Mike Gough's NFL Combine Training

The Best 40 Yard Dash Shoe

2010-04-15T10:09:00.004-05:00

As a football combine training specialist, I place alot of emphasis on the 40 yard dash. How the athletes runs the 40 yard dash can have a huge factor on his football future. With so much at stake the little details make a huge difference. For example, what footwear you select to run the 40 yard dash in...

Two years ago Under Armour came out with a combine testing shoe. I could not wait to get my hands on it as it seemed to be the answer to finding a 40 yard dash shoe that was light as a feather, could grip into the turf, and had the engineering of a track shoe.

This year I trained Trindon Holliday from LSU who clocked a 4.21 hand held thime at the NFL Combine. Trindon is a track specialist and former NCAA 100m champion. His first question to me was what shoes was he going to wear at the NFL Combine. I pulled out a pair of the Under Armour Combine shoes and his face lit up. He knew he was going to run fast in those shoes.

These Under Armour shoes have what they call a negative heel, forcing you to get up on your toes when you run, which makes you run faster. At 8.8 ounces it is hard to find a lighter shoe. Not to mention they are a great shoe to wear for the vertical jump as well.

So check these shoes out as they are now available to purchase to the public. Get them here!

Pro Combine Training serves the needs of athletes, and strength and conditioning coaches in the United States. NFL Combine tests athletes for strength, speed, agility, power, flexibility and football specific skills. 40 yard dash, vertical jump, braod jump, short shuttle, pro agility shuttle, l-cone, 3 cone, 225 lbs. bench press, sit and reach, trunk flexion, 10 yard dash, 20 yard dash and position specific drills are tested at the NFL combine. Learn how to improve your NFL Draft Status with an NFL Combine Performance to remember. Learn how to mast the drills of the nfl Combine, the forty yard dash, the vertical jump. Get one of our training manuals, "Secrets of Combine Training", "Mastering the 40 Yard Dash" or the "Pro Combine Preparation Manual. Video analysis of the 40 yard dash and all of the NFL Combine tests will help your preparation. NFL Combine Training expert Mike Gough can help your combine performance. The NFl Combine in Indianapolis where millions of doallars can be made on 40 yards of turf. Let Pro Combine Training prepare you today and lower your 40 Yard Dash.

Check Out My New Blog

2009-11-04T07:57:00.002-05:00

Check out my new NFL Combine Training Blog, where you can learn the latest tips and techniques to run a fast 40 yard dash and prepare and train for football combines!

Brady Quinn Workout Program

2009-09-11T12:07:00.005-05:00

Last year we took at look at Adrian Peterson workout program, and along those lines here is another...

Just checked out this month's Muscle and Fitness, and the feature article is Brady Quinn workout program at the EAS headquarters in Colorado. It talks about the Cleveland Browns QB Brady Quinn's work ethic and commitment to training.

No doubt the guy is a beast. He trains hard and from what I read, is doing all the right exercises and drills to keep his body in peak condition and injury free.

From kettlebells, to bands, to rollers, to his dynamic warm-up he is training for sport specific movement. His program by the looks of it is functional to his sport and position. He trains his core and is big on keeping up on his flexibility training. These are crucial elements that need to be included in any athletes training program.

Brady Quinn, who has always looked the part really backs it up with his work in the gym to target football specific movements. Obviously his hard work and commitment in the weight room is paying off.

For more check out his months Brady Quinn Workout Program

DB and LB Backpedal Drill

2009-09-10T16:10:00.003-05:00

If you are a DB or LB and are looking to improve your backpedal, there is a great drill that I use with my athletes that produces great results.

Using a Speed Chute, put the speed chute on so that it is in front of you not at your back. perform resisted speed chute backpedals starting with 10 yards then increasing the distance. Be sure to make sure the hips stay low during the backpedal.

Variations of this drill include giving the athlete commands to backpedal slow and fast, backpedal with a turn and sprint, backpedal with hip rotation right adn left, and backpedalling in a snake like fashion.

These drills are excellent for DB's and LB's to work their position specific backpedal, drops and hip action.

Our Speed Chutes provide the perfect amount of resistance in the backpedal drill. Be sure to get your now to perform this exercise in your training!

Speed Chutes work great for improve speed forwards or backwards. We use them often when training for the NFL Combine, lowering the 40 yard dash or preparing for the NFL season!

Resisted vs. Overspeed Speed Training

2009-07-25T16:22:00.003-05:00

I am asked often about resistive vs overspeed training and what gets better results. When you speed train which type of training do you use? If you want fastest path to get results, resistive speed training gets it done.

You see, overspeed training pulls you faster than you can run, which quite often pulls you out of your proper mechanics. When trying to get faster your running mechanics are the foundation for success. Poor mechanics while training will translate into poor mechanics on the field. Quite often athletes that are being pulled in a overpeed towing drill force their muscles to brake because they are being pulled out of control which is counterproductive to the goal of the exercise. If you are going to do overpeed training I suggest running on a slight decline or running with a wind at your back.

Resisted training allows you to improve forward body lean, and increase power through a triple extension of the hip, knee and ankle joints. The force created during this type of training while maintaining proper running mechanics will make you faster. Be certain not to overload the resistance to a point where form and mechanics are compromised, ususally 7 to 10% of the atheltes bodyweight should be used as the amount of resistance applied. Ultimately first step power, acceleration and speed will be increased by using a resited device such as a Speed Sled of Speed Resistor.

Summer Football Training
The summer is ticking away! What are you doing to make yourself better this summer? If you are looking for an edge on the competition check out Training for the NFL program, it gives you the specific training routines I use down here with my athletes preparing for NFL and college training camps. It even includes my position specific conditioning protocols.
Where can you get a 4 phase training program that gets incredible results for such a great price?

40 Yard Dash Tips
Many of my athletes have been running blistering times in the 40 yard dash at their college testing day. Highlights include Damian Copeland a true freshman at Louisville who clocked a 4.37 sec. 40 and Youngstown State true sophmore LB Deonta Tate who ran a 4.53 sec. 40 yard dash.

Both athletes said teamates were asking them about their unique breathing technique they used when running the 40. This breathing technique in my opinon is key for running a fast 40 yard dash. Learn this specific breathing technique which is detailed on my Combine Freak DVD.

Mike Gough BSc, CSCS
http://www.procombinetraining.com/
http://www.combinefreak.com/
http://www.speedtoolsusa.com/

PS. Don't forget to get your Speed Tools Speed Resistor today to start getting faster!

How to Sprint Faster

2009-07-12T21:27:00.004-05:00

I am often asked and e-mailed by athletes, parents and coaches what they can do to run faster. It seems like everyone is is feeling the need for speed these days. Whom can blame them, it what separates the pros from the joes!

So here are three things you can do that will have you running faster:

Work on Your Arm Mechanics - Too many athletes have poor running technique. If you are not efficient, you are wasting energy and slowing yourself down. The arms should be at a 90 degree angle while running. The should swing from the shoulder maintaining that angle. This will help drive and propel the body forward. Many athletes chop their arms which is wasted energy and not efficient.

Use Resisted Sprints to Increase Speed - Resisted sprints provide huge returns in terms of speed development. They teach the body the feel of foward body lean and acceleration angles. I use resisted sprints with the Speed Tools Speed Resistor. We use these everyday at my Athletic Edge Sports Training Center. We perform 15 yard resisted sprints with the speed resistor with good form.

Train the Core - When I tell athletes this they usually think of a ripped six pack. You need to train your core for movement and performance, meaning train the abs, obliques, hip flexors, back erectors, and glutes explosively for movement. So leave the crunches behind, and start training the core with med balls and dynamic movements such as overhead toss situps, russian twists, and rotational throws. These will develop power in your core and help you run faster.

Summer Training
The summer is ticking away! What are you doing to make yourself better this summer? If you are looking for an edge on the competition check out Training for the NFL program, it gives you the specific training routines I use down here with my athletes preparing for NFL training camp. It even includes my position specific conditioning protocols.

Where can you get a 4 phase training program that gets incredible results for such a great price?
Train Hard!

Mike Gough BSc, CSCS
http://www.procombinetraining.com/
http://www.combinefreak.com/
http://www.speedtoolsusa.com/

PS. Don't forget to get your Speed Tools Speed Resistor today to start getting faster!

NFL Pro Timing Day - Cleveland Browns Philip Hunt

2009-05-29T20:42:00.001-05:00

NFL Pro Timing Day of Phillip Hunt of the Cleveland Browns performing his 40 yard dash, vertical jump, short shuttle and L-Cone.

Biggest Speed Training Mistakes

2009-05-29T20:05:00.001-05:00

Last week I had the honor of speaking to the football players at a local high school. There coach called me and asked me if I could come in and talk to the athletes before they were about to time some 40 yard dashes.

I went through a quick tutorial on the 40 yard dash start position trying to give these young atheltes some technical cues they could put to work right then and there to run a faster time. It was a cliff notes version of what I cover in my Combine DVD but I hit on the major tips.

The coach then asked me what were the biggest problems that hindered speed development in athletes. I responded with a lack of flexibility and arm mechanics...

Athletes as a whole don't stretch enough or not at all, they are tight and stiff, and especially high school athletes whom are going through growth spurts tend to be very inflexible. I told the athletes that flexibility training is THE most overlooked component of speed training. So if you want to get fast... Get flexible!

Arm mechanics especially in the top speed phase of the 40 yard dash can either make or break your time. I see too many athletes running with a short choppy arm swing. This short arm movement shortens your stride length, so at top speed when you want to open your stride up, you are shortening it and losing speed. Next time you run when you reach full speed exaggerate your arm swing to run a faster time.

Summer football training is just starting, if you need a surefire program to make the most of your training and train like an NFLer get my Training For The NFL Program.

Speed Sleds

Check out our speed sleds, if you are up to the challenge! We use these sleds daily to increase acceleration off the start. Get the Sled to lower your 40 yard dash

How to run a faster 40 yard dash tip

2009-05-18T12:09:00.002-05:00

The past couple of weeks I have been working with some athletes that are having trouble with the back end of their 40 yard dash. When analyzing their 40 yard dash their 10 and 20 yard time were right in line with running a good 40 yard dash time, but the final result was not what I had expected. The 40 yard dash time was just too slow.

So with a good 10 and 20 yard split time, I watched video of them running to see what I could find that was holding them back. What I found with both athletes was their stride length was short for their top speed phase, and when watching the video the problem was existing from their arm action.

There arms were short and quick, causing their legs to be the same... Not good if you are looking for stride length during the last 15 yards. So we went to work, I told them to exaggerate the arms in the final 15 yards, creating a longer swing of the arms, to focus on pulling the arm back while the other fires forward, and the result was astonishing.... A faster 40 yard dash!

Both athletes applied this technique in training and on testing day with great success. If you are having issues similar to them you should try this technique.For more tips like this get my Combine Freak DVD where I teach you all the compnents to running a fast 40 yard dash!

Train Hard!
Mike Gough BSc, CSCS

http://www.procombinetraining.com/
http://www.combinefreak.com/
http://www.speedtoolsusa.com/

PS. Check out our speed sleds, if you are up to the challenge! Get the Sled to lower your 40 yard dash

NFL Pro Timing Day Sebatian Vollmer

2009-05-05T16:02:00.002-05:00

NFL Pro Timing Day of Sebastian Vollmer, 2nd Round Pick New England Patriots in the 2009 NFL Draft. Vollmer trained with me here in Bradenton, FL. Vollmer went from a Free Agent rated prspect at the beginning of the season to a second round selection. He lead all offensive linemen int he country with a 37.5" vertical jump. His pro day and all star game performance rocketed him up the draft board.

My NFL Draft Experience

2009-04-28T13:29:00.005-05:00

Whew! What a weekend that was! Last Wednesday my wife and I travelled to New York City for the 2009 NFL Draft. This year was a special year for me as my client Eugene Monroe was invited by the NFL to be there. Eugene and his agent Sunny Shah of 320 Sports invited my wife and I up to take it all in.

We arrived Wednesday in the afternoon, settled into the hotel then went downstairs to see Eugene, and another one of my clients Josh Vaughn, a RB from Richmond. We met up with them later at a nightclub called TAJ where 320 Sports was having a pre draft party. It was a fun night and a pleasure to meet Eugene, family and friends.

Thursday and Friday we poked around NYC taking int he sights which was highlighted by a dinner at TAO. If you have never been to TAO you need to go there at least once, it is awesome.

Before I knew it the big day was here, we all met down in the lobby at 11am to get our credentials and tickets for the draft, then went to the westin to have a family and friends lunch with Eugene and all the other invited players put on by the NFL. After lunch we were shuttle to the Radio City Music hall for the draft to begin.

The atmosphere at the hall was awesome. There were crazy fans yelling running around with their teams jerseys on. It was cool to see ESPN's Mel Kiper, Todd McShay, Chris Berman, Chris Mortensen along with NFL Network's Mike Mayock, Jon Gruden, and other tv personalities. we found our seats and the draft started.

There was not much suspense for the first pick Matthew Stafford, as he had already reached a deal with the Lions. The 2nd pick was St.Louis whom I thought might take Eugene, but they passed and selected Jason Smith of Baylor. Then came the out of the sky picks of Tyson Jackson (Chiefs) and Heyward-Bey(Raiders) which threw a wrench into things. Then the Jets moved up for Mark Sanchez, and finally with the 8th pick Eugene was selected by the Jacksonville Jaguars.

When the Commissioner made the selection and said Eugene's name I was very happy, excited and proud. He had worked so hard to make this happen, I was happy he had his family and friends there to share it with. He was speechless, excited and emotional. His journey for now is over. He has a new home in Jacksonville.

A new chapter begins this Thursday, when he has mini camp. Knowing Eugene, nothing will change he will still be the hard working, grinding athlete he has always been.

Later that night I was at dinner and I got a text that my other OT prospect Sebastian Vollmer was selected in the 2nd round by the New England Patriots. This is another great story as he was born and raised in Germany, and started this season as a Free Agent rated prospect. In my next post I will tell Sebastian's story.

Got to run, that's all for now.

Eugene Monroe selected 8th Overall at the 2009 NFL Draft

2009-04-28T12:15:00.003-05:00

University of Virginia OT Eugene Monroe was selected 8th overall by the Jacksonville Jaguars on Saturday. The 6'5" 309 lbs. freak trained with Mike Gough in preparation for the NFL Combine. Congrats to Eugene and his family.

Overspeed Training for Athletes

2009-04-20T07:54:00.001-05:00

I am often asked if Overspeed sprints are a good way of developing speed. My answer is yes!

Overspeed sprints make the neuromuscular system fire faster than normal, this allows the body to perform movements like starts, change of direction and accelerations with quicker stride turnover. They can enhance your 40 yard dash time.

Here are two ways of overspeed training:
1. Run on a slight downhill grade.

2. Use a bungee cord to pull you into an accelerated sprint or backpedal.

Trust me, you should not soley perform just overspeed training drills outlined in my Pro Combine Preparation Manual. These should be included in a program along with resisted speed drills as well.

For athletes who find it difficult to accelerate and get the body firing off the start, adding overspeed training to your program may be the missing link.

How to Get a Football Scholarship

2009-04-15T08:24:00.002-05:00

Every year alot of my athletes that I work with secure football scholarships to some of the top football schools in the country. Florida, South Carolina, Ohio State, LSU, they all come calling.

Here is my recipe for getting a football scholarship:

1. Get good game film of you playing and make a tape of your highlights and two of your best games. Be sure to provide the complete game.

2. Train your butt off to test out well in the combine tests (use my Combine Freak DVD for preparation). Make sure you are running a fast 40 yard dash, and quick short shuttle, and a good vertical jump (Again get my DVD as I will teach you how to do this).

