How to Drastically Improve Your 40-Yard Dash Time

The 40-yard dash is used to determine an athlete's running speed, especially in football. To attract the attention of coaches and recruiters, it's important to improve your time as much as possible. Start off right by wearing proper running attire with good wind resistance and comfortable shoes.

Things You'll Need

  • Stopwatch
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Instructions

    • 1

      Place your stronger leg up front near the line and your dominant hand on the ground. By starting with your strong leg and arm on the ground, you generate more initial push.

    • 2

      Remain low throughout the entire 40 yards. Your head should be down but looking 3 to 5 yards ahead. This action cuts down the wind resistance against your body.

    • 3

      Take longer strides with your first couple steps. This increases the distance you can cover before you reach your top speed. The first 5 to 10 yards of the run are the most important and where most people can shave time off their 40-yard dash.

    • 4

      Pump your arms to at least match your strides. This is one of the first things that football players are taught in preparation for the 40-yard dash at the NFL draft combine.

    • 5

      Do not lift your head up until you have completely finished the run. Pulling your head up with 5 yards left may be the difference of running a 4.5 and a 4.7.