Developing and average high school
Hand-timed, a developing athlete in the mid 5s and an average high schooler around 5.0 to 5.1 for boys is normal. The fix at this stage is a strong drive phase out of the stance.
The 40-yard dash is a combine speed test, and a good time depends on your level and on whether it is hand-timed or electronic. The 40 ends before top speed, so it is almost entirely a start and acceleration test. Here are the benchmarks at each stage and what makes a fast one.
Hand-timed, a developing athlete in the mid 5s and an average high schooler around 5.0 to 5.1 for boys is normal. The fix at this stage is a strong drive phase out of the stance.
A fast high school boy runs around 4.6 to 4.8 hand-timed, which turns heads. College-level skill-position athletes run in the 4.4 to 4.6 range. Girls are roughly half a second back at each level.
Elite combine 40s reach the low 4.3s and faster, electronically timed. At that level it is pure acceleration mechanics and power, with no wasted motion off the line.
A time shows the ballpark. Film your start from the side, the AI grades your drive-phase angle and first steps, and flags whether you are standing up too early, the most common cause of a slow 40.
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Typical boys' marks from developing through elite, girls' marks in the table below. Hand-timed.
Hand-timed. Electronic timing runs slower.
| Level | Boys / Men | Girls / Women |
|---|---|---|
| HS developing | 5.4 s | 5.9 s |
| HS average | 5.1 s | 5.6 s |
| HS good | 4.8 s | 5.3 s |
| College | 4.6 s | 5.0 s |
| Elite | 4.4 s | 4.8 s |
Common questions athletes and coaches ask about this topic.
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