First acceleration and stop

Begin in the stance you use for the 40. In some cases, the timers dictate which hand you put down, so get used to starting with either. Line up about one yard to the left of the cone so you carry momentum into the first turn. If you’re too tight to the cone coming out of a direction change, you have to come to a dead stop and make an out-cut like a receiver.

Explode out of the start; then, shortly thereafter, perform a hockey stop (shift your hips to the left so they are perpendicular to the line and about six inches wider than your shoulders). Try to get your right foot and right hand to the line at the same time; stretch your right arm so you can touch the line quickly with your middle finger, and lean toward the start line to create an angle from which to drive.

Second acceleration and stop

After the first stop, accelerate back toward the start line and perform another hockey stop, touching the line with your right hand. Make sure to move in a straight line with the first two passes, so you’re touching the start line right where you lined up. Don’t make yourself have to run more than 10 yards.

Third acceleration and first turn

As you come out of the second hockey stop, don’t run directly at the second cone and try to plant hard off it. Round the cone to keep momentum going into the figure 8—just enough width to maintain fluidity through the turn.

The Figure 8

As you accelerate toward the second turn, you cannot put your hand down on that turn. They are sticklers about that at the Combine. Again, avoid planting and pivoting around the cone. Allow enough width to stay fluid, and keep your feet moving the whole time. Use your arms to accelerate through the turn.

Last turn

On the final turn, most people head straight for the cone, then break hard to the left. Maintain momentum and save time by bending the turn wide so you cross the line about five feet wider than where you started.