3. Get your coach to get you into a "One Day" Camp at a school that is a good fit for you. these one day camps are often invite only, and only a select number of prospects get invited to them. They will time you in the 40 yard dash, short shuttle, and vertical and do some positional drills... Based on this, if you perform well you might get an offer right then and there.

4. Get you SAT scores as high as you can as earlry as you can. There is one thing that makes a recuiter happy is to know that you are already qualified.

5. Work hard in the classroom, on the field and with your training.

If you follow these 5 steps you will be on the right track for securing a football scholarship.

Train Hard!
Mike Gough BSc, CSCS
www.procombinetraining.com
www.combinefreak.com
www.speedtoolsusa.com

Eugene Monroe NFL Combine 40 Yard Dash

2009-04-14T13:32:00.000-05:00

Sled Training for Speed Enhancement with Athletes

2009-04-13T14:30:00.001-05:00

One of the tools I like to use for speed and posterior chain development is sled training. I use the weighted sled alot with my athletes.

There are so many different ways you can use the sled. You can use it to developspeed and acceleration. When weighted, the athlete can get a great accelerationangle and learn to stride at this angle. This is very important in 40 yard dashenhancement.

With a proper forward body lean you are able to achieve a power triple extensionof the ankle, knee and hip joint allowing you to explode with each stride andaccelerate explosively. The sled makes this possible.

There are so many other drills you can do to develop not only speed andacceleration but strength and explosive power in the hips, hamstrings and glutes.

We do sled pushes and sled pulls both forward and backward.

Check out the sled's we use! They are easily portable. Get sled training now!

For a great 30 day speed program and 40 yard dash instruction, accelerate on overto Masteringthe40yarddash.com

NEW BLOG

Be sure to check out my new BLOG at www.coachmikegough.com

NFL Pro Day 4.41 40 yard dash Jacob Lacey

2009-04-07T12:04:00.002-05:00

Oklahoma State CB Jacob Lacey runs the 40 yard dash in 4.41 sec. at his NFL Pro Timing Day

40 Yard Dash Head Position

2009-04-03T08:51:00.003-05:00

When I look at the 40 yard dash and especially the start position for the 40 one of the most common mistakes athletes make is their head position.

Often the head is up in the start position and then is up during the acceleration phase. This needs to be fixed.

See the 40 yard dash is a test ultimately of acceleration, and the body will gowhere the head goes. If the head is up the body will stand up off the start killing acceleration and leading to a poor performance. If the head is tilited downwards the body will have forward body lean, aiding in a powerful triple extension and greater accelration.

Also at what point does you head rise during the 40 yard dash? Video yourself running the 40 yard dash and watch your head position. It may be what is holding you back from clocking a fast time.

For more insight on head position for the 40 yard dash, check out my "Mastering the 40 Yard Dash" manual.

If you are interested how to improve your 40 yard Dash sprint on over to Master the 40 Yard Dash.

Remeber keep that head down to run your best!

Mental Cues for the 40 Yard Dash

2009-03-31T11:13:00.003-05:00

When you are about to start your 40 yard dash, what are you thinking about?

I ask this to all my guys here training for the NFL Combine. The answers are sometimes, right, wrong,and sometimes funny.

Executing the 40 yard dash properly is one of the toughest things to do. Far and away it is the most technical test of all the combine tests.

You need to train your body mentally to block out everything but exactly what you need to think about.By learning to clear your thoughts and visualize only the things you need to focus on will lead to great success and a fast time.

I have developed a great technique for determining what you should be thinking about right before you take off. My Combine Freak DVD and companion manual teaches you to indentify what you should be thinking about and when to think it.

Simple key thoughts work best.

Many athletes overlook the mental side of combine preparation. With so much on the line, you need to cover all your bases. If you are interested in what the thought process is for the 40 yard Dash scoot on over to CombineFreak.com

Remember you must train you brain to perform at your best!

Train Hard!
Mike Gough BSc, CSCS
http://www.procombinetraining.com/
http://www.combinefreak.com/
http://www.speedtoolsusa.com/

NFL Pro Day Updates...

2009-03-26T12:36:00.003-05:00

With the NFL Draft less than a month away, scouts are going crazy trying to evaluate each and every draft eligible prospect out there at each school's respective NFL Pro Timing Day, where the scouts come on campus to test the 40 yard dash, vertical jump, broad jump, short shuttle, 3 cone, bench press and positional drills.

These "Pro Days" will be that last look at prospects before the draft and the last chance for athletes to make an impression.

I have been busy here preparing my athletes for their pro days. Here is a look at some of the guys and the awesome results they achieved.

Eugene Monroe OT Virginia - At the NFL Combine Eugene ran a 5.16 40 yard dash, jumped a 9'4" Broad Jump and repped 225 lbs. for 23 reps. At his pro day he performed only positional drills but looked flawless. He has the best feet I have ever seen in an offensive lineman.

Jacob Lacey CB Oklahoma State - ran a 4.42 40, vertical jumped 41" he is a riser in this years draft with his cover skills.

Julius WIlliams DE UConn - ran a 4.58 40, vertical jumped 41" and had 36 reps @ 225 lbs.

CJ Spillman FS Marshall - clocked a 4.43 40, vertical jumped 41.5" looked agile in shuttle drills

Chris Baker DT Hampton - ran a 4.94 40 @ 326lbs., vertical jumped 35.5"

Others to watch over the next week are OT Sebastian Vollmer and DE Phillip Hunt from Houston.They should test off the charts!

High School Combines
Various high school combines are in full swing, Under Armour, Nike/Sparq, and Schuman's leading the way around the country. If you are needing help preparing for these combines, be sure to get our Combine Freak DVD that will help you master the tests and sepearte you from the competition.

Speed Tools Training Gear
For those of you looking to take your training to a higher level, take a look at my Speed Tools Training System. For the first 5 orders I will throw in a free DVD with exercises and drills using the gear I use with my NFL players.

Train Hard!
Mike Gough BSc, CSCS
http://www.procombinetraining.com/
http://www.combinefreak.com/
http://www.speedtoolsusa.com/

How to run a fast short shuttle at the NFL Combine

2009-03-26T12:29:00.002-05:00

If you are having trouble running a fast short shuttle, let me help you.

I see way to many athletes making the same mistakes over and over again at combines around the country. So many athletes I see try to side shuffle off the start. This leads to a slow start and a dissappointing time. Think of this... what's faster running or shuffling? Running is the fastest, so run and don't shuffle.

The faster you can get out of your start stance and cover the first 5 yards, the faster your time will be. So crossover and turn the hips towards the line. This will get you there way faster than side shuffling to the line and keeping your hips toward the timers.

If you have my Combine Freak DVD you know that I have over 17 minutes of instruction on this test alone teaching you all of the details you need to know.

Speed Tools Training Gear
For those of you looking to take your training to a higher level, take a look at my Speed Tools Training System. For the first 5 orders I will throw in a free DVD with exercises and drills using the gear I use with my NFL players.

Train Hard!
Mike Gough BSc, CSCS
www.procombinetraining.com
www.combinefreak.com
www.speedtoolsusa.com

NFL Combine 40 Yard Dash - Weird 40 Stance = Bad Time

2009-03-26T11:05:00.003-05:00

I just finished breaking down the footage from the NFL Combine, specifically the 40 yard dash. As you probably already know the times on a whole were slower than years previous. Some say it was the surface in the new Lucas Oil Stadium, which could have played a role.

I was shocked to see some of the weird 40 yard dash start stances some athletes chose to use. If you watched the combine you would have seen some athletes stretching the back leg as far back as possible and keep it straight as a board. This to me makes no sense... You need to drive from both legs, but if that back leg is straight, you can't generate any power from that leg. So essentially you are killing your power off the start... Very odd and it showed in their times.

With the 40 yard stance I teach my athletes, the back leg is bent and I coach them to drop that knee to the floor, about 4" up from the turf. This gives the more of a horizontal spine angle and allows them to drive out not up. This, to me is an important cue to running a fast 40 yard dash.

If you have my Combine Freak DVD you probably could tell who trained with me, by their 40 yard dash technique, more specifically the breathing pattern we use to push acceleration as far as possible. If you have yet to get your hands on the DVD you can check it out here.

Next, I will recap my athletes that tested in Indy and what they did to get the times they posted...

Train Hard!
Mike Gough BSc, CSCS
www.procombinetraining.com
www.combinefreak.com
www.speedtoolsusa.com

NFL Combine Training Video

2008-10-02T11:56:00.005-05:00

40 Yard Dash Training Tip

2008-09-30T08:34:00.004-05:00

If you are trying to lower your 40 yard dash time, you probably want to start focusing on your acceleration. The acceleration off the start is often the first area where athletes need practice. Having the proper acceleration angle along with the proper arm action will allow you to gain more speed earlier in the 40 yard dash.

One drill I like to use is the wall drill. Be sure to perform this exercise with the feet back and drive the knees to the chest. Maintain a 45 degree angle through your torso, hips and legs. Watch this video below of the drill performed at my training facility by Lorenzo Booker of the Philadelphia Eagles.

Preparing for a Football Combine?

Get the latest instruction, secrets, tips and techniques on all of the football combine tests in the Combine Freak DVD. As a bonus you will receive a free membership to a private members only site The Combine Freak Nation, where you can share ideas, workouts, tips and more. Get your copy of the Combine Freak today

Regards,

Coach Mike Gough

www.procombinetraining.com

Adrian Peterson Workout Program

2008-09-26T10:33:00.005-05:00

Yesterday I read the article on Adrian Peterson's workout routine in this month's Muscle & Fitness. AD's story is great one of growing up with no money, his brother dying when he was 9, his other brother dying hours before he ran his 4.40 40 yard dash at the NFL Combine, and his dad being in jail for 10 years. Talk about adversity.

If you have been through all of Adrian Peterson has been through, you must have a desire inside to be the best. Adrian does. He loves to train and want to be the best. According to the article, his strength coaches say he the one everyone else looks to. He is a leader. He leads by his work ethic. Lessons we all can learn from.

He talked in the story about training when he was young. Speed training by performing sprints with a tire dragging behind him, squatting with a pipe with a water jug attached to each end, running and doing lunges up and down the biggest hill he could find.

This shows you that if you want it bad enough you will find a way to make yourself the best.

I have a similar outlook with the athletes I train. I put everything I have into making them the best they can be. When I created the Combine Freak DVD I wanted it to be the best combine preparation DVD on the market. I wanted to provide you everything I know and hold nothing back.

Special Offer
If you have been holding out, I am sweetening the pot for you... For anyone that takes charge of their future and gets the Combine Freak DVD I will throw in a free membership to my private members only site. Here you can discuss you training program, techniques, and more. Other members and I can help you be the best you can be. So hop on board at at CombineFreak.com and get going...

Are you the next Adrian Peterson?

Train Hard!

Mike Gough
http://www.procombinetraining.com/
http://www.speedtoolsusa.com/

Football Combine Training TRX Style

2008-09-18T09:42:00.010-05:00

If you have not seen the TRX suspension training system then you are definitely losing out on a great piece of trianing equipment that is portable and worth every cent.

While you can train pretty much any part of the body, for football combine training I put the guys through the Sprinters Starts which aid in the explosion out of the start of the 40 yard dash. Also I perform several posterior chain exercises such as hamstring curls and scorpions. Finally it is a great tool to develop dynamic core strength.

Here is a video of my friend and collegaue Todd Durkin who is putting several others through TRX All-Star Workout.

As you can see the TRX is a great device to add to your training program. Click here to go to the TRX website to see the other exercises you can perform with the TRX Suspension System.

Train Hard!

Mike Gough
www.procombinetraining.com
www.combinefreak.com
www.speedtoolsusa.com

Coming Soon My free E-Book! Listen for details!

Terrell Owens 40 Yard Dash Start

2008-09-08T13:47:00.002-05:00

Hopefully you witnessed Terrell Owens TD catch yesterday against the Browns. I could not wait to see his celebration.

This time he pretended to warm up then get ready to run a 40 yard dash or 100m then got into the start stance. It was pretty funny, so funny it cost the cowboysa 15 yard unsportsmanlike penalty.

Owens is a freak who dominates his position and has toned down his off the field antics. Lets see what he does next week.

If you want to learn my 40 yard dash start technique, hop on over to www.combinefreak.com to see how I do it.

Train Hard!

Mike Gough
www.procombinetraining.com
www.combinefreak.com
www.speedtoolsusa.com

PS: The kickoff sale is still going strong till after the late monday night game tonight. Use code NFL08 in the coupon box to save 20% on Speed Tools gear (www.speedtoolsusa.com) and my Training Manuals.

Football Season Kickoff Tent Sale!

2008-09-05T09:42:00.003-05:00

I was so excited last night to watch the kickoff of the 2008 NFL season. I am so pumped for Sundays that this weekend I am throwing a huge Football Season Kickoff Tent Sale!

You know I never offer specials on my training manuals and Speed Tools gear, but I want to share my excitement for the 08 season.

Take advantage of 20% off by using the code NFL08 in the coupon code box on the checkout page. This special will last through the end of Monday Night Football.

Here are the Products and links:

Speed Tools Training Gear (Ladders, Sleds, Speed Resistors, Speed Chutes and More)

Pro Combine Prep Manual

Mastering the 40 Yard Dash

Training for the NFL Program

Secrets of Combine Training

All of these products are 20% off until the final whislte blows on Monday night. Be sure to take advantage of our Season Kickoff Tent Sale as we rarely offer this.

Use code NFL08 to get the special.

Get Your NFL Fan Gear At Eastbay

Get 20% off your order at the Eastbay Welcome Back Sale. Use for NFL Fan Gear, Football cleats and more! Use Code LKS18P2F
Train Hard!

Coach Mike Gough
www.procombinetraining.com
www.combinefreak.com
www.speedtoolsusa.com

The Combine Freak makes the Buffalo Bills

2008-09-02T10:10:00.003-05:00

On Saturday night I got a call from one of my clients who told me that his dream of playing in the NFL has come to fruition. Jon Corto had made the Buffalo Bills.

For those of you that don't know Jon, Jon is the Combine Freak who appears in my Combine Freak DVD (http://www.combinefreak.com/). Jon is a beast, freak, and most importantly a great human being.

It meant alot to me that he called Saturday to tell me that he would not be where he is today if it were not for the two months he spent with me in 2007.

His story below should be motivation to all athletes to live their dream and worktowards goals they set for themselves.
It was Christmas Eve 2006, and my wife was walking our two basset hounds, when she got home she told me she met this gentlemen walking his dog and that his son is a college football player from a small 1-AA school in the northeast. She said that he wanted to train when he was down for the holidays.

Later that day I get a call from this athlete, his name was Jon Corto and he came in on the 26th to workout with me. He said he was from a small school and played LB and by looking at his game film I felt he had the athletic ability to play at the NFL level. I put him through a tough and I mean tough, workout and was impressed with his athletic ability. I knew when I saw him that he could get a look at the next level. He just had that "it" factor.

He was willing to coninuing playing anywhere he could. He told me he would play Arena, CFL, or in the NFL if he could.

Jon decided to stay down in Florida for 8 weeks at his parents and dedicate himself to making the NFL or any other level of professional football. That was his dream. He was relentless in his commitment to learn and master the combine tests. He was like a student, taking notes on every detail I gave him. He mastered each test to the best of his ability. I had him peaking at the best he had ever been.

My next mission was to get him into a Pro Day, and with the help of his agent he attended the Syracuse Pro Day. There at the Carrier Dome, Jon put on a show that day. With his chiseled 6'1 210 lbs. frame Jon, jumped a 41.5" vertical, a 10'2" Broad Jump, Ran a 4.56 40 yard dash, had a 4.02 short shuttle and a blistering 6.50 sec. L-Cone. He blew it up.

