PERFORMANCE COMBINE

The PERFORMANCE COMBINE (position player testing in the Hodag Dome) is unique in the state since the Hodag Dome is a full 100 yard field with a 70 foot ceiling height. You’ve never seen anything quite like it — and it’s a comfortable 72 degrees with some slight air conditioned breeze inside.

NOTE: We use state-of-the-art timing equipment. You will find out what objective testing is all about. 

CHECK IN

You will get a time in which to participate at the Combine.  This will come to you via email prior to the Combine.  You should check-in a half-hour prior to your testing window.

Please arrive early enough so that you’re on time… the combine sessions start on the hour. You’ll find our greeters eager to get you checked in, hand-out your combine t-shirt and direct you to the field to get warmed up. There will be ample time to warm up.  Players that are doing both the Performance Combine and the Kicking Combine will be directed by our staff in how to proceed.

Your height and weight will be recorded once you arrive.

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PREP:
In the PERFORMANCE COMBINE participants will gather in the end-zone on the field to listen and learn from Coach Blount.  He’ll provide a blueprint for how the session will go, as well as offer some tips and advice on how to perform at your best — and under pressure — to enjoy your experience. All athletes will be given an opportunity to warm-up by stretching, jogging and getting prepared to run, jump and toss their best. You should have shoes fit for artificial turf (tennis shoes, turf shoes or molded sole cleats).  

GROUPS:
Combine athletes will move in groups around the 6-testing stations within a 2-hour window. Drill leaders will tell you when to rotate with your group.  This is an individual testing combine. You needn’t worry about being in the “fast” or “slow” group. This Combine is for you to compete against yourself.  Stay focused on your best results.

All scores will be recorded and placed on the Combine Results page, but only your top  scores will be included on your Digital Player Card that you can use to send to your family, friends, coaches and recruiters.

6-DRILL STATIONS

Vertical Jump: You will stand flat footed on our VJ mat (on the track) and jump as high as you can without taking a step. Taking a “stutter step” is not allowed and your score will not count. Only a qualifying jump will be listed on your Digital Player Card.

Broad Jump: You’ll be placed on a yard-line on the turf field to stand flat footed and jump as far as you can. You will be tested from that yardline to the backs of your heels. You need to be able to stand upright after your jump for it to qualify.

L-Drill: A cone 10 yards ahead of you and 10 yards to the right of that cone are in place for you to run around and back to your starting position. This drill focuses on your ability to cut, maintain balance and how quickly you can get up to full speed in a short distance. You are scored for the lowest time possible.

Pro Agility Run: Sometimes referred to as the 5-10-5 drill… you will start in the middle and run 5 yards, turn, run 10 yards, turn and run the remaining 5 yards. This drill is great to determine your quickness and agility. You are scored for your quickest time.

40-Yard Dash: You will be able to line up however you want, behind the line. We handle it the same way the NFL does, which is we activate the laser timers by hand at the start, and get times at 10, 20 and 40 yard intervals. We’ll record your fastest time.

Powerball Toss: There will be no weightlifting at the Northwoods Combine, but strength is a crucual part of being a football player. The powerball is a 6-pound medicine ball. You will kneel at a yardline and will throw the powerball as far as you can with both hands over your head. A great test of strength and explosive power. The longest distance is your best score.

WRAP-UP:
Once you’ve completed all 6 stations, you’ll be released from the combine to chat with friends, partipants or recruiters (of for those that selected BOTH COMBINES, to participate in the Kickers Combine).

Combine T-shirt
We ask all of our combine participants to wear our t-shirt, not only because it cooler than any other camp shirt you’ll get, but because we do filming and charting and it’s easier to identify which athlete we’re evaluating.

What should you bring to camp?
First and foremost, a great attitude. We won’t hesitate in sending a camper home if they are belligerent or disrepectful to coaches, parents or fellow athletes (and not refund their Combine fee). Don’t be “that guy.”

Do bring comfortable workout gear, running/turf shoes (kicking shoes if you’re doing the Kicking Combine — please read more in the Kicking Combine section). You should also have a jug of water, a snack if necessary. Since we’ll be indoors, you don’t need any extra clothing. It’ll be 72 and only the slightest air conditioned breeze inside the dome.

Video?
We film all six stations for everyone, but you must select the video option on your RSVP to receive a link to your video. It takes us a few weeks after the combine to assemble this footage and professionally edit it for your use. The cost of adding this video to your combine experience is just $75. Adding this video is optional. Once done, we send you the link to your private video onliine — that you can choose with whom you share.

Will college recruiters be there?
We will be inviting coaches from around the Midwest to attend the combine. Most likely, there will be many assistant coaches watching you. After the combine, these scouts may wish to chat with you. Take the opportunity to introduce yourself. Coaches like to know that the athlete they saw on the field is a well rounded person. You should NOT bring a resume or transcript. A positive attitude is usually all it takes to leave a lasting impression.

RESERVE YOUR SPOT NOW
There are only so many we can run through the combine. We want you to learn — and to have a great experience. We’re pulling for you to have a great day, but don’t worry too much, your Digital Player Card will only showcase your best scores.

Have fun and do your best!