So yesterday I was fortunate enough to go to the Nike Football Training Camp (NFTC) in Champaign where Twice The Speed Athlete Chris James (on the right in the picture to the left) participated.  Chris was one of 150 athletes from all of the Midwest to attend (and among less than 10 Class of 2014s).  Sitting back and watching from the sidelines I was able to really notice what made some of these athletes stand out…

Just to give you an idea of what types of schools these kids are getting full rides to: USC, Ohio State, Clemson, LSU, Alabama, etc…

You get the picture…these kids are STUDS!

So what sets you apart at a combine? (Doesn’t matter what sport: Baseball, Basketball, Football, etc…)

1. Be Sure You Are Pollished

The athlete who really stands out is the one who looks like they’ve done every test and or drill a million times.  Within just a few minutes of the camp (no joke) I actually picked out who the overall MVP of the camp would be “Ezekiel Elliot” (on the left in the picture above).  I literally saw him run one route, catch one ball, and turn up the field.  Maybe I should be a scout!!!?!??

But in all seriousness, I was able to pick and choose what kids really deserved this big time scholarship offers based on how crisp their game was.  If you are getting ready for a combine or camp this summer, be sure you know EXACTLY what drills, and tests you will be doing so you have the best advantage possible.  Once you know what drills and tests, practice, practice, PRACTICE!!

This is what will set you apart from the rest of the athletes at the camp!  Coaches will notice you regardless if you are not the best at every single drill.

2.  Show That You Want To Be There

SMILE, laugh, have a sense of humor!  Yes, you are there for business (to dominate your competition) but coaches and scouts want to see kids having fun, yet respectful.  Introduce yourself to the coaches before the camp…(this isn’t kissing ass, it’s getting your face in front of them in a positive way prior to even lacing up your cleats).

Tell other kids good job and DO NOT put blame on other athletes if there is a time you look bad.  For you Football players: If you’re playing WR and the QB throws one low and makes you look bad…simply tell him, “My Bad”, I’ll make sure to go down and get it next time.  It takes pressure off of him, and shows coaches that you are a team player!  Same goes for Basketball, Baseball, etc…You get where I’m going with that.

3. Try Your Absolute Hardest/Hustle

I’m sure you’ve all heard that you need to hustle at all times…Well you’re about to hear it again.  Coaches and scouts are typically between the ages of 35-60.  Their generation is a lot different than yours!  They were raised in an entirely different time, that produced a totally different athlete.  Back in the day, athletes were tougher, but less talented (overall).  Nowadays, you see tons of athletes who are born so gifted, but they mess things up because they didn’t work hard/have a poor attitude.  When a coach says get to the middle of the field or court…you hustle up!  This doesn’t mean you need to be on a dead out sprint, but you should move and make it a point that you are there to work.

Obviously you need the tangibles to really impress coaches/scouts at a combine or camp, but if you take these three pillars of camps into the equation at your next event, you will soon see a drastic change in the way coaches look at you.

Talk soon,

Coach Cascio

P.S. If you are looking for a full system (the one that Chris James did to help him get recognized as the top 150 in the midwest even though he was a year younger) then you need to check out the:

“Twice The Speed Training System”.   <—–Discover The System Here

This is a COMBINE KILLER!!  If you have one coming up and you want to be completely ready/be the most explosive athlete there, then The Twice The Speed Training System is exactly what you need!