Jon ended up making the Buffalo Bills practice roster last year then got cut and resigned after the season. This year his goal was to make the 53 man roster. He started camp as a safety but in a pre-season game in Toronto he was moved to linebacker where he had the coaches heads spinning. He has not looked back from there and Saturday his dream came true when he made his hometown team, the team he grew up dreaming of playing for.Not bad for a guy who told me that he just wanted to see what he could do and that he would play anywhere. Not bad for a guy that grew up in Buffalo and dreamed of one day playing for the Bills. Jon is the "Combine Freak"

If you want to see Jon in action, you need to get the Combine Freak DVD. You will not be dissapointed. You will also be able to see Jon and many other of my clients testing in front of the NFL Scouts.

If you have a dream like Jon did, work as hard as possible to reach it! And let the Combine Freak help you get there.

Train Hard!

Coach Mike Gough
http://www.procombinetraining.com/
http://www.combinefreak.com/
http://www.speedtoolsusa.com/

Usain Bolt... Who says tall athletes are slow? 40 yard dash lessons...

2008-08-19T12:48:00.003-05:00

The past couple of evenings I have watched Usian Bolt sprint some serious fast times on the track at the Beijing Olympics. Or should I say jog... He makes it look so effortless.

Bolt set a world record of 9.69 sec. in the 100m and let up with a couple of yards to go. Now that is fast!

What is so special with Usain Bolt?

Well for starters he is one of the taller sprinters ever to post times like he has. At 6'4" and 200 lbs. Bolt is a unique athlete compared to most other sprinters that are usually on the shorter side.

What can we learn from this for the 40 yard dash?

I often hear coaches and athletes say that tall athletes pop straight up and are not as fast as their shorter counteparts. Well, Bolt's performance in Beijing proves that tall athletes can be fast.
In watchng and studying the video, his stride length far exceeds his competitors. His stride frequency is just as fast as the others... This is a recipe for speed. As Ato Bolden said on tv, Bolt is a FREAK!

So if you are tall and feel you need to work on your speed, use your stride length to your advantage. Work on your flexibility, power and explosiveness. Often tall athletes lack proper acceleration technique, so work on firing out lower out of your start then using that great stride length when you are finishing your acceleration phase and reaching top speed.

On of the best devices I use with my taller athletes is my Speed Tools Speed System (http://www.speedtoolsusa.com/speed-system.php) This has everything you need to become fast. A speed resistor to work on your acceleration, a speed chute to work the top speed phase and a side stepper ankle tubing to work on your hips and stride. What more could you want?

All this with a great deal on shipping.

Start your path to getting faster today!

Train Hard!

Mike Gough
www.procombinetraining.com
www.combinefreak.com
www.speedtoolsusa.com

PS: Your summer training is almost over! Get a speed chute or sled from www.speedtoolsusa.com and get faster before the season starts.

40 Yard Dash Shoes Revisited

2008-08-02T15:27:00.002-05:00

I posted this a while ago, but wanted to remind you about these new cleats. Several of my clients have been wearing these cleats during training here in Florida with great success. So whether you are running a 40 yard dash or you are looking for a pair to wear on game day, I highly suggest these new cleats. They are light and have one of the best traction footplates I have seen.

I am always searching for the latest and greatest items that will help you kick asss on combine day. You need to listen up and check these out!The New Nike Vapor Jet 4.2 cleats are now available. As you know I always preach that the shoes play a big part in yor success in the 40 yard dash, and Nike has got it spot on with this new model. 10oz. that scream speed and a fast 40 yard dash time.

Now a tip... get a pair of these as fast as you can... becasue they will sell out fast... Trust me. These have just been released and as you can imagine will sell fast. You will want to own a pair of these!

Speed Experts Training Program
Over 500 Jam-Packed Pages of Sample In-Depth Speed Training Programs Crammed with Actual 30 Day Programs (Plus Exact Sets and Reps) from the 18 of the World's Top Strength Coaches and Speed Experts!
Get 18 - 30 Day speed training programs from the top trainers in the country for one low price!

Train Hard!

Coach Mike Gough
www.procombinetraining.com
www.combinefreak.com
http://www.speedtoolsusa.com

PS: My Speed Tools Agility Package offers a Pro Agility Ladder (26.5 feet long), 6 - 6" Agility Hurdles and a 12" Plyometric Endurance Hurdle all for one low price! As a bonus for those who order today, I will throw in the bonus flexibility program and the Speed Tools Stretching Rope! Offer lasts for 24 hrs.!

How to Recruited for College Football

2008-07-23T18:55:00.003-05:00

If you are a high school athlete, parent or coach and want to get exposure then follow these tips!

This week one of my athletes got back from a bunch of one day camps at schools like Florida, Georgia, Virginia, Auburn, Syracuse and Louisville. This athlete, Damien Copeland is a WR at Palmetto High School who runs great routes and has sure hands.

He is a senior to be, and had moderate interest before the spring football season. Damien last year went to Auburn and ran a low 4.6 sec. 40 yard dash. This year he clocked the fastest 40 yard dash time at the Florida, Auburn and Georgia camps were he ran 4.42, 4.43 and 4.43. He jumped 40" at the Florida camp in bare feet and wowed them with his route running. He is already qualified academically so schools know he is ready to go.

He verbally committed to Lousiville on Sunday after getting several offers after his performances at these camps. So what can we learn from his successes?

Here are some tips I have to seperate yourself and get some serious scholarship looks.

#1 - Work Hard and have a good positive attiude. What you put into it you will reap the rewards.

#2 - Have good film showing all facets of your game. Get your film together and have it ready to send out. Perform on the field!

#3 - Test off the charts! Football is all about speed. Teams recruit speed, power and explosive players. Make sure you test well and get coached up on the tests (check out my DVD http://www.combinefreak.com/) as they will test you like it is the NFL Combine!

#4 - Try to attend as many of these invite only camps schools have during the summer to evaluate the athletes they are seriously interested in. Get your coach to call these schools to get you in.

#5 - Get your academics in order. Too often I see too many good athletes end up no where becasue of poor grades. Do well in school, college coaches love kids that are qualified.
So there you have it, if you can check mark each of these five things then you are well on your way to becoming highly recruited. Keep working hard on the field, in your training and in the classroom.

If you want testing numbers like Damien had, follow all my secrets in my Combine Freak DVD. You can check it out at http://www.combinefreak.com/ . It worked for Damien, let it work for you!

Train Hard!
Mike Gough
http://www.procombinetraining.com/
http://www.combinefreak.com
http://www.speedtoolsusa.com
PS: Your summer training is almost over! Get a speed chute or sled from http://www.speedtoolsusa.com and get faster before the season starts.

Speed Training Tips for Elite Athletes

2008-06-22T18:41:00.003-05:00

The summer is here! And the clock is ticking on your summer training. Whether training for the 40 yard dash or football domination, let me help you be the quickest, fastest, most agile athlete.

What are you doing to make yourself faster this summer? Here are a couple of tips to help you improve your speed this summer.

Tip 1. Train Acceleration! Football is all about quick cuts and the ability to accelerate out of a change of direction. This is what makes the difference. To improve acceleration try doing resistive sprints with a Speed Resistor. Also try performing leg drives against a wall. When training for acceleration make sure that you have forward body lean.

Tip 2. Stretch! The most overlooked aspects among younger athletes is stretching. Specifically the hip flexors. Often the hip flexors are either tight, weak or both. The more flexible the hip flexors the more power can be generated, and enhanced acceleration will be the result of a dedicated stretching program.

Tip 3. Train Top End Speed! Once you have an opening, do you lack a second gear to run away from the other team? If you do you need to enhance your top end speed. Once acceleration is over and top speed has been acheieved how long can you maintain your top speed? Try enhnacing it with Speed Chute Sprints performing some flying 30's with the Speed Chute around your waist. This will develop your stride and top end speed.

Are You a Football Combine Freak?
We are searching out some of out loyal followers that have trained with my Combine Freak training techniques. If you have a success story please tell us as we will be featuring some of these stories in our future mailers. If you have yet to get our Combine Freak DVD you can check it out HERE .

Speed Experts Training Collection

Over 500 Jam-Packed Pages of Sample In-Depth Speed Training Programs Crammed with Actual 30 Day Programs (Plus Exact Sets and Reps) from the 18 of the World's Top Strength Coaches and Speed Experts!

Get 18 - 30 Day speed training programs from the top trainers in the country for one low price!

Train Hard!

Coach Mike Gough
http://www.procombinetraining.com/
http://www.combinefreak.com/
http://www.speedtoolsusa.com/

40 Yard Dash Arm Mechanics

2008-06-05T12:04:00.001-05:00

One of the common errors I come accross when trying to teach an athlete the proper technique for the 40 yard dash is arm action. Too often I see athletes that run by flapping their arm like they are in a karate class.

You see, this is wasted movement, it does not propel the body forward, it does nothing but waste time and energy.

The proper movement for the arms is to swing from the shoulder joint with the arms bent at a 90 degree angle travelling from the hip to the eye. The hands should be open, and the athlete should think of firing their rear delt and the opposite front deltoid muscle when running.

This is the most efficient and effective way to move the arms for 40 yard dash improvement.

Do You Have Workout Pass?
If you have yet to get on board with WorkoutPass I highly suggest you do!Workoutpass gives you instant access to 43 different workout websites. Each of these sites are filled with only 100% real-world tested workouts that will have you quickly reaching your goals. Check it out!

Go to Workout Pass Now!

Updates!

Check out the new 40 yard dash shoe the Nike Vapor Jet 4.2 cleats. I was already a big fan of their shoes but now I am even more impressed. These shoes are perfect. Speed Experts Training Program Over 500 Jam-Packed Pages of Sample In-Depth Speed Training Programs Crammed with Actual 30 Day Programs (Plus Exact Sets and Reps) from the 18 of the World's Top Strength Coaches and Speed Experts!

Get 18 - 30 Day speed training programs from the top trainers in the country for one low price!

Train Hard!

Coach Mike Gough
www.procombinetraining.com
www.combinefreak.com
www.speedtoolsusa.com

PS: Combine Training 101 with the Combine Freak!

Scout Camp Elite Combine Preparation Camp May 30-June 1

2008-05-18T16:16:00.006-05:00

For those attending the Scout Camp SC Elite Combine (http://www.combines.com/) I am offering you an invitation to my SC Elite Preparation Camp. The Camp will fully prepare and polish each athlete for the Elite Combine held June 13-14, 2008 in Costa Mesa, CA.

My Preparation camp will be held May 30-June 1 at my training center in Bradenton, Fl. The schedule will prepare the athlete for the additional tests that will be included at the SC Elite such as the three cone. broad jump in addition to the other combine tests.

The camp will include a training session on Friday PM, two sessions Saturday, and one session Sunday AM. Athletes can fly out Sunday PM. Athlete will receive hands on training and instruction with a combination of on field and facility training.

There is limited availability for this camp to the first 8 athletes.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER NOW TO SECURE YOUR SPOT

For more infomation contact Coach Mike Gough mikegough@procombinetraining.com

A New 40 Yard Dash Shoe

2008-05-09T09:52:00.002-05:00

I am always searching for the latest and greatest items that will help you kick ass on combine day. You need to listen up and check these out!

Last week I got a package in the mail from Nike with their new Nike Vapor Jet 4.2 cleats.
I was already a big fan of their shoes but now I am even more impressed. These shoes are perfect.As you know I always preach that the shoes play a big part in yor success in the 40 yard dash, and Nike has got it spot on with this new model. 10oz. that scream speed.

Now a tip... get a pair of these as fast as you can... becasue they have a limited stock right now with more to come in the late summer. These have just been released and as you can imagine will sell fast. You will want to own a pair of these!

Nike Vapor Jet 4.2

Speed Experts Trainign Program
Over 500 Jam-Packed Pages of Sample In-Depth Speed Training Programs Crammed with Actual 30 Day Programs (Plus Exact Sets and Reps) from the 18 of the World's Top Strength Coaches and Speed Experts!

Get 18 - 30 Day speed training programs from the top trainers in the country for one low price!

Train Hard!

Coach Mike Gough
www.procombinetraining.com
www.combinefreak.com
www.speedtoolsusa.com

PS: My Speed Tools Agility Package offers a Pro Agility Ladder (26.5 feet long), 6 - 6" Agility Hurdles and a 12" Plyometric Endurance Hurdle all for one low price! As a bonus for those who order today, I will throw in the bonus flexibility program and the Speed Tools Stretching Rope! Offer lasts for 24 hrs.!

40 yard dash - # Steps for 10, 20 and 40 Splits

2008-05-08T12:15:00.003-05:00

Things are starting to heat up here in Florida, both the temperature (85+ degrees) and training is heating up as we are getting some awesome results with our programs. My clients are getting big, fast, quick and exposive! Alot of the gains we have been getting can be attributed to my Speed Tools Training System .

(Get a FREE Stretching Rope and Stretching program FREE with the purchase of my Speed Tools Training System). Build Explosive power and lightning fast speed with these great training tools. Now on to today's tip...

Is there a correlation between your 40 yard dash time and the number of strides taken for the 40 yard dash?You better believe it. After breaking down the video from this years NFL combine there is a strong correlation between the specific numbers of strides taken in the 40 yard dash and the times clocked. In my COMBINE FREAK DVD I share with you the specific number of strides for the 10, 20 and 40 yard splits. These numbers are right on line with faster times posted at the NFL Combine. So the long and short of it is that stride length and the number of strides taken are integral to a good 40 yard dash.

So if you are taking to many strides you are adding time to 40 yard dash time.

Many of you have contacted us about a training program for this summer to help you get ready for this coming football season. Without a doubt, My Training For The NFL Program is a surefire way to get ready this summer. Now I am going to warn you, this program is only for those that want to be pushed to their limits and become the best.Thats the way I roll, I want every one of my clients to be the best athletes out there!

Train Hard!

Coach Mike Gough
www.procombinetraining.com
www.combinefreak.com
www.speedtoolsusa.com

PS: My Speed Tools Agility Package offers a Pro Agility Ladder (26.5 feet long), 6 - 6" Agility Hurdles and a 12" Plyometric Endurance Hurdle all for one low price! As a bonus for those who order today, I will throw in the bonus flexibility program and the Speed Tools Stretching Rope! Offer lasts for 24 hrs.!

Are your hips limiting your 40 Yard Dash time?

2008-05-06T08:49:00.002-05:00

I have been getting alot of e-mails from parents and athletes who have one common problem with their 40 yard dash.They all say that their running stride is two short during acceleration, taking far too many strides. Looks like they are "Scootching" as one parent described it, "he is running but not going anywhere".

I see this problem alot, and this problem is a result of the lack of hip flexion. When the athlete runs, flexion and extension are the keys to acceleration and sprinting in general. Many athletes may think that it is weak hip flexors, and it might certainly be. But most commonly it is the lack of flexibility not strength, in the hip flexors and a lack of posterior chain strength.

One of the first stretches I show my athletes is the psoas stretch which we perform with our Speed Tools Stretch Rope (Get the Rope and Stretching program FREE with the purchase of my Speed Tools Training System). This Active Isolated stretching technique will open the hip flexors up to allow greater range of motion. This will allow to open up freely and the athlete will be able to accelerate.

Once the psoas muscle has been opened up, a solid posterior chain program needs to be performed. Reverse Hyper Extensions, Single leg RDL, Glute ham raise are examples of exercises that can be done to strengthen the chain.

Trust me, if you address both of these elements you 40 yard dash time will drastically improve.

