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NFL Combine Secret # 5: Perform Under Pressure
image by Scott Wachter
Imagine that your performance over the next three months could translate into millions of dollars in additional income. That’s a lot of pressure, but it’s exactly what this year’s class of NFL hopefuls faces as they prepare for the NFL Scouting Combine in February, as well as their March “Pro Day” workouts back at their colleges.
How they perform at these events helps dictate where they’ll be selected and how much money they receive in the first years of their careers. Many professionals reach a point where they have to deal with the stress of a life-defining moment and rise to the occasion. They could take a cue from the Combine hopefuls training at Athletes’ Performance this winter.
1. Prepare, then relax.
The difference between high achievers and those who perform well only some of the time is the ability to repeat that high performance again and again. That ability is largely a function of hard work and preparation. D.J. Moore, a highly-regarded cornerback from Vanderbilt, has worked hard to deal with the stress of the upcoming NFL draft testing.
“It’s hard not to think of this is as a life-or-death situation,” he says. “Career-wise, I don’t want to do anything else. To be able to do what you love is a blessing. But you have to realize that by giving yourself time to prepare and taking that preparation seriously, you’ll be in good shape.”
2. Remember you’ve been here before.
It’s easy to be overwhelmed by sudden change and added responsibility. The key, of course, is to keep it simple whenever possible. But how do you keep from over-complicating things?
“Preparing for the NFL is probably the biggest thing I’ve ever done in my life,” says quarterback Cullen Harper, who played at Clemson. “At the same time, it’s still the same game I’ve been playing since I was six years old. If you put forth your best effort and stay focused, everything else should take care of itself.”
3. Lead with your strengths.
It’s easy to get stressed out when called to perform on a public stage. But if you’re performing within your chosen field, then things should go smoothly.
“Most of us are never going to perform in front of 100,000 fans,” says Ken Croner, an Athletes’ Performance specialist who works mostly with NFL players. “I know I’m comfortable speaking about strength and conditioning or sports in front of a room full of people. You’re always more comfortable with what you know and that confidence is going to help you excel.”
About The Author
Pete Williams – Pete Williams is a contributing writer for CorePerformance.com and the co-author of the Core Performance book series.
