about your play.

Other teams try breaking you. I had a coach who once told me his job was to make players cry in those meetings. That staff wanted to see how said player handles the pressure. So these meetings can vary wildly, but they’re an important part of the combine. It’s all another way to mentally test you.

One key is to answer each and every question you’re asked. Don’t just stare in silence or forget how to talk. Try to say normal words as part of sentences.

Some more tips:

Good luck!