If you are looking on how to run a great 40 yard dash and have a knockout combine performance get your hands on my Combine Freak DVD.

Keep Sprinting!

Coach Mike Gough

www.procombinetraining.com
www.combinefreak.com
www.speedtoolsusa.com

PS: My Speed Tools Agility Package offers a Pro Agility Ladder (26.5 feet long), 6 - 6" Agility Hurdles and a 12" Plyometric Endurance Hurdle all for one low price! As a bonus for those who order today, I will throw in the bonus flexibility program and the Speed Tools Stretching Rope! Offer lasts for 24 hrs.!

CFL Draft Domination

2008-05-02T08:54:00.003-05:00

Wednesday was a special day for me. For the second straight year I had one of my clients selected 1st overall in the CFL Draft. In total 16 of my boys were selected over the 6 round draft.

Dylan Barker a safety was picked 1st overall. This kid has everything you need to be successful, the physical tools, intelligence, confidence and the desire to be the best. If you want to acheive you peak as an athlete these are all qualities which you must have.

Another interesting athlete who was picked in the first round was Samuel Giguere. Sam is a WR who signed as a free agent after the NFL Draft with the Indianapolis Colts. Sam clocked a 4.49 40 yard dash and a 42" vertical jump at the CFL Combine. He has all the tools like Dylan Barker to have a long successful professional career.

If you want to be the best you can be you need to be doing the right training and exposing yourself to the right people.

Train your ass off.

Go to a Combine.

Live your dream.

Dominate on the field.

Keep training hard. If you are looking for a great training system to use to take your game to the next level, get the Speed Tools Training System http://www.speedtoolsusa.com/total-training-systems.php

Train Hard!
Mike Gough
http://www.procombinetraining.com
http://www.combinefreak.com
http://www.speedtoolsusa.com
PS: Check out my blog http://nflcombinetraining.blogspot.com/ as I have posted Rocky Schwartz's Pro Day Video. You will want to see this!!!!

Top NFL Scout Speaks!

2008-04-25T12:28:00.002-05:00

If you are close to the NFL Scouting circles then you have heard this name CO Brocato, the longtime NFL scout with the Tennessee Titans.

CO is a legend in the scouting circles, and has been a traiblazer in the profession. CO created the L Cone drill as a test of multi directional change of direction.

I recently watched an interview with CO. What he said all of us, whether athletes at the high school or the college level should listen closely to and follow, as he certinly knows what he is talking about.

The main point I took away from this interview was when he was asked what is the most important trait a football prospect should have.

He said without hesitation "SPEED". He said that speed is the key factor. Also the athletes ability to change direction and football skills. This should tell you alot about where your training emphasis should lie.

Speed Kills as some say. Speed will help you make the next level.

If you want to add more "Speed" to your game you need to get my Speed Tools Speed Sled.

A heavy duty training sled, that you can put olympic plates on and do various drills to build your speed. Forward accelerations, backpedal pulls, crossover starts, no arms sprints, and upper body sled pulls are just some of the exercises you can do with this multifaceted piece of training equipment. All at a very reasonable price.

Check it out here: http://www.speedtoolsusa.com/speed-sled.php

Believe me, CO Brocato has tested thousands of athletes trying to make the jump to the NFL. He knows his stuff. Speed is King.

Train Hard!

Mike Gough
www.procombinetraining.com
www.combinefreak.com
www.speedtoolsusa.com

PS: Get fast with my Speed Tools training equipment, our speed ladders and speed resisitorss will help lower your 40 yard dash time, Check it out at www.speedtoolsusa.com

2008 NFL Draft - Rocky Schwartz Pro Day Video - 4.42 40 Yard Dash

2008-04-22T13:14:00.001-05:00

Are you ready for Spring Football?

2008-04-08T14:29:00.002-05:00

Here in Florida we are a month away from high school Spring football starting up. Recruiting for the 2008-09 year believe it or not has begun. So spring ball will be big for the to be seniors to show their stuff.

I have been hard at work with my guys down here preparing for spring ball. I have been using alot of my drills and exercises found in my Training for the NFL program (http://www.procombinetraining.com/Training_for_the_NFL.php).

The position specific drills in the program have been intense for the athletes as we are ramping up for May 1. These position movements are a sure fire way to get your anaerobic conditioning ready for practice.

Also, I have been using my Speed Tools ankle tubing, for a great hip series that will make you more explosive and have quicker lateral movement skills. If you have yet to get this inexpensive training device, you can right here (http://www.speedtoolsusa.com/pro-leg-toner.php)

I will post the ankle tubing hip series on my blog this week.

These drills will get you ready for Spring Football, so you are the fittest, fastest, and quickest athlete on the field.

**Summer Training Camps**
Our summer training camps are beginning June 1st. If you are interested in getting the edge and devloping the athlete within, contact me for more information on my camps. These are offered to Pro, College and high school athletes.

This summer we also are offering at home training programs which utilize our Speed Tools Training System (http://www.speedtoolsusa.com/total-training-systems.php).

Train Hard!

Mike Gough
www.procombinetraining.com
www.combinefreak.com
www.speedtoolsusa.com

PS: Get fast with my Speed Tools training equipment, our speed ladders and speed resisitorss will help lower your 40 yard dash time, Check it out at www.speedtoolsusa.com

New Speed Training Promo Video for Athletes

2008-03-30T19:16:00.005-05:00

Reactive Speed Ladder Drills

2008-03-24T13:42:00.001-05:00

Just a quick one today... Instead of your normal ladder drills, try using the ladder with either voice or directional cues.

Start down the ladder performaing a pattern, lets say the Ickey Shuffle, as you are progressing down the ladder doing the pattern your coach or training partner will say or point backwards.

Then perform the Icky shuffle backwards. then he will give a forward command and so on.
Try to have a clean transition witht he feet when changing from front to back, continue this for 15-20 sec. and tray three sets per pattern.

This is a very dynamic drill that you can do almost anywhere.

If you don't have a speed ladder yet, check out my Speed Tools Ladder (http://www.speedtoolsusa.com/agility-ladder.php) This is the ladder that all my guys train on down here.

To get your hands on one of my Speed Ladders so you can start putting it to work to improve your footspeed click this link
http://www.speedtoolsusa.com/agility-ladder.php

Train Hard,
Mike Gough
www.speedtoolsusa.com
www.procombinetraining.com
www.combinefreak.com

PS: If you have not started to prepare for your football combine, start it today with my Combine Freak DVD (www.combinefreak.com)

Is the NFL Combine Joke?

2008-03-21T08:41:00.001-05:00

Right now around the country everyday, draft eligible prospects are being tested at their respective schools for what we call "Pro Day".

I have been analyzing the results from these pro days, and comparing it to the test results from the NFL Combine. And let me say this, there are some serious discrepancies.

Here are two examples: Vernon Gholston of Ohio State has been shooting up the draft boards. At the NFL Combine he ran a 4.67 40 yard dash, at pro day he clocked a 4.58. At the NFL Combine he had a 35.5" vertical, at his pro day a 42". That is a 6.5" difference.

Here is another example Ben Moffitt, the USF linebacker whose vertcial was 32.5" at the NFL Combine and 37.5" at his pro day. On and on it goes.

So why are the results better at pro day than at the combine?

I think the NFL has made the NFL Combine such a high stress event that the athletes are fatigued after a day of travel, two days of poking and prodding by medical staff, and lack of sleep. By the time their last day (testing day) rolls around, a peak performance can be tough to achieve, thus the better results on pro day.

Just something to think about.

If you don't have your copy of the Combine Freak make sure to get yours at www.combinefreak.com

Train Hard!

Mike Gough
www.procombinetraining.com
www.combinefreak.com
www.speedtoolsusa.com

PS: Get fast with my Speed Tools training equipment, our speed ladders and speed resisitorss will help lower your 40 yard dash time, Check it out at www.speedtoolsusa.com

CFL Combine Domination 2008

2008-03-21T08:35:00.004-05:00

I was in Toronto over the weekend to prepare athletes for the CFL Scouting Combine. And to sum up the results in one word I would use 'domination' to describe what we accomplished for the second straight year.

In two and a half hours, I taught them everything they needed to know to perform there best. I pretty much took my Combine Freak DVD(http://www.combinefreak.com/) and taught them all the little technique cues that are vital to knockout combine performance.

I didn't get the opportunity to have these guys down here in Florida, but each guy recieved my Speed Tools Training System (www.speedtoolsusa.com/total-training-systems.php), my Secrets of Combine Training Program (http://www.procombinetraining.com/Secrets_of_Combine_Training.php) and my Combine Freak DVD (http://www.combinefreak.com/). I monitored their progress through e-mail and phone. This is an awesome training combination for complete combine preparation.

On testing day the results were astonishing. Several athletes I had prepared had first place results in many of the tests. The fastest 40 and shuttle of the whole event were run with my techniques. As were the Vertical and Broad Jump. As I said we dominated.

Notable standouts were Samuel Giguere, Dylan Barker, Shea Emry, and Daryl Stephenson

I was impressed with the athletes and how quickly they were able to absorb the information and put it into use.

You see if you are training with the right techniques, equipment and program, and understand the key concepts you too can achieve the results that I had this weekend in Canada.

Thats all for now,

Mike Gough
NFL Combine Training Expert
http://www.procombinetraining.com/

PS. All 13 of my CFL Combine athletes trained with my Speed Tools Training System, if you have not got your hands on this training gear that will get you FAST, than click here: http://www.speedtoolsusa.com/total-training-systems.php

How to Dominate a Football Combine

2008-03-04T20:06:00.003-05:00

Do you want to know how to dominate the NFL Combine, NFL Pro Day, or Nike / SPARQ Combines? Here are some quick bits to chew on that will lead you in the right direction.

The best place to start is to have a success plan in place. Map out each test and master the technique for each specific test.

Figure out your specific strengths and limitations of each and every test. Attack your limitations. Make notes, be a student of the tests.

Study video of you performing the tests. Watch for technique errors and correct them (I offer video analysis consulting to help you fix your issues, e-mail me for more information)

Focus on each test individually and do not let one test negatively impact the other.

Be prepared with the right footwear to allow you to achieve success. Footwear is so crucial to testing performance.

Visualize yourself performing the tests with proper technique which will lead to perfection.

These are just some of the success keys I teach my clients. For more of these tips check out my Combine Freak DVD http://www.combinefreak.com/

Train Hard!

Mike Gough
http://www.procombinetraining.com
http://www.combinefreak.com
http://www.speedtoolsusa.com/

PS: Get fast with my Speed Tools training equipment http://www.speedtoolsusa.com

40 Yard Dash for Cash

2008-02-24T16:55:00.002-05:00

By ROGER MOONEY
rmooney@bradenton.com

You start running and stride, stride, stride, stride, stride . . . you are finished.

From here to there, a distance of 40 yards. Doesn't seem far, and it really isn't, unless you are the one running and you are running inside a domed stadium in front of NFL coaches, general managers and even the occasional team owner.

"It can be intimidating," Tampa Bay Buccaneers linebacker Barrett Ruud said. "So much is at stake."

A slow one, and by slow think 5 seconds, can knock a prospect off a draft board. Five seconds. A fast one, and you are golden. Run in the mid- to low-4s, and you can get that house with the swimming pool and the indoor basketball court and small theater you've always wanted.

Fabian Washington ran a blazing 40 at the 2005 NFL Scouting Combine inside the RCA Dome in Indianapolis, burning up the turf in 4.28 seconds, a time that transformed the Bayshore High product from a projected second-day pick into the 23rd player selected in the 2005 draft and an instant millionaire.

Washington's combine run is legend around Manatee County.

Mike Jenkins has it on a DVD and watches it often. "That's probably one of the prettier runs I've ever seen," Jenkins said. "I've never seen anyone start like that. He just jumped out of the blocks and kept it going." Out of the blocks and all the way to the bank.

Jenkins, the Southeast High and South Florida standout, is one of the top cornerbacks in this year's draft, ranked either first or second depending on who is doing the ranking. He, along with cornerback Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie (Lakewood Ranch/Tennessee State) and safety Nehemiah Warrick (Bayshore/Michigan State) are at the combine, which started Thursday and ends Tuesday.

The trio will run Tuesday. They know what's at stake. "I know if I run a real low 40 it can really raise my stock," Rodgers-Cromartie said. "I think about that a lot."

The players participate in other tests of speed at the combine, shuttle and cone drills, but none carry the importance of the 40.

"It definitely can help. It's not going to hurt you," said Tom Shaw, who runs Tom Shaw Performance Enhancement at Disney's Wide World of Sports, a camp designed to get prospects faster for the combine. Jenkins and Rodgers-Cromartie spent the past two months working out with Shaw and about 40 other NFL hopefuls.

Warrick worked out in Atlanta alongside Kenny Phillips from Miami, who is considered the top safety in the draft. "He's running times that should boost his stock," said Kevin Conner, Warrick's agent.

For a safety, an above average time in the 40 is between 4.53 and 4.55 seconds. The average for a cornerback is 4.4. "Run an exceptional time and you will be compensated," Conner said. The emphasis placed on the 40 varies from team to team.

The Raiders, who selected Washington, love speed. "They may have an Olympic track team," Shaw said. "They recruit speed everywhere."

The New England Patriots are not quite as enamored with 40 times, according to Shaw, who was the Patriots' strength and conditioning coach on their three Super Bowl championship teams."(Patriots coach) Bill Belichick believes that if you have a guy who runs 4.6 at the NFL Combine in 70-degree conditions on FieldTurf in an enclosed building, when it's 30 degrees, that 4.6 turns into a 4.8. So you have a DB who runs 4.8, now he's a 4.8 guy," Shaw said.

Besides, it's tough to determine just how fast a player runs in Indianapolis. Players run the 40 twice, and they are timed by two stopwatches and an electronic timer that is started by hand. It's not the most scientific measure of a player's speed. Still, every team receives all six times, and it's up to the individual team to determine which is the most accurate - the fastest, slowest or an average of all six. Plus, coaches and scouts time the runners themselves from the stands.

And they also keep an eye on the shuttle drill, where the player runs five yards, changes direction and runs 10 yards and changes direction again to run five more yards.

Mike Gough, who runs Athletic Edge Sports Performance Conditioning in Bradenton, said this drill is every bit as important as the 40. "Teams want to see a blend of speed and quickness," Gough said.

A good shuttle time should be four-tenths of a second faster than the player's time in the 40. "That gives them an idea that he has speed straight ahead and the quickness to match that," Gough said.

The fastest 40 time belongs to Bo Jackson, who ran a 4.12 in 1986, when the combine was held at the New Orleans Superdome and the timing was done by hand. Deion Sanders was credited with running a 4.2 in 1989, but some believe it was closer to a 4.28, which doesn't seem like much of an adjustment, unless you are the person compiling a draft board.

"There is a big emphasis on the 40-yard dash because it shows explosiveness," Conner said. "Is it overemphasized? Yes. Can it help you? Unequivocally. Run an exceptional time, and it forces teams to say, 'Wow.' "

But it takes more than "wow" to land in the first round. Rondel Melendez of Eastern Kentucky ran a 4.24 in 1999 and still lasted until the seventh round when the Atlanta Falcons finally called his name.

"You still have to get kids who can run fast, but they still have to be good football players," Shaw said. "You might give up a tenth of a second to get a better football player." Jenkins knows he can stay at the top of the draft with an impressive 40 on Tuesday, he said he can do better than the 4.4 average for his position.

Still, even he knows a fast 40 time has a downside. "You go out there and run a great 40, a fast 40, and a lot of guys think that makes you a good player, when actually it may be a 4.5, 4.6 guy who is an awesome player, but he doesn't get that recognition because he ran a 4.6," Jenkins said.

