Dr. Yessis Unveils Truth About NFL Combine

Online, February 8, 2011 (Newswire.com) - (San Marcos, CA) Dr. Michael Yessis, a legendary pioneer in Biomechanics & athletic technique, asks the question: Do NFL Combine Results Predict Playing Ability?
The answer, according to Dr. Yessis "Most football coaches know that selecting a player based on NFL combine results is a crap shoot at best." Dr. Yessis has evaluated the tests used at the NFL combine to offer an explanation of why the results are such poor predictors of successful playing on the field.

"It is well established in the sports sciences that when using physical tests to predict playing success, the tests must duplicate the exact conditions under which the ability is displayed in game play. The test must duplicate the same neuromuscular pathway as used in execution of the skill and involve the same muscles, the same type of muscle contraction regime and the same sequence of including the muscle actions. This is not the case at the NFL combine and I'll explain why" continued Dr. Yessis.

In other words, the test must duplicate the same technique and execution as witnessed in competitive play. There must be duplication of the same sports skills in the tests and the tests should use the same energy producing systems as in game play.

By using these criteria it is possible to evaluate the tests used in the combine. The data can then be used to determine how closely the test duplicates or predicts what the athlete will do in gameplay. This will help eliminate much of the guess work that goes into evaluating the players at the combine.

More specifically, some of the more popular tests from the NFL combine that are used to evaluate players are as follows:

1. The vertical jump. Vertical jump height is often a good predictor of jumping ability and is used to determine how explosive the athlete is. Thus it can serve a valuable role. In addition to jump height, jump technique is also very important and should be evaluated by coaches. This is typically not addressed at the NFL combine. Also omitted, but which I believe should be evaluated, is the jump executed when on the run. Since this is when most jumping in football occurs the test will be much more game specific.

2. Broad jump (standing long jump). This test is similar to the vertical jump in relation to indicating how explosive the athlete is and his ability to leap well. The vertical jump and the broad jump are tests of power. Thus the broad jump can play a role in evaluation and be predictive in relation to physical abilities, but it adds little to the total picture in relation to gameplay. An athlete can be extremely explosive but if he lacks the skills needed to display his abilities, he will not be a successful player. Also, if the athlete does well in the vertical jump, he typically does well in the standing long jump.

3. Three-cone drill. The key to effective execution and how fast this drill is run depends upon how effectively the changes in direction are made. All too often the athlete must take stutter steps before making a change in direction. This is not indicative of great quickness. However, little attention is usually given, at the NFL combine, to how the changes are made. Emphasis is on the times registered--which are often the result of speed between the cones rather than on how effectively the changes in direction are made. The latter is more game specific.

4. 40 yard dash. This is the premier event at the NFL combine. It is a test of speed and acceleration since they also take the times for the 10 and 20 yard distances. The 40 yard dash is a great test to measure straight line running speed especially when the runner does not encounter any defensive players. Since this rarely happens in a game situation.

A more effective test would be to have player obstacles interrupt the run to see how well the player can modify his run and yet, still maintain his speed. Many studies have shown, -- and as many coaches have experienced -- the 40 yard dash is a poor predictor of player ability in game situations.

Quickness is usually much more important than pure running speed. (Quickness refers to agility, the ability to make quick changes in direction while in motion, as for example when running for yardage, usually in a zig-zag fashion.

5. Bench press In this exercise, given to quarterbacks, receivers, tight ends, offensive lineman and defensive backs, the athlete bench presses 225 lbs. for as many repetitions as possible. It is used as a measure of strength but in reality it is a measure of strength endurance. Athletes with the most repetitions are in 30 to 40 rep range which as it should be obvious, is no longer a test of strength but a test of endurance. How this test is predictive of playing ability is questionable. There are many examples of athletes who do repetitions but never make it on the pro level.
In conclusion, it can be stated that most of the tests used in the NFL combine are poor predictors of player ability. But yet, coaches rely heavily on them. This, I believe is the reason why so many of the players that they select do not come up to expectations.
Dr. Yessis www.doctoryessis.com has authored 16 books, trained hundreds of elite athletes, Dr. Yessis is also Professor Emeritus at California State University, Fullerton, where he was a multi-sports specialist in biomechanics (technique analysis) and sports conditioning and training.

Dr. Yessis has served as training and technique consultant to several Olympic and professional sports teams, including the L.A. Rams and L.A. Raiders football clubs, Natadore Diving Team, and the U.S. Men's Volleyball Team.