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The Importance of Combine Testing for Lacrosse Recruiting: How the 40-Yard Dash, 5-10-5 Shuttle, and Broad Jump Impact Athlete Performance


Why Combine Testing Matters for Lacrosse Recruiting and Showcases


For lacrosse players looking to take their game to the next level, measurable athletic performance is just as important as skill development. Whether you're aiming to get recruited for college lacrosse, stand out at a showcase, or simply improve your athleticism, Combine testing provides critical data that can set you apart from the competition.


In today’s recruiting landscape, coaches are looking for athletes who are not only skilled but also explosive, fast, and agile—qualities that directly impact on-field performance. This is where standardized athletic testing, like what we offer at National Lacrosse Combine, plays a crucial role in lacrosse recruiting showcases.


By testing metrics such as the 40-yard dash, 5-10-5 shuttle, and broad jump, athletes gain objective performance data that can be used for college recruiting, strength and conditioning programs, and personal development. These numbers help coaches and recruiters evaluate an athlete’s speed, agility, and power, which are essential for success in lacrosse.


In this guide, we’ll break down the top Combine tests, their importance in lacrosse recruiting showcases, and how you can use them to elevate your game.


The 40-Yard Dash: Speed Wins in Lacrosse


What is the 40-Yard Dash?

The 40-yard dash is the gold standard for testing linear speed. Athletes sprint 40 yards as fast as possible, and their time is recorded using laser timing gates for precision.


Why is the 40-Yard Dash Important for Lacrosse Players?

In lacrosse, quick bursts of speed make the difference between getting to ground balls, beating a defender, or creating separation for a shot. Your first-step explosiveness and top-end speed are crucial for success, and the 40-yard dash measures both.


Key Benefits for Lacrosse Recruiting:

  • Demonstrates game-changing speed to college coaches at lacrosse showcases.

  • Helps attackmen, midfielders, and defenders understand their acceleration and sprinting ability.

  • A strong 40-yard dash time separates elite athletes from the competition.


How to Improve Your 40-Yard Dash Time:

  • Focus on start mechanics—the first 10 yards are crucial.

  • Develop lower-body power through explosive lifts like squats and cleans.

  • Work on stride frequency and length to maximize speed efficiency.


The 5-10-5 Shuttle: Agility and Change of Direction


What is the 5-10-5 Shuttle?

Also called the Pro Agility Shuttle, this test measures lateral quickness and change-of-direction ability. Athletes start in the middle, sprint 5 yards one way, change direction to sprint 10 yards the opposite way, and then sprint back to the starting position.


Why is the 5-10-5 Shuttle Important for Lacrosse?

Lacrosse is a high-change-of-direction sport, requiring constant stops, starts, and lateral movement. Whether you're a defender reacting to a dodger, a midfielder cutting through traffic, or an attackman working on quick dodges, agility is key.

Key Benefits for Lacrosse Recruiting:

  • Showcases elite lateral quickness—a major factor for college coaches evaluating players at lacrosse recruiting showcases.

  • Helps defenders react faster to dodging attackmen.

  • Improves footwork for offensive players, making dodges and cuts more effective.

How to Improve Your 5-10-5 Shuttle Time:

  • Develop strong footwork mechanics—stay low and balanced during cuts.

  • Train hip mobility and flexibility to reduce wasted movement.

  • Use cone drills and resistance training to improve quickness.


The Broad Jump: Explosiveness and Lower-Body Power


What is the Broad Jump?

The broad jump tests an athlete’s lower-body explosiveness and power. Athletes jump forward from a standing position, landing as far as possible while maintaining balance.


Why is the Broad Jump Important for Lacrosse Players?

Explosiveness is critical in lacrosse—whether you're driving to the cage, exploding off a dodge, or battling for ground balls. The broad jump directly correlates to first-step quickness and total-body power, making it a key indicator of athletic performance.


Key Benefits for Lacrosse Recruiting:

  • Demonstrates power output, which directly translates to sprinting and change-of-direction speed.

  • Helps midfielders and defenders win ground ball battles by improving explosiveness.

  • A strong broad jump indicates overall athletic potential, something college recruiters look for.

How to Improve Your Broad Jump Distance:

  • Develop lower-body strength with squats, deadlifts, and plyometrics.

  • Focus on explosive training like box jumps and single-leg bounds.

  • Improve core strength and balance for better jump control.


Why Combine Testing Matters for Lacrosse Recruiting and Showcases


How Lacrosse Recruits Can Use Combine Data

For players attending lacrosse recruiting events and showcases, having validated Combine numbers enhances your recruiting profile. College coaches don’t just look at highlights—they also assess athletic potential through measurable data.

  • Showcase Your Athleticism: Having strong 40-yard dash, shuttle, and broad jump scores makes you more attractive to recruiters.

  • Track Progress Over Time: Testing at National Lacrosse Combine allows you to see your improvement and refine your training.

  • Compare Against College Standards: Many NCAA programs have benchmarks for speed, agility, and explosiveness—knowing your numbers helps you see where you stand.


How National Lacrosse Combine Prepares Athletes for Success

At National Lacrosse Combine, we provide professional Combine testing for lacrosse players, helping athletes validate their athletic performance with laser-timed speed tests, precision vertical jump measurements, and expert training insights.

Our events are designed to give lacrosse players an edge in recruiting by providing verified testing numbers that can be shared with college coaches and recruiting platforms.


Sign Up for the Next National Lacrosse Combine Event

Are you ready to take your lacrosse recruiting profile to the next level?

Sign up for our next National Lacrosse Combine event and get professionally tested in the 40-yard dash, 5-10-5 shuttle, broad jump, and more.


🔹 Get your numbers recorded with professional timing systems🔹 Receive an official Combine report to share with recruiters🔹 Improve your performance and track your progress


📅 Upcoming Lacrosse Combine Events



Whether you're an aspiring college lacrosse player or simply looking to improve your athletic performance, Combine testing is essential for your development. Don’t miss your chance to prove your athleticism, enhance your recruiting profile, and gain a competitive edge.

See you at the National Lacrosse Combine!

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