"It's good and bad, but I don't think that's anything I have to worry about or Dominique has to worry about or anyone else coming out of our area has to worry about, because we produce speed. I don't know why. Maybe it's something in the water."

NFL Combine Results

2008-02-20T21:21:00.004-05:00

If you are looking for the results of the 2008 NFL Combine we will post them as soon as we get our hands on them, or are wondering how these athletes get the results they get, check out www.combinefreak.com .

Enjoy the 2008 NFL Scouting Combine.

Combine Shoe Selection

2008-02-20T21:11:00.003-05:00

I can't tell you how important the right shoes are for each combine test.

Last week I had two athletes come into train for their pro day. I started teaching them the my techniques for the agility tests. The were slipping and sliding trying to execute the proper technique... But they couldn't... It was frustrating!

I told them they needed to get three different types of shoes for various tests. They said "we wear soccer shoes, we wear them to play in as well". I said my pitch to them that there times would come down one to two tenths with the right shoe. They did not believe me.

Two days later we were back on the field working through technique and there they were with their soccer shoes on. They were slipping around again. Finally one of my other athletes' got frustrated watching them slip and took off his shoes and let one of them wear them. After performing a near flawless L-Cone, running a personal best, the athlete looked at me and smiled and said "you were right, I need to get a pair of these".

I tried to tell them, but sometime people are stubborn and want to make the learning curve even longer.

Let me shorten the learning curve for you. Let me show you what are the best shoes to wear to get the best performance in addition to all my other secrets.

I will give you all the answers right here: http://www.combinefreak.com/

Train Hard!

Mike Gough
http://www.speedtoolsusa.com/
http://www.procombinetraining.com/
http://www.combinefreak.com/

PS: My Speed Ladders are going fast! If you do not have a high quality ladder you should check out my Speed Tools Ladder (http://www.speedtoolsusa.com/agility-ladder.php)

NFL Combine Week

2008-02-17T18:12:00.005-05:00

Well all the preparation is just about done, tomorrow the finishing touches will be completed for the NFL Combine.

All those long days will be worth it when my guys hit the turf in Indy.

If you are preparing for a combine, are a trainer, or just purely interested in the NFL Combine make sure to watch the Combine on NFL Network starting Saturday.

When training for the NFL Combine, athletes preparation is twofold. Getting back into top condition through intense training, and test technique perfection. Both of these will lead to a great performce in Indy.

When watching the combine on tv watch each athletes technique on how they perform the tests. Watch the differences. Can you tell who trained with me?

After you watch my Combine Freak DVD, you should be able to see my techniques put forth. So become a student of the tests, it will improve your combine performance and make the NFL Combine watching more interesting.

To learn my techniques get the Combine Freak at http://www.combinefreak.com/

Train Hard!

Mike Gough
http://www.speedtoolsusa.com
http://www.procombinetraining.com/
http://www.combinefreak.com/

PS: My Speed Ladders are going fast! If you do not have a high quality ladder you should check out my Speed Tools Ladder (http://www.speedtoolsusa.com/agility-ladder.php)

Copyright, Athletic Edge Sports, LLC 2008

Looking for a chance - Lakewood Ranch grad hopes to get noticed by the NFL

2008-01-31T16:16:00.001-05:00

By ROGER MOONEY
rmooney@bradenton.com

LAKEWOOD RANCH --The NFL scouts would arrive at the University of Houston and ask to meet with some of the seniors and the names of those players would be posted on a bulletin board in the locker room. Every day Rocky Schwartz would check to see if his name was on the list, and every day he would walk away disappointed.

"It got me down a little bit, but it's fuel to the fire," Schwartz said.
His spirits dipped only slightly, because Schwartz is used to being overlooked.

It was that way during his senior year at Lakewood Ranch High, when as a quarterback, he drew only a handful of offers, and those came from Division I-AA schools. Still, when healthy, Schwartz was a starter at safety for Houston since his freshman season.

Now, after fighting back from a torn left ACL that robbed him of his junior year to lead the Cougars in tackles last fall, Schwartz finds himself again on the outside.

More than 300 invitations to the NFL Scouting Combine were recently mailed to draft-eligible players, but not one contained the name "Rocky Schwartz."

"You can look at it two ways," Schwartz said. "You can say, 'Shoot, nobody's looking at me.' Or you can look at it in a positive way and say, 'People aren't looking at me. I'm going to make them look at me.' "
Which is why if you peeked into the Athletic Edge Sports Performance Conditioning in Lakewood Ranch on Monday afternoon, you would have found Schwartz flat on his back with his legs in the air, pumping as if he were riding a bicycle.
"I need 100 of those," trainer Mike Gough said.
It was the final exercise of an intense 75-minute workout - his second of the day - aimed at preparing Schwartz for the Houston Cougars' pro day in March, where Schwartz will be timed, measured and graded by NFL scouts.
"I just want an opportunity to play," Schwartz said. "I just want somebody to look at me."
Right now, the 23-year-old Schwartz is considered a potential free agent, someone who could sign a contract after the draft's conclusion with no guarantee of lasting through minicamp.
At 5-foot-10, 200 pounds, Schwartz is considered too small for the NFL. With a time of 4.63 in the 40-yard dash, he is thought to be too slow.
"They always say he doesn't have the size or the speed, but when push comes to shove, he is always one of the better players on the team," said Schwartz's wife, Arielle.
The two have a son, Roderick Evan Schwartz III, better known as Trey, who turns 1 on Wednesday. The Schwartzes are expecting a second child in August.
Playing football at the highest level has always been a driving force in Schwartz's life. Now, he has more incentive.
"That has been my dream since, I don't know, as long as I can remember," Schwartz said. "Before I wanted to do this for myself. Now I'm doing it for my wife, my family. It's more than just me."
Trey is big for his age.
"He runs around like a lineman," Schwartz said.
"They are like two peas in a pod," Arielle said. "He's a total daddy's boy. When they're together Rocky becomes a little kid again. He sees Trey, and he just melts."
So Trey's dad presses weights with his legs and arms and runs up hill on a treadmill and does hundreds of crunches on the FieldTurf that covers the floor at Athletic Edge, all with the intent on lowering that 40 time.
"It is something he has a passion for," Arielle said.
But a job in the NFL is not the end all for the Schwartzes. Rocky graduated in December with a degree in sports administration and is taking online course toward a graduate degree. Arielle has degrees from USF in communication and business.
Schwartz said he would be content teaching phys ed and coaching high school football.
Still, for someone considered a tad shy of the prototype for an NFL safety, Schwartz managed to lead the Cougars with 103 tackles - 34 more than cornerback Kenneth Fontenette, who was second. Schwartz proved he can return from a major injury and play at a high level.
Just getting to Houston proved Schwartz can eventually find an open door. The Cougars weren't interested in Schwartz until Steve Cucci, a Southeast High grad who played tight end for Houston at the time, dropped some tape of Schwartz off with the assistant coaches.
And even then it took a couple players to flunk off the team before a scholarship opened up for Schwartz.
"When I first got there, I didn't even know if I could play with those guys, but then I went out there and realized I could," Schwartz said.
Schwartz sees guys he's played with and against in college now playing on Sundays, so why can't he?
"He's working so hard for the chance," Arielle said. "But if he doesn't make it, if it doesn't work out, I wouldn't be upset about it, because he tried his best."

Players hone their skills at Athletic Edge for NFL Combine

2008-01-31T16:10:00.000-05:00

By ROGER MOONEY
rmooney@bradenton.com
LAKEWOOD RANCH --If you didn't see the words painted in the window, and from an angle you couldn't, then the pairs of football cleats drying in the sun on top of a few vehicles parked outside seemed a bit odd.

Two pairs on the roof of a white P.T. Cruiser.
One pair on the hood of black Grand Cherokee.
What the heck?

Ah, but then you see the words on the window: Athletic Edge Sports Performance Conditioning. You're in the right place.

Inside the doors you'll find 26,000 square feet of space dedicated to the conditioning of athletes, football players mostly.

"It doesn't look like much," Amobi Okoye said last year. "But then you don't need much. Just some weights and a place to run."

The weights and exercise machines line the walls. The grass field is found three miles down the road at Lakewood Ranch High and was a bit soggy Monday, hence the wet cleats.

Trainer Mike Gough's facility would never be confused with the larger training sites that are backed by high-powered agents. "I tell the guys if you're looking for something big don't come here," Gough said.
And still they come.

Okoye, a defensive tackle, trained with Gough last year and was taken by the Houston Texans with the 10th overall pick in the NFL Draft.

Joseph Addai, a running back, trained there in 2006 and was selected in the first round by the Indianapolis Colts.

This year's blue chip recruit among the eight college football players working out twice daily is Cody Wallace, a center from Texas A&M who will attend next month's NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis. Wallace decided to train with Gough on the advice of Melvin Bullitt, a former Aggie, whose time at Athletic Edge helped earn him a free agent contract with the Colts.

"Melvin had a really good pro day after working out here," Wallace said. "We have everything you need here, and Mike pushes you really hard."

The Super Bowl will be played Sunday. It's the biggest game of the season, the one every college football player dreams of playing in once he completes the first steps, which is to get into an NFL camp and make the team.

Eli Manning will quarterback the New York Giants on Sunday, and some might remember Manning worked out at IMG in preparation for the combine after his senior year at Ole Miss.
Big facilities, small facilities, it doesn't really matter to NFL teams where you hone your skills as long as you have the skills they seek.

Okoye was right. Gough's gym looks like any other business in the industrial park off Lakewood Ranch Boulevard. Step inside, though, and it's nothing but sweating and grunting and dreams being forged by hard work.

On the walls up near the ceiling are frames containing a few NFL jerseys. There is one for Edwin Mulitalo, an offensive guard now with the Detroit Lions who lives nearby and comes by in the offseason, and ones for Okoye and Addai.

Addai left Athletic Edge for the draft and has since rushed for 1,000 yards in each of his two seasons in Indianapolis. He has also been to the Super Bowl, which he won last February with the Colts.

"Yeah, how about that," Wallace said looking up at Addai's jersey. "You know he's done some good things."

How to Run a Fast Short Shuttle

2008-01-24T19:33:00.000-05:00

The Combine Short Shuttle test is a test of agility, quickness and change of direction. Today I spent over an hour teaching my NFL Combine athletes the nuances of this test. There are so many details on how to run a fast time in this test we could be here for a long time. So much that this test technique took the longest of all tests on my Combine Freak DVD (http://www.combinefreak.com/)

Now let me share with you one tip that will help you shred time off your shuttle.

The tip is the pivoting of the inside foot when performing the shuttle turns. The inside foot needs to pivot or rip around in the direction you need to go. This helps open the hips in the opposite direction, increases the torque of the turn and ultimately allows for a quick crisp turn. So be sure to practice this tip and your times lower quickly.

I taught this last weekend to some high school athletes preparing for the NIKE Combines and they each took 2 tenths off there times following this technique tip alone. This is just one of many test technique tips that I can give you to shave time off your shuttle. For all my other secrets get my Combine Freak DVD by clicking here http://www.combinefreak.com/ .

Keep training hard!

Mike Gough
http://www.speedtoolsusa.com
http://www.procombinetraining.com
http://www.combinefreak.com/

PS: My Speed Tools speed ladders are hot! Get yours today right here http://www.speedtoolsusa.com/agility-ladder.php

40 Yard Dash T-Drill

2008-01-17T11:55:00.000-05:00

I just got off the field from my morning training sessions with my NFL Combine athletes. This week has been all about the basics, teaching them some of the basics for the tests including the 40 yard dash and getting them whipped into shape.

Today one of the tesching tools i use for the 40 yard dash start is the T Drill. I use field paint to mark a one yard straight line vertically out on front of the start line.

Then I get the athlete to measure their individual specific first stride length (as I teach you in my Combine Freak DVD http://www.combinefreak.com) and we mark that line as well. Where the two lines meet is where we get the first step to strike through.

That is an optimal first step. Straight ahead with the correct length for your specific limb length.
Trust me it works.

For more tips like this if you have not got your hands on my DVD get the best combine instructional video on the market today by clicking this link http://www.combinefreak.com .

Train Hard,
Mike Gough
http://www.speedtoolsusa.com
http://www.procombinetraining.com
http://www.combinefreak.com
PS: If you have not started to prepare for your football combine, start it today with my Combine Freak DVD (http://www.combinefreak.com)

How Good is Speed Ladder Training?

2008-01-06T15:08:00.000-05:00

Just how good is the speed ladder for your training? Well it is a staple of my training program here with my athletes. Let me tell you why...

With the speed ladder (http://www.speedtoolsusa.com/agility-ladder.php) you have to have body coordination, awareness, and the ability to get your feet moving quickly. In any sport the faster your feet are the better you will be able to read, react and separate yourself from the competition.

With young athletes through professionals the ability to move the feet while processing information (a thrown ball, recievers movements) is a knack within itself. The ladder will help you keep the feet moving and ultimately elevate your gsme.

When using the ladder the focus should be on keeping the hips low as this is a power position in which to react with power and acceleration when translated on the field.

To see what I mean check out this YouTube video I posted.

To get your hands on one of my Speed Ladders so you can start putting it to work to improve your footspeed click this link

http://www.speedtoolsusa.com/agility-ladder.php

Train Hard,

Mike Gough
http://www.speedtoolsusa.com
http://www.procombinetraining.com
http://www.combinefreak.com
PS: If you have not started to prepare for your football combine, start it today with my Combine Freak DVD (http://www.combinefreak.com)

40 Yard Dash Goals for 2008

2008-01-02T13:02:00.000-05:00

With a new year comes new goals. What are your goals for 2008?

Last year I listed 5 things I wanted to accomplish in 2007, and I worked through that list until I accomplished all of them. You should do the same write them down then conquer them.

One of my main goals is 2008 is to help you get Fast. I want you to be the faster, quicker and the most exposive athlete around. I want to help you run the fastest 40 yard dash you have ever run.

Now how are we going to do this? Well through my e-mail and blog posts I will give you training tips that I use with my athletes that flat out get results. So stay tuned to each and every e-mail.

One surefre way to get fast is with my Speed Tools training gear. If you have yet to check out my new line of speed training products, then you are missing out. Check it out right here:

www.speedtoolsusa.com

Chutes, Sleds, Ladders, Hurdles, and much, much more to help you unleash your athletic potential.

Now lets get after it in 2008!

Train Hard,
Mike Gough
www.speedtoolsusa.com
www.procombinetraining.com
www.combinefreak.com

PS: If you are looking to imprve your 40 yard dash then check out my Speed Tools Agility Ladder http://www.speedtoolsusa.com/agility-ladder.php

Tools to get Faster, Quicker for Football Combines

2007-12-29T07:15:00.000-05:00

I hope all of you are having a great holiday. This is a busy time of year for me with my athletes preparing for the NFL and CFL combines...

But I have a special pre launch announcement just for you...

Over the years I have been helping athletes all over the world get faster, stronger and more powerful while becoming better athletes. Now I am lauching a set of new tools to help you become explosive and flat out fast.

Mike Gough's Speed Tools is my own line of speed training gear that is designed to get you FAST.

Chutes, Sleds, Ladders, Hurdles, and much, much more to help you unleash your athletic potential.

