How to measure vertical jump

How to Measure Vertical Jump

‍

The vertical jump test is a standard assessment used to measure lower body power in athletes. Here's how to measure your vertical jump using different methods:

‍

1. Low-Cost Method (Chalk/Tape and Wall)

‍

• Determine Your Reach: Stand sideways next to a wall with your feet flat on the ground. Reach up as high as you can with your dominant arm, and mark the spot. This is your standing reach height.
• When using a Vertek, stand facing a wall with the front of both shoes in contact with the wall. Reach up as high as you can with your dominant arm, extending/shrugging the shoulder to reach as high as possible.
• Jump and Mark: Apply chalk or rolled tape to the tip of your longest finger.
• Raise your arms overhead, throw yourself down somewhat into a squat, and spring back up quickly. At the highest point of your jump, mark the wall with the chalk or tape. Land correctly on both feet to avoid injury.
• Calculate: Measure the distance from the ground to the tape/chalk mark, and subtract your standing reach height from this measurement to determine your vertical jump.

‍

2. Vertec Device

‍

• Measure Your Reach: Stand next to the Vertec device and reach as high as you can, keeping your arm tight to your ear. Record the height of your reach.
• Load and Explode: Jump off two feet and see which vane you can reach, repeating multiple times. Avoid taking any steps during the standing approach, and snap down quickly to help increase your jump height.
• Calculate Your Jump: Subtract your reach from the height you jumped to calculate your vertical leap.

‍

Read: Vertical jump workout routine

‍

3. Electronic Method

‍

• Wearable Jump Monitors: Clip a wearable jump monitor onto your shorts or spandex. These devices measure your vertical jump and can be used during practice or matches. They also measure your average jump.
• Reverse Calculation: Add the vertical jump measurement provided by the device to your standing reach to find your "touch".

‍

4. Timing Mat

‍

• Vertical jump height can also be measured using a timing mat.

‍

Important Considerations:

‍

• Technique: Technique can affect your score. Time your jump so that you mark the wall at the peak of your jump.
• Arm Use: Effective use of your arms can affect the jump height.
• Knee Bend: How much you bend your knees before you jump can also affect your jump height.
• Accuracy: The Vertec measurement system may overestimate the elevation of the body’s center of mass (COM) during vertical jumping. Reaching ability may be more of a determinant of Vertec jump height than vertical impulse.
• Warm-up: Perform an appropriate warm-up before testing.
• Multiple Attempts: Record the best of three attempts

‍

Read: How to jump higher off two feet