Northwoods Combine and Kicking Camp

Sunday, March 12th

NORTHWOODS COMBINE in the HODAG DOME

The first event of 2023 will be in Rhinelander, Wisconsin indoors at Rhinelander High School’s Hodag Dome — the largest high school indoor bubble in America!

YOU HAVE TO SEE IT TO BELIEVE IT!

A full 100-yard field inside with a 70-foot ceiling height.

ELIGIBILITY:

This testing event is in conjunction with the Northwoods Combine and open to any high school kicker or punter.

This is the only combine in Wisconsin offered to kicking and punting specialists (along with position athletes).

You’re going to want to make the drive to Rhinelander to be a part of it.

NOTE: There will be two sessions, a morning and afternoon session to accommodate the interest. You will be allowed to select your preference, but we cannot ensure that you will be in your first choice session. The sooner you RSVP, the likelier you’ll be to get the time slot you desire.

This camp is part of the Northwoods Combine that will be testing football players from across the state at all positions. You’ll be tested, in part, along side these position players — 40 yard dash, L-drill, Pro Agility Run, Broadjump, Vertical Jump and Powerball Toss. (You pay more than the other players because you’ll be tested more).

The kicking and punting portion is your primary method of testing and should be the focus of your combine experience. Our testing for distance, hang time and accuracy is unique in the entire state, because of the facility we’re able to utilize during the Winter.

It’ll take an incredible punt to hit the roof of the Hodag Dome! If you do, no worries, you’ll get an extra ball.

FOR EACH SESSION:

Check-in a half-hour prior to testing

Please arrive early enough so that you’re on time… the camp starts on the hour. You’ll find our greeters eager to get you checked in, hand-out your combine t-shirt and direct you to the field to get warmed up.

PHASE 1: Combine specialist participants will gather on the field to listen and learn from Coach Farley. He’ll provide a blueprint for how the day will go, as well as offer some tips and advice on how to perform at your best, and under pressure and to enjoy the experience.

PHASE 2: Combine specialists will be given an opportunity to warm-up by stretching, jogging and get “up-to-speed” with kicks and punts. It’s during this time that individuals will begin to go through the physical testing stations for height and weight, as well as all station scores (coaches like to see that you are athletic and not “just a kicker”).

PHASE 3: Combine specialists will enter the kick off and punting charting session. Your reservation will dictate whether you do both charting stations or not. Kickers can use up to a 2″ tee. Punters and kickers will be given a warm-up ball, then will take turns with other participants in kicking five balls for hang time and distance. Scoring is done by adding the distance of the kick/punt with the hangtime (x10).

Example: punt of 45 yards with a 3.5 hangtime is 45 + 35 = 80 pts.

All scores will be recorded and placed on the Combine Results page, but only your top two scores will be included on your Digital Combine Card that you can use to send to your family, friends, coaches and recruiters.

PHASE 4: Combine field goal specialists will re-group on the field to participate in field goal accuracy and distance tests. Placekickers may use up to a 2″ block. All kickers will start at the 25 yard line (35-yard field goal) and will get one warm-up ball, then have five opportunities to make the kick.

Most will make on their first try. However, the real idea is to show what range you’re capable of. Once the initial 35-yard kick is made, the remaining balls can be placed anywhere on the field inside the hashes. Most may want to move back in 5-yard increments to add to their score. Others, may simply wish to go back to attempt long-range field goals. However, should they miss these kicks, their score would remain as a 35. Likewise, should you continue to miss from 35, you’ll have to make from that distance before you can try a longer field goal.

You only have five total kicks to try.

This is both pressure to perform, as well as show some intellect to choose wisely. Is it better to show that you made all of your kicks from shorter distances, or better to show that you can hit at least one boomer?

That’s up to you!

The accuracy of all of these kicks will be charted and reported on the Combine Results page, but only the longest field goal will be listed on your Digital Combine Card.*

PHASE 5: Combine specialists will gather again with Coach Farley for a post combine assessment, along with some advice on kicking and punting for the upcoming Fall high school football season. From there, you’ll be released from the combine to chat with friends, participants or recruiters.

Combine t-shirt

We ask all of our combine participants to wear our t-shirt, not only because it’s cooler than any other camp shirt you’ll get, but because we do filming and charting, and it’s easier to identify which athlete we’re evaluating.

What should you bring to camp?

First and foremost, a great attitude. We won’t hesitate in sending a camper home if they are belligerent or disrespectful to coaches, parents or fellow athletes (and not refund their Combine fee). Don’t be “that guy”.

Do bring comfortable workout gear, kicking shoes (and running/turf shoes), a football that you use in high school (please make an identifying mark on the ball) and any tees that you use. You should also have a jug of water, a snack if necessary. Since we’ll be indoors, you don’t need any extra clothing. It’ll be 72 and only the slightest of an air conditioned breeze inside the dome.

What’s this about a video?

We film all stations, both physical charting stations (broad jump, vertical jump, 40-yard dash, L-drill, Pro Agility and powerball), as well as our kickoff, punting and field goal sessions. It takes us a few weeks after the combine to assemble this footage and professionally edit it for your use. The cost of adding this video to your Combine experience is just $75. Adding the video is optional. Once done, we send you the link to your private video online — that you can choose with whom you share.

Will college recruiters be there?

We will be inviting coaches from around the Midwest to attend the combine. Most likely, there will be many assistant coaches, watching you, as well as some of the other position-players from around the state. After the combine these scouts may wish to chat with you. Take the opportunity to introduce yourself. Coaches like to know that the athlete they saw on the field is a well rounded person. You shouldn’t bring a resume or your transcript. A positive attitude is usually all it takes to leave a lasting impression. There will be time throughout the year and next season to go over all of your particulars. The neat thing about the Wisconsin Kicking & Punting Combine is that recruiters get a chance to really see you in action.

* Why only the longest kick? Coaches/Recruiters want to know what your range is…. they will presume that you will improve your accuracy over consistent practice and training — kind of like running a great 40-time.

RESERVE YOUR SPOT NOW

There are only so many we can run through the combine. We want you to learn — and have a great experience. We’re pulling for you to have a great day, but don’t worry, too much, as stated previously, your Digital Combine Card will showoff your best scores. It’s designed to show others what you’re capable of… have fun and do your best!