Check it out at www.speedtoolsusa.com

You will not be disappointed as this equipment is heavy duty and the exact training gear I use with my athletes down here. It has been battle tested by the best.

www.speedtoolsusa.com

Train Hard,

Mike Gough
www.speedtoolsusa.com
www.procombinetraining.com
www.combinefreak.com

PS: If you are looking to imprve your 40 yard dash then check out my Speed Tools Agility Ladder http://www.speedtoolsusa.com/agility-ladder.php

The Pro Agility Shuttle

2007-12-18T12:06:00.000-05:00

Yesterday I was poking around online and found a video on a high school football combine website that made me scratch my head. Let me tell you why…

They had a coach/trainer/timer (not sure his specific title) miked up coaching some high school players through the pro agility shuttle. He was telling them to do everything they should not do!!!

If you have watched my new DVD “The Combine Freak” you will know what I am talking about as I point out some techniques that others teach that are killing your time and I show you how to fix them.

He was actually adding 4+ tenths to their times with his techniques. Adding steps, the turns, foot placement, everything he said was NOT what they should be doing. And what happened? At the end of the video clip they showed the first athlete run the shuttle, he was all over the place, slipping in the turns, and adding steps here and there. He almost ran over the guy timing because of these techniques (maybe he did it on purpose!).

In addition the worst thing to do right before you test is to have some trying to coach you up. Perfection takes time.

I am the first to be open to new techniques and must admit that my training techniques are the accumulation of years of learning from others and dissecting video myself. Point is that my technique works.

Don’t waste your time and effort practicing the wrong way to perform the shuttle, when with a click of a remote control you can learn the right way.

Get the Combine Freak Combine preparation DVD today before your testing day has come and gone and you are left there on the field saying I should have listened to Mike.

www.combinefreak.com

How to Train for the Football Combine Tests

2007-12-16T15:54:00.000-05:00

How an athlete performs at a football combine can be critical in their football career. Football combines consist of the following tests: 40 yard dash, vertical jump, broad jump, bench press, pro agility shuttle, three cone agility, and 60 yard shuttle. The better the athlete can perform in each of these 7 tests the better their chances of playing football at the next level whether that is high school to college, or college to the NFL.

Football combine performance enhancement is twofold. The athlete needs to train to enhance their raw strength, speed, agility power and flexibility. The athlete also needs to master the proper technique for each test, ensuring that the test is performed in the most efficient manner. This will lead to a knockout football combine performance.

Football Combine Training

Training for the football combines obviously is different than training for the sport of football. The athlete needs to be a polished blend of speed, agility, power, quickness, and athletic fluidity. Training must reflect these qualities.

Movement skill training, encompassing speed, agility, quickness and foot speed are major areas of focus when training to test at a football combine. These components can be enhanced with training using ladders, speed chutes, speed resistors, and various cones drills. This will allow the athlete to move more efficiently allowing the athlete to perform the tests with better technique.

Developing and enhancing explosive power is also a very important aspect of an athlete’s combine training. Plyometrics are a training method that I use when preparing athletes for the NFL Combine. They help enhance the vertical jump, broad jump, and the 40 yard dash.

Strength development is important as it is a component of increasing explosive power. For the bench press test, both max strength and muscle endurance training should be performed to increase reps performed.

Flexibility training should be performed daily to help increase range of motion. An increased range of motion will enhance speed, agility, and power development.

Football Combine Technique Training

Regardless if you trained to enhance your speed, agility and power, technique training specifically for the combine tests can greatly lower testing times and increase jump height and bench press reps.

Specific test technique cues can limit extra steps and decrease times. By working and refining the specific proper technique for each test you will perform the test more efficiently.

When training the technique for each test, breaking the test up into phases and refining each phase is the best way to make the biggest gains to the whole test. Perfect each phase the move to the next.

Having a systematic step by step protocol for each test is essential to performing at your best. This decreases your nerves as the test becomes a routing that you have repeated hundreds of times during training.

Mental thought processes prior and during each test can limit nerves and increase performance. One two or three simple thoughts provide focus and helps block out negative thoughts and distractions.

By working on the physical and mental technique cues, perfection in each of the tests can be achieved.

Football combine training is twofold. For a knockout combine performance both training and technique refinement should be performed. By training both of these areas you will ensure that you are fully prepared for the biggest test of you life.

NFL Combine training expert Mike Gough, CSCS specializes in 40 yard dash training and football combine test preparation. Mike has just released his football combine training DVD entitled "The Combine Freak" and is available at http://www.combinefreak.com where you can signup for his free 40 yard dash and combine training newsletter.
For more information on Mike Gough's NFL Combine Training Program please visit his website at http://www.procombinetraining.com

The 40 Yard Dash... Like Riding a Bike???

2007-12-14T13:42:00.000-05:00

A funny thing happened the other day. Jon Corto who was the "Combine Freak" in my new DVD had a workout with the New York Giants on Tuesday. He and two other safeties were brought in to get a look. Surprisingly Giants Head Coach, Tom Coughlin conducted the workout.

Jon said they put him through 45 min. of positional drills then out of the blue Coughlin said, "get on the line to run a 40 so we can see how fast you are". Now Jon has not run a 40 yard dash since last March when he lit up the Syracuse Pro Day. So he was taken off guard and said he panicked for a second and scramble to focus on the proper technique. The other two players at the workout were even more stressed, as on was a 13 year vet who has not had to run a forty yard dash in a long, long time.

The panic for Jon did not last long. he got his head into it worked through a couple of starts then hit a decent 40 yard dash in the high 4.5's. He said that all the training with me, ingrained the technique cues into his memory, and he said when he is 50 years old he will still remember my 40 yard dash technique.

Jon told me later it is was "just like riding a bike" executing a close to perfect 40 yard dash.

If you want to learn these powerful 40 yard dash technique cues that will soak into your brain and allow you to run a great time, get the Combine Freak DVD .

Train Hard,

Mike Gough

About the Author: NFL Combine training expert Mike Gough, CSCS specializes in 40 yard dash training and football combine test preparation. Mike has just released his football combine training DVD entitled "The Combine Freak" and is available at http://www.combinefreak.com/ where you can signup for his free 40 yard dash and combine training newsletter.
For more information on Mike Gough's NFL Combine Training Program please visit his website at http://www.procombinetraining.com/

Combine Freak Q&A

2007-12-10T12:02:00.000-05:00

I have been getting some e-mails regarding the starting techniques I teach for the combine short shuttle featured in my Combine Freak DVD. I have been asked why I teach the test this way.

There are various wasy to perform the starting stance of this test. How we start this test is where we can really shave some time off the clock.

The reason why I use my technique on the starting stance is it is more efficient. By performing the first step with my method you will take two tenths off your time for phase one (first five yards).

Trust me I have tried and tested all of the methods out there you see performed for this test at football combines, timing the first phase out and this technique is always two tenths faster.

So while my technique may feel different that what you have been doing, stick with it and you will reap the benefits.

Practice makes perfect.

That's all for now. If you been waiting to get on board with the combine freak DVD, you are missing out. Get on board at www.combinefreak.com

Train Hard,
Mike Gough
www.procombinetraining.com
www.combinefreak.com

PS: If you have my new DVD and have a question send it to me and I will try to address it in future e-mails. If you have not got your hands on a copy yet, get on board www.combinefreak.com

How to Run a Faster 40 Yard Dash for Football Combines

2007-12-09T15:39:00.000-05:00

How to Run a Faster 40 Yard Dash

The 40 yard dash has become the gold standard of football tests and can make or break an athlete’s football career. It is one of the most popular tests performed each year at the NFL Combine.

Many football players are looking for ways to improve their 40 yard dash time prior to attending football combines. By improving specific technique aspects and performing the proper training, 40 yard dash times can be greatly lowered.

Technique for the 40 Yard Dash

By refining the specific technique for the 40 yard dash, times can be greatly improved. Technique cues such as starting stance, first step length, countermovement, arm action, and breathing are some of the key factors in improving the 40 yard dash.

The starting stance of the 40 yard dash is extremely important as it is the foundation for a great time in the 40 yard dash. Each athlete should try to limit countermovement off the start as the timers go on first movement, so if there is countermovement valuable time is given to the timers.

After the start the first step is vital to get an explosive start to the 40 yard dash. The step must be the right length and the right angle for a great start.

One of the most important techniques cues for the 40 yard dash is the breathing technique that is used. A specific breathing pattern will ensure the athlete does not tighten up leading to a great time and technique.

The more technique flaws that can be corrected the more efficient the athlete will run.

Training for the 40 Yard Dash

The other aspect for improving the 40 yard dash is using training methods to increase speed, acceleration, power and flexibility.

Speed and ultimately acceleration training are key methods to enhance a 40 yard dash result. Speed training emphasizing on forward body lean, stride frequency and stride length will improve times.

Flexibility is one of the most over looked aspects of 40 yard dash enhancement. By increasing flexibility in the hips, legs and upper body speed will be enhanced.

By focusing on both the technique and training aspects of the 40 yard dash, a great time can be achieved. The athlete must become a student of the 40 yard dash learning and practicing perfection.

NFL Combine training expert Mike Gough, CSCS specializes in 40 yard dash training and football combine test preparation. Mike has just released his football combine training DVD entitled "The Combine Freak" and is available at http://www.combinefreak.com/ where you can signup for his free 40 yard dash and combine training newsletter.

For more information on Mike Gough's NFL Combine Training Program please visit his website at http://www.procombinetraining.com/

Nike Football Combine Dates Announced

2007-12-07T09:11:00.000-05:00

If you play high school football and are serious about playing college football, then read this post carefully and do what i tell you.

The 2008 Nike Combine dates have been released. Before you signup hear me out. They have listed the surfaces that the testing will take place on. Make sure that you have the proper footwear for the correctr surface you will be tested on.

My Combine Freak DVD (www.combinefreak.com) teaches you each and every tip for you to excel at these combines, plus I show you what footwear to get for each test.

Now the dates, places, and surfaces... Here they are:

Sat., Feb. 2nd Phoenix, Ariz. Phoenix College Grass/outdoors
Sat., Feb. 9th Miami, Fla. Miami Dolphins Facility Turf/indoors
Sat., Feb. 16th New Orleans, La. East Jeff. HS Turf/outdoors
Sat., Feb. 23rd Orlando, Fla. Disney W W Sports Grass/outdoors
Sat., March 1st Atlanta, Ga. Westlake High School Turf/outdoors
Sun., March 2nd Pittsburgh, Pa. TBA Turf/indoors
Sat., March 8th Dallas, Texas Rockwall Sports Turf/indoors
Sat., March 15th Los Angeles, Calif. Long Bch Stadium Turf/outdoors
Sun., March 16th Oakland, Calif. TBA Turf/outdoors
Sat., March 22nd Charlotte, N.C. Charlotte Sports Center Turf/indoors
Sat., March 29th Columbus, Ohio Columbus Fieldhouse Track/indoors
Sun., March 30th Chicago, Ill. MAX McCook Center Turf/indoors
TBA Baltimore, Md. M&T Bank Stadium Turf/outdoors
Sat., May 3rd Houston, Texas Berry Center Turf/outdoors
Fri., June 7th Portland, Ore. Hillsboro Stadium Turf/outdoors
Fri., June 13th Salt Lake City, Utah Westminster College

So if you are a high schooler get signed up, get training and get The Combine Freak (www.combinefreak.com)

Train Hard,
Mike Gough
www.procombinetraining.com
www.nflcombinetraining.com
PS: Don't wait to prepare, start today. www.combinefreak.com

Build Recovery for Football Combine Training

2007-12-01T12:26:00.000-05:00

This morning I was working with two athlete preparing for the upcoming Nike Combines. It was their first training session with me so I evaluated them and worked them out.

They were expecting to learn the nuances of the combine tests, but they were far from any condition to start technique training. Let me tell you why...

In order to properly train technique for the combine tests, you have to have a high level of conditioning. You need this becasue in order to execute proper technique and to establish proper muscle memory, you need to be fresh for each rep.

This way you will get the most out of your training sessions and ensure that you are not repeating bad technique and learning bad habits.

Also I have found that athletes need high levels of body awareness and co-ordination to pick up the key technique concepts needed to perform the combine tests properly.

So be sure that you condition your body to maximize your football combine technique training. You will see fast results when you can repeat rep after rep without fatigue hindering your training.

To get the how to's and secrets I teach all of my athletes heading to the NFL Combine, get your hands on my new DVD "The Combine Freak"

**Get your copy right here: http://www.combinefreak.com **

In this DVD, I will show you how to drastically improve your football combine performance.
So many athletes are improvong their times, jumps and reps... So be sure you are in on the secrets that is making the difference with them so you are not left in the dust!

Again here is the link: http://www.combinefreak.com

Train Hard,

Mike Gough
http://www.procombinetraining.com
http://www.nflcombinetraining.com

How to Reach on the Vertical Jump

2007-11-24T17:08:00.000-05:00

Do you know the different ways to measure the reach on the vertical jump for combine testing?
Now I know you may think what the heck is he talking about but listen to what I have to say...

How to perform the reach in the vertical jump is just as important as the jump itself. When performing the vertical jump the scout will measure your reach, then your jump, and the difference is your vertical jump (ie. 38" etc.)

If you prepare for every possible way the scouts measure the reach you can greatly improve your score in this test. There are specific techniques that will help you lower your reach thus increasing your total vertical jump.

Often these technique cues can be implemented quickly, but for a full effect they need to be practiced. If you learn and master these techniques you will be fully prepared regardless if the scouts use a one, or two armed reach on the pole, tiles or wall.

From my experience, using these techniques can add 4"-5" on your vertical jump. Now doesn't that sound good?

To get these combine training secrets and more get your hands on my new DVD "The Combine Freak" will not disappoint.

See what it is all about! http://www.combinefreak.com/

Train Hard,

Coach Mike Gough

http://www.procombinetraining.com/

http://www.combinefreak.com/

40 yard dash Frustrations

2007-11-20T20:33:00.000-05:00

Do you know what is bothering me?

I can't stand when people get in the way of an athlete's success.It absolutely irritates me when people make decisions and use power to further themselves and not the athlete. Here is why I feel this way.

Recently, I was asked to work with a top prospect up in my homeland of Canada. This athlete is a physical freak and I believe has the ability to play in the NFL.

Upon me contacting him he explained that they had a program at his school, and that his coach said that he had to follow that program in preparation for his testing day with scouts.
I asked him if I could view the program, which I did. Let me preface this by saying that I respect other professionals and know that we all have our own way, and that in most cases we all get results. So if this program he was about to show me was beneficial to him then I would not have any problem with him following there program.

The athlete scanned the program's several pages and sent it to me. What I saw was a program that was fit for a Pop Warner team, basic weight training exercises, no speed, no core, no specific combine prep, no plyometrics, no flexibility, no agility or movement training... I was speechless.
I though I would at least e-mail the caoch to see if I could educate him on what this athlete needed to be doing. In my polite and well written e-mail I expressed interest in helping the athlete prepare for the Combine. His response was..."they are part of the team... the team has a weight lifting program that is manadtory... I built the foundation here and it represent what we do here." In his e-mail he also stated that his program was combine specific... You get the picture.

So here we have a talented athlete with a bright future that is being held down by a coach that is holding his power, and putting his ego in front of this athlete's future. That is what bothers me... Actually it irritates me.

I wish I could slip the athlete a copy of The Combine Freak (http://www.combinefreak.com) for him to watch in private. To at least be on the same level as the athletes that have prepared for the combine tests, athletes that know the specific technique for each test.

This coach would benefit much more by the athlete training properly, testing at the top, making the NFL and thus furthering the perception of this coach's football program. Now that would be logical...

So here is just a one of story of an athlete being held back by his coach... I am sure there are many more.

Don't let it happen to you.

In case you have been under a rock the past 5 days, I launched my new combine training DVD "The Combine Freak" Check it out!
http://www.combinefreak.com

Train Hard,
Mike Gough
http://www.procombinetraining.com/

http://www.masteringthe40yarddash.com/

http://www.nflcombinetraining.com/

PS: Better not wait, click the order now button at the bottom of http://www.combinefreak.com to see if you can still qualify for the special price. It won't last long...

40 yard dash - Combine Freak DVD

2007-11-17T19:48:00.000-05:00

I wanted to share with you this story on how the Combine Freak was created.

It was Christmas Eve last year, and my wife was walking our two basset hounds, when she got home she told me she met this gentlemen walking his dog and that his son is a college football player from a small 1-AA school in the northeast. She said that he wanted to train when he was down for the holidays.

Later that day I get a call from this athlete, and he came in the 26th to workout with me. He said he was from a small school and played LB and by looking at him he was undersized to play LB at the NFL level. I looked at him and thought he would make a great safety with his size so I put him through a tough and I mean tough, workout and was impressed with his athletic ability. I knew when I saw him that he could get a look at the next level. He just had that "it" factor.

This athlete (Jon Corto) decided to stay down in Forida for 8 weeks at his parents and dedicate himself to making the NFL. That was his dream. He was relentless in his commitment to learn and master the combine tests. He was like a student, taking notes on every detail I gave him. He mastered each test to the best of is ability. I had him peaking at the best he had ever been.

My next mission was to get him into a Pro Day, and with the help of his agent he attended the Syracuse Pro Day. There at the Carrier Dome, Jon put on a show that day. With his chiseled 6'1 210 lbs. frame Jon, jumped a 41.5" vertical, a 10'2" Broad Jump, Ran a 4.56 40 yard dash, had a 4.02 short shuttle and a blistering 6.50 sec. L-Cone. He blew it up.

Jon ended up making the Buffalo Bills practice roster this year. Not bad for a guy who told me that he just wanted to see what he could do. Not bad for a guy that grew up in Buffalo and dreamed of one day playing for the Bills. Jon is the "Combine Freak"

If you want to see Jon in action, you need to get the Combine Freak DVD. You will not be dissapointed. You will also be able to see Jon and many other of my clients testing in front of the NFL Scouts.

If you have a dream like Jon did. Live it! And let the Combine Freak help you get there.
We are almost out of our special launch offer, we have 27 copies remaining, so if you are thinking abot getting in, you better get in soon!
Click here to See the Combine Freak!
Train Hard!
Coach Mike Gough http://www.procombinetraining.com/ http://www.combinefreak.com/

How is Your 40 Yard Dash?

2007-11-09T17:36:00.000-05:00

How is your 40 yard dash progressing?

Well if you are like many athletes out there that are planning on attending a football combine this spring you need to always try to push the limit with your 40 yard dash technique training.

The more you focus on the individual phases the faster you will run.

Key Components to a fast 40 yard dash are the Start Stance, Acceleration Phase, and the Top End Speed Phase. How you plan and train each phase will determine how much improvemnt you make.

Each of these three key components to a great 40 yard dash will be broken down into the finest detail in my new DVD "The Combine Freak" that will be launched next Thursday at 12 noon EST.

If you are looking to achieve excellence in all of the combine tests then this is your chance to separate yourself from the competition.

Q&A
David from Hawaii Asks:
How will your DVD differ from other Combine DVD out there?

David, great question, honestly I can't say becasue I have not seen other combine dvds. My combine test technique has been refined through video analysis, trial and error and through personal experience preparing my athletes for the NFl Combine. I will say this, my DVD covers every little detail of every test, I teach you eberything that I know about combine training and leave nothing on the table.

Joe from Arizona Asks:
What tests are covered in your new DVD?

Joe, "The Combine Freak" Vol.1 will cover the following tests: Flexibility tests (3 in total) 40 Yard Dash (3 phases) 5-10-5 Shuttle L Cone 60 Yard Shuttle Vertical Jump Broad Jump Bench Press

In addition I give you a bonus section on my combine preparation secrets, including your mental game, shoe selection, preparation, night before tips, and combine protocol for success.

If you follow what I have to say in this DVD you will no doubt enhance you combine performance!

Be sure to look for my special e-mail next thursday at 12pm EST where you can get your hands on "The Combine Freak" Vol.1 at a special price before I launch it to the world. I will offer 250 DVD's at this special price. They will go quick so make sure you check you email to get on board!

Train hard!

Regards,

Coach Mike Gough
NFL Combine Training Expert
http://www.procombinetraining.com

Do you train for football in-season?

2007-10-09T07:39:00.000-05:00

Combine Training aside, now your focus should be on making plays on the field. The whole reason you train for the combines is to ball on the field. To keep your edge all season long you have to keep training.

All too often do I see some athletes that training with great intensity in the off-season and make huge gains throw it all away during the season due to a lack of structure in their high school football program.

As a result when the playoffs come around these athletes are deconditioned and performing at a level no where close to their potential.

How to we overcome this? You need two quick workouts a week to maintain your edge. By quick I mean 45 min. or so. Your in-season workout should include strength, footspeed, core strength, flexibility and anaerobic conditioning to keep the body tuned up.

Do that twice a week and you will be feeling like you have not lost a step come playoffs.

For my detailed In-Season workout plan check out my latest training manual 'Training for the NFL' .

Thats all for now keep training hard!

Send Your Support for Kevin Everett

2007-09-17T19:04:00.000-05:00

Training for football or combines aside, reality set in Sunday when Kevin Everett of the Buffalo Bills fractured his spinal column on the opening kickoff in the second half.

Everett went under 4 hours of surgery to repair his cervical spine.

Yesterday reports were that Everett had some ability to feel all of his limbs. Tests also showed voluntary movement in his legs, though it was being stated by the doctors that it is only a preliminary result and should be construed as neither a positive nor negative result.

On the positive side Everett's high fitness level as an NFL player is deemed an asset in his battle to recover from this severe injury according to the physicians.

I am asking all of you loyal subscribers to click this link to send a message to Kevin Everett and his family during this tough time. http://www.buffalobills.com/KevinEverett.jsp

**Adding Weight vs. Speed Development**

I was sent an interesting e-mail last week, about a 14 year old OL that weighed 320lbs. The father asked why his 40 yard dash times were sub par, and why he lacked speed and acceleration?

Well first off if you are trying to gain weight, make sure you are still training for speed and quickness.

Many athletes and coaches out there want their players to get bigger, but with increased weight comes some side effects. Athletes who put on alot of weight quickly risk losing their ability to move quickly. Remember that fat adds no value to your performance on the field as it will slow you down. Weight gain should be gradual, with proper training and nutrition playing a key role in ganing lean muscle mass.

**Combine Training Manual**
If you are training for a combine, or are looking to learn the tips and technique instruction on how to perform the combine tests, check out www.NFLCombineTraining.com

Did You See Addai?

2007-09-08T15:37:00.000-05:00

Not sure if you saw the game last night, but I was very impressed with Joseph Addai's game, he dominated.

What makes Joe so good? He has the whole package: speed, agility, quickness, acceleration, great hands, smarts, nd super conditioning.

Some athletes are just combine freaks, they test well but never can take those abilities to the field. Joseph was a combine freak and took that to the NFL where he is developing into a great player.

In-Season Training

I have been getting some e-mails about my e-mail reagrding training during the season. Many of you are looking for a specific protocol to follow. In my book "Training for the NFL" (http://www.procombinetraining.com/Training_for_the_NFL.php)I provide an in-season training program that I give to all my athletes. It is a proven program to keep those gains made in the off-season.

Often many athletes lose all their off-season gains due to de-conditioning during the season. Keep the development flowing from one year to the next.

http://www.procombinetraining.com/Training_for_the_NFL.php

How to stretch for the 40 yard dash

2007-09-07T08:56:00.000-05:00

Although I have covered this topic in past newsletters, I am getting countless e-mail about how and when to stretch.

The Journal of Strengh & Conditioning Research this month had many studies examining the use of static stretching versus dynamic stretching.

More benefits were shown with a Dynamic flexiblity routine over static streching. Studies also showed that vertcial power was increased with dynamic stretching prior to a vertical jump, than with static streching.

So make sure to perform dynamic stretching just like my Dynamic Stretching protocol found in Mastering the 40 Yard Dash (www.Masteringthe40YardDash.com)

In-Season Football Training

2007-08-29T17:00:00.000-05:00

Is it just me or has the football off-season just flown by?

Hopefully you will see the benefits of training when you hit the gridiron. But the question I ask you is what are you doing to keep those off-season gains in your strength, speed, agility and power?

**In-Season Training**
What should you be doing to maintain your peak performance?

I suggest trying to get three workouts in focusing on all aspects of you training. Workouts should be a combination of strength, footspeed, agility, power, flexibility and core work. Assuming you are doing your anaerobic conditioning with the team so there is no need to do extra.

Timing is critical. If you play on Friday, get in Saturday and get a good, tough workout in, take Sunday off, then Monday & Tuesday get a workout in. Wednesday do some core work and a good stretching session, Thursday is off and Friday is game day. You can adjust this schedule for college and NFL games.

**Hydration**
My clients are never on the sideline with cramps. Why is that? Because I have taught them that hydration starts on Monday. the need to eat healthy and hydrate well in the days leading up to the game, not just the night before.

**Are you getting my e-mails?**
If you have not been receiving my e-mail with tips like this, we are now going to give you a better option. We are going to start mailing out Trainign Tips, product annoucements and updates through the USPS.

That's right you will get deliveries right to your mail box.

So to take advantage of this, sign up here http://masteringthe40yarddash.com/Combine_Training_Mailist.html
to start recieving our mailers.

Hope to see you on the list!

Train hard.

Mike Gough
NFL Combine Training Expert
http://www.procombinetraining.com

PS. Check out the new www.procombinetraining.com !!!!!!!

Okoye Drafted Top Ten By Texans

2007-08-25T08:02:00.000-05:00

We are pleased to announce that Amobi Okoye has been selected 10th overall in the 2007 NFL Draft by the Houston Texans. Okoye who clocked a 4.85 40 yard dash at the Louisville Pro Day seperated him in a class of his own.Congrats to Amobi and his family. I know that he will be a huge success in the NFL with his character and work ethic.

How To Run A Fast Shuttle

2007-03-31T15:37:00.000-05:00

Want to run a fast shuttle? One of the keys to a fast shuttle is the ability to get in and out of the turns as quick as possible.

How is this done? Well for starters you need to improve you footspeed as much as possible. You need to have quick feet so they do not stick in the turn. Often I see guys that appear to have cement shoes on, leading to a pause at each turn with noticeable ground contact time. This kills there ability to clock a great time.

Try to be light on your feet at each turn, think quick feet and often this will translate into your feet not sticking to the grass or turf.

Also shoe selection is critical to executing quick turns. For info on what specific shoes I suggest, check out my Pro Combine Preparation Manual (www.nflcombinetraining.com)

NFL Combine Wrap Up

2007-03-31T15:36:00.000-05:00

My clients are now finished with the 2007 NFL Combine. On a whole they all did really really well. I talked with each after the combine to see what twists the scouts brought to the table this year.
Every year I tell my guys to expect the unexpected. Expect to be exhausted both physically and mentally, expect the drills to change, expect the testing rules to be tweaked. And yes this year was no different.

So whether you are training for the NFL Combine, Pro Day, Free Agent Combines, or Nike Combines, you need to be prepared and have all your bases covered.

This year they altered many of the position drills slightly from years previous. My combine preparation includes breaking down each position drill so guys can show their best. They adapted to the new changes.

Also a new rule was applied for the shuttle tests. According to my clients it made all the athletes very upset and thus alot of the shuttle times were slower than years previous.

Now we are preparing for the Pro Timing days at the athletes respective schools. It should be fun!

Want to be fully prepared for the combine tests?

Check out www.nflcombinetraining.com

NFL Combine Updates...

2007-03-31T15:33:00.000-05:00

Live From the NFL Combine...
A busy day here in Indy today with the QB's WR's and RB's all gettin after it on the Field Turf.
I have been getting tons of e-mails on my clients results... Lorenzo Booker ran a solid 4.45 sec 40 yard dash to partner with his 26 rep bench press. A good showing for Lobo. He excelled in the agilities and positional drills.

19 year old phenom Amobi Okoye weighed in at 302. He originally came to me in mid Jaunary at 281 lbs. and amazingly lowered his bodyfat. He repped 29 reps on the bench today. He will run tomorrow and show why he is a top first round selection.

Jeremy Clark a run stuffing DT from Alabama weighed in at 309 lbs. and he repped 29 reps on the bench. That is a huge improvement from his 21 reps he performed on his arrival here in Florida.

Wonder how to train and perform the combine tests correctly?

Check out www.nflcombinetraining.com
Hopefully you have been busy analyzing the technique at this years combine. I have been watching the video and will let u know what I see

Booker Hits 26

2007-03-31T15:31:00.000-05:00

Live From the NFL Combine...

Just earlier I heard from Lobo... aka Lorenzo Booker RB from FSU. Lobo is one of the most jacked athletes I have worked with, he possesses a chiseled physique along with power, speed and serious quickness.

Today Lorenzo benched at the 2007 NFL Scouting Combine. He threw down 26 reps on the bench! Not bad for a 191 lb. athlete. Actually it is pretty amazing.

One thing that Lorenzo loved to do was my bench press protocol. A heavy muscle endurance routine of reps to failure and push ups. Combine this with specific back training exercises to produce a serious bench result.

My 225 lbs. Combine Bench Press Routine is contained in my Pro Combine Preparation Manual (http://www.nflcombinetraining.com/). Be sure to get your copy to see the workout that Lorenzo loved to do!

That's all for now, I will check back in tomorrow with more from Indy.

Live from the NFL Scouting Combine

2007-03-31T15:28:00.000-05:00

Live From the NFL Combine...

Things are buzzing in Indy for the 2007 NFL Combine. Players are arriving each day with the first group being tested today with the OL and TE hitting it at the RCA dome.

I am excited today to see how the RB's bench press. I look forward to seeing my client Lorenzo Booker blow up the bench press today. He was consistantly jacking up 225 in the upper 20's.

Not bad for a 191 lb. firecracker.

If you are looking for an in-depth look into the NFL Scouting Combine be sure to check out my Pro Combine Preparation Manual (www.nflcombinetraining.com). It is the resource on the NFL Combine.

That's all for now, I will check back in later.

Mike Gough
NFL Combine Training Expert
http://www.procombinetraining.com

PS. If you want an inside look at the secrets of Combine training techniques I used with my clients here at the NFL Combine check out my 'Secrets of Combine Training' (http://www.procombinetraining.com/h/m2/default.asp?lang=&nCategory=426)

Playing the NFL Combine Mental Game

2007-02-18T11:47:00.000-05:00

Combine Trainers like myself have only 8 weeks to achieve results in preparation for the NFL Combine. While the bulk of preparation includes physical training, if the mental side is not covered the athlete may crack under the stress and pressure of performing a perfect 40 yard dash or any other combine test.

I stress to my athletes the importance of focus, centering themselves on the test at hand, not thinking of the previous or next test but channeling their focus on simple specific cues. This is the recipe for success.

With many of my clients leaving for the 2007 NFL Combine this week, I am trying to replicate the pressure and stress and see how they perform. So far so good.

Many of you have taken advantage of my special offer if you haven't, get on it fast!

Check it out at www.nflcombinetraining.com

Train Hard,
Mike Gough
NFL Combine Training Expert
http://www.procombinetraining.com

PS. Be sure to watch the NFL Combine this Friday on NFL Network. I know I can't wait!!!

Senior Bowl Week

2007-01-21T17:32:00.000-05:00

The past two weeks have been great. The guys I have in are ready to get to Mobile, Alabama and display a wealth of talent to NFL Scouts. While I have been getting them healthy and enhancing thier performance qualities we have built a foundation in preparation for the next trip which is to Indy for the NFL Combine.

Each athlete that comes in recieves a copy of my Pro Combine Preparation Manual. Yes the same book that many of you have found so helpful in your combine training. So these guys head back to their condos each night a read, and go over what I have taught them that day. It is a great way to ingrain all these technique cues into their subconsious mind.

The more preparation they have the more their body and mind will be programed to do it properly earning the best performance possible.

SO while the focus is hittin it at the Senior Bowl in Mobile, we are buiding up our NFL Combine Preaprations. You should do the same in your preparations.

Train and Study. Train and Study. Become a Student. The results will be amazing.
If you have yet to take a peek at the Pro Combine Preparation Manual than take a look here.

http://www.nflcombinetraining.com

If I did not believe in the quality of this manual, do you think I would hand it out to my boys. If you want to learn, train, and have success at your combine check it out.

http://www.nflcombinetraining.com

Keep focused and train Hard.

Combine Training Confidental : Pre Training Prep

2006-12-03T09:26:00.000-05:00

Now that the College football regular season is complete, we are starting to get commitments from athletes looking to prepare for the NFL Combine.

In my dialogue with these athletes I give them a cheat sheet on what to and how to start preparing for their Combine Training. I suggest the following:

1. Perform my NFL Combine Bench Press Protocol once a week (found in my Pro Combine Preparation Manual)
2. Perform my Active Isolated Stretching Protocol daily (found in my Pro Combine Preparation Manual).
3. Perform footspeed drills.
4. Focus on getting healthy and recovering from injuries.
5. Define your physical and football strengths and limitations.
6. Increase your anaerobic conditioning.

Ok these are my big 6 focus points between now and the bowl game. If each athlete can do this when they start to training with me we are way ahead of the game.

Special Offer.

If you have yet to see the Special Bundle Offer I am currently offering at www.nflcombinetraining.com be sure to check it out. It makes the perfect holiday gift for the serious athlete.

Train Hard,

Coach Mike

NFL Combine Training Homework Assignment

2006-11-22T10:22:00.000-05:00

After my last post I recieved tons of e-mail asking what priority should be for each football position.

Instead of giving you the answers, I want you to think and anyalze the position of your choice and rate the tests in order from most important to least important. This task will get you thinking and understanding of A) the needs analysis for your position B) where your training focus should be. It will be a starting point and priority list for your training.

I will post some of the responses in future posts.

Now put your thinking cap on and make your list!

For complete combine preparation for the NFL Combine, Scout Camp Combines and Nike Combines you will only need one resource for technique preparation www.NFLCombineTraining.com

Be sure to check it out.

Train Hard,

Coach Mike Gough

Combine Training 101 - Target What the Scouts are Looking For

2006-11-20T12:01:00.000-05:00

When I get a new athlete coming into train with me for the combine, the first thing I do is talk with the athlete. I ask what are his strengths, limitations, goals, football specific strengths, limitations, and what are his priortities.

I want specifics.

I also educate the athlete on the combine process. One of the items that I think is very important is for athlete to understand what specific tests are most important to their position.

By this I mean which of the combine tests will the scouts place the most emphasis on. This is the order of emphasis and level of focus throughout their training.

We can't get caught in what the media places emphasis on, we must train for what the scouts look for.

For instince, let take an offensive guard. How do you prioritize the combine tests for an OG? I would start off with the most important to least important. Here goes:

1. 10 yard dash split
2. Pro Agility Shuttle
3. Bench Press 225. lbs.
4. Positional Drills
5. Flexibility Tests
6. L-Cone Agility
7. Vertical Jump
8. Broad Jump
9. 40 Yard Dash

So as you can see here is my priority list in general for an OG. Remeber that this is general and that individual limitations apply in certain circumstances that may alter this order.

So breakdown your positional priorities so you can target what the scouts are specifically looking for and your stock will skyrocket!

If you have not yet checked out my new website www.NFLCombineTraining.com be sure to check it out. I offer an incredible bundle package that will get you combine ready.

Train Hard,

Coach Mike

NFL Combine Training Updates

2006-11-11T16:08:00.000-05:00

Today I am announcing the launch of my new website.

Learn these 40 techniques with MASTER THE 40 YARD DASH

Coach Mike Gough
www.NFLCombineTraining.com
www.procombinetraining.com

If you have yet to get my Pro Combine Preparation Manual, I have launched a website specific to the Manual itself Check it out here!

NFL Combine Preparation and Training Manual

2006-11-10T12:37:00.000-05:00

Check out our new website for our Pro Combine Preparation and Training Manual. Hit the order button for our special Bundle Offer including the Best Seller: Mastering The 40 Yard Dash.

Stretching for 40 Yard Dash Speed

2006-11-05T20:02:00.000-05:00

Often one of the most overlooked areas in speed enhancement in particulr the 40 yard dash is flexibility training.

Often athletes perform endless bouts of static stretching. Many experts have advocated that static stretches should be held for up to 60 sec. This was known as the gold standard in flexibility training. This type of stretching decreases the blood flow and increases lactic acid production.

This can be potentially performance limiting before an event like the 40 yard dash.

So how do you stretch without this occuring? Active Isolated Stretching (AIS) is effective for flexibility enhancement and optimal physiological function. With this type of stretching you hold the stretch for no longer then 2 seconds. This allows the targeted muscle to lengthen without the activation of the stretch relfex in the muscle. This allows the muscles to be stretched in a relaxed state for optimal lengethening.

This type of stretching will yield superior flexibilty results fast. To get my AIS Rope protocol check out my Mastering the 40 Yard Dash Manual. This protocol can be used before training or running the 40 Yard Dash.

Later this week I will teach how to stretch out the hamstring muscles to increase your speed.

Train Hard!

Coach Mike Gough

PS. If you are preparing for a Combine are want to know what and how to perform the tests properly a must read is my Pro Combine Preparation Manual

Wall Drill Training for 40 Yard Dash

2006-10-23T09:16:00.000-05:00

One of the Simplest drills you can do for improving your acceleration phase of the 40 yard dash is by performing wall drills. These require no high tech equipment and produce great results.

In the 40 yard dash the longer you can accelerate the faster you can run. Forward body lean is essential to acceleration. Wall Drills force your body to feel and fire at an exaggerated acceleration angle. When performed properly it fires the hip flexors and gives you that burst off the start.

For 40 yard dash specific walls drills implement my breathing technique with each set. Remember that each set should be short burst with your key thought being keeping the knees firing up and the feet landing back. You want to maintain a 45 degree agle throughout the upper and lower body.

If your hip flexors fatigue or are in-flexible, the body will break the 45 degree angle and you will not be able to maintain the leg drive. You will look as if you are doing a butt kick warmup drill.

While Wall Drills are just one exercise they allow you to feel acceleration an ultimately will enhance your 40 yard dash.

Keep Training hard!

Coach Mike Gough
www.ProCombineTraining.com

Have you seen Mark Anderson?

2006-10-17T11:48:00.000-05:00

Wow, sometimes I have to pinch myself. Last night I was taking in Monday Night Football's Cards vs. Bears game. Actually I was taking in my client Mark Anderson's first NFL Start.

You see, Mark Anderson killed the NFL Combine, a 42 inch vert, tops in the shuttle tests, tops in the 40. On draft day, he slid to the 5th round. He was mad, I was mad. We had something to prove.

Now after 6 weeks he has shown the critics worng. 6.5 sacks with limited playing time. He leads the NFL.

Take that.

Last night I had chills watching him turn the corner and nail Matt Leinart between the numbers causing a fumble and a Bears TD.

That is the effect my "Training for the NFL" has on athletes. It allows them to become faster, more explosive and translate to the field where my guys are making the plays.

And it is just not Mark. High School, College, and NFLer's are getting these results.

Hop On Board and Get Training!

Train Hard,

Coach Mike Gough

Football Speed Training Check Out Football FAST!

2006-10-12T09:36:00.000-05:00

Do you want to be Football FAST?

A highly respected colleague of mine, Jeremy Boone, who is one of the top speed coaches in the country has produced a DVD with Chicago Bears WR Mushin Muhammed.

You know that I don't recommend to many products to my loyal followers. And if I am going to recommend you to get a specific product, you know that I fully endorse the informational value of his DVD.

Boone, the Speed coach for the Carolina Panthers has hit the nail on the head with this DVD called 'Football Fast'. Not only do you get the DVD, you get access to a members only website with audio interviews and cutting edge football speed training information.

If you don't get on board with this product, you may get left behind by athletes that are training with Coach Boone's speed drills. The work for Mushin, they will work for you!

Check it out! Football Fast- Get NFL Speed Training Here

Coach Mike Gough
www.procombinetraining.com

Special Offer: If you purchase

Mastering the 40 Yard Dash recieve my bonus 40 Yard Dash - Lesson Course Manual free ( a 29.95$ Value).

5 Ways to Maintain Your Speed During the Season

2006-09-26T07:57:00.000-05:00

Far too often do I see athletes that lose a step during the season. Here are 5 ways to maintain your speed in-season without a high training volume.

1. Stretch - many athletes don't do this at all. Following a Active Isolated Stretching routine like the one in Mastering the 40 Yard Dash will maintain and improve your flexibility in only 10 min.

2. Footspeed Drills - Perform some footspeed drills each day during the practice week to keep your feet fast. Use a footspeed ladder or jump rope.

3. Work the hips - Fire those hips up with some hip flexor training. Try 3 x 15 sec. of wall drill accelerations.

4. Train the core - Keep the core strong and stable and your will enhance your speed.

5. Plyometrics - Hit some plyometrics 1-2 times a week. Nothing crazy just two explosive exercises for 3 sets each will keep the fast twitch muscles fired up.

As you can see, this won't take alot of time out of your day, but these are essential for maintaining your speed throughout the season.

Remember you want to be at your best come districts and states.

Train Hard,

Coach Mike Gough

How Size Affects the 40 Yard Dash

2006-09-24T17:28:00.000-05:00

I often get athletes that come to me looking to get bigger, with no mention of maintaining or enhancing their speed in the 40 yard dash.

Recently I picked up a ten pound plate and asked an athlete how fast he could run with the plater strapped to his back? He laughed but in all honesty when athletes try to bulk up, their speed, more specifically their acceleration, usually suffers.

So what can be done?

Well gradual lean muscle weight gain is suggested as opposed to rapid weight gain. This allows the body to adjust to the weight gain and maintain their speed. Rapid weight gain slows the body down, decreases flexibility, and ultimately inhibits the fluid movement patterns of the athlete.

So next time you are addicted to gaining muscle, think to yourself that you are an athlete first, that you need to build your athleticism first as muscle is slowly added to the body. You need to stretch to make sure that the muslces can move through a full range of motion. A balanced body of speed and lean muscle is what we are after. Both size and speed can be achieved, it just takes time to do it right.

Remember building a solid foundation takes time, hard work and dedication. If you are looking how to develop speed, look no further than "Mastering the 40 Yard Dash" manual which has a knockout 30 day speed training program that will give you that drive and acceleration you have been longing for. Sprint on over to http://www.procombinetraining.com/h/m2/default.asp?lang=&nCategory=421

Coach Mike Gough
NFL Combine Training Expert

P.S. As a bonus, anyone who takes me up on the Mastering the 40 Yard Dash offer will recieve my 10 Lesson 40 Yard Dash Course Free!!!! This is only available till Wednesday September 27!

MASTER THE 40 YARD DASH

40 Yard Dash World Record

2006-09-22T08:50:00.000-05:00

Who has the 40 yard dash world record ? Who has run the Fastest 40?

As you know I put alot of time into studing the 40 yard dash. I analyze tons of video, break down specific techniques looking for the most optimal way to run a perfect 40 yard dash.

Also I analyze times, I break down 10 yard and 20 yard split times to analyze acceleration. I count strides and look at stride length. So you can see I am in-depth with my 40 yard dash knowledge.

This knowledge has led me to be able to teach and provide 40 yard dash instruction that gets results.

There has been alot of talk on the internet about the 40 yard dash and who has the 40 yard dash world record. Here is the problem; there is no consistant enviroment to judge player A from player B. Check this out:

The NFL Combine: yes it has been a consistant enviroment over the past years but last year the installed a Field Turf surface and often players refuse to ru the 40.

Enter the Pro Timing Day. There were more than 150 this year, most jammed into a three week period in March, most held in a dizzying blend of conditions and surfaces. Take March 23, when there were pro days at 11 campuses. North Carolina State ran its 40s indoors in the weight room on a rubber floor. USC ran outdoors on a state-of-the-art track with a crosswind. Southern Illinois ran outdoors on FieldTurf in breezy, 42-degree weather. Southern Mississippi ran outdoors on FieldTurf but in still, 65-degree conditions. Virginia ran outdoors on a Tartan track, Northern Colorado outdoors on artificial turf, Northern Iowa in a dome, Georgia Southern and Bowling Green outdoors on grass, Boston College indoors on rubber. Lambuth, an NAIA school in Jackson, Miss., had its offensive line prospect run on a cracked tennis court. Louisiana-Monroe held pro day in a basketball gym.

SO my point is this: how can we declare or even discuss a world record in the 40 yard dash when there is so many inconsistancies involved.

Just my 2 cents. Have a great weekend.

Train hard,

Coach Mike Gough
www.procombinetraining.com

To learn everything about the 40 Yard Dash and a 30 day speed training program Click Here

Joseph Addai for NFL Rookie of the Week

2006-09-19T19:40:00.000-05:00

Do me a favor and vote my client Jospeh Addai Rookie of the week? He had a great game vs. the Houston Texans. Click Here to Vote foe Joe

Sled Training for the 40 Yard Dash

2006-09-18T09:22:00.000-05:00

A great tool for 40 yard dash improvement is the use of a weighted sled in your training program.

A weighted sled improves acceleration and power development in the running stride. It allows the body to feel forward body lean, critical for acceleration.

Here are my top three drills with the weight sled for you 40 yard dash improvement.

Drill #1 10 yard Accelerations
From a 40 yard dash start position accelerate out 10 yards with proper 40 yard dash technique and breathing (see: Mastering the 40 Yard Dash)

Drill #2 Resisted Marching
Using a heavier resistance on the sled perform a marching A focusing on forward body lean, firing the hip flexors and good arm action. Perform this drill out to 20 yards.

Drill #3 Backpedal Drives
With the harness or belt on backwards, athlete performs a resisted backpedal, focusing on keep the hips low and extending the leg through each stride with good arm action.

Try these three drills to train for the 40 yard dash. To learn the proper technique for the 40 Click Here.

Get fast!

Coach Mike Gough
http://www.nflcombinetraining.com/
http://www.athleticedgesports.com/

Terrell Owens a Mentor?

2006-09-18T08:26:00.000-05:00

After all we have heard about Terrell Owens and his past with the 49ers and Eagles, one would not expect TO of all people to mentor a undrafted rookie free agent.

A client of mine Sam Hurd made the Dallas Cowboys roster as an undrafted rookie free agent. Sam has made a huge impact thus far.

A big reason is becasue of the mentoring of Owens, who has taken Sam under his wing, teching him what has made him a success on the field. Owens stays after practice with Hurd teaching him the little things that have made him successful. He has helped guide and mentor Sam.

The Sporting News wrote a great piece during training camp entitled Hurd becoming known as more than TO's protege which in talking to Hurd has made me see a whole new side to "TO" as we may know him.

The lesson here, "don't always judge a book by it's cover" as they say. For me, I know that TO has made a positive impact on my client's career which is just starting. And for that I am thankful to him.

Train Hard

Coach Mike Gough
www.procombinetraining.com
www.athleticedgesports.com