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Vertical Jump

This procedure describes the method used for directly measuring the height jumped. There are also timing systems that measure the time of the jump and from that calculate the jump height.

equipment required: measuring tape or marked wall, chalk for marking wall (or Vertec, jump mat or other vertical jump device).
description / procedure (see also variations below): the athlete stands side on to a wall and reaches up with the hand closest to the wall. Keeping the feet flat on the ground, the point of the fingertips is marked or recorded. This is called the standing reach. The athlete then stands away from the wall, and jumps vertically as high as possible using both arms and legs to assist in projecting the body upwards. Attempt to touch the wall at the highest point of the jump. The difference in distance between the standing reach height and the jump height is the score. The best of three attempts is recorded.
variations: The vertical jump test can also be performed using a specialized apparatus called the Vertec. The procedure when using the Vertec is very similar to as described above. Jump height can also be measured using a jump mat which measures the displacement of the hips. To be accurate, you must ensure the feet land back on the mat with legs nearly fully extended. Vertical jump height can also be measured using a timing mat. The vertical jump test is usually performed with a counter movement, where there is bending of the knees prior to the jump. The test can also be performed as a squat jump, starting from the position of knees being bent. Other test variations are to perform the test with no arm movement (one hand on hip, the other raised above the head) to isolate the leg muscles and reduce the effect of variations in coordination of the arm movements. The test can also be performed off one leg, with a step into the jump, or with a run-up, depending on the relevance to the sport involved.
scoring: The jump height Jump is usually recorded as the score in distance. The ratings below provide a ranking scale for adult athletes based on my observations, and will give a general idea of what is a good score. Males: >70 (excellent), 61-70 (very good), 51-60 (above average), 41-50 (average), 31-40 (below average), 21-30 (poor), < 21 (very poor). Females: >60 (excellent), 51-60 (very good), 41-50 (above average), 31-40 (average), 21-30 (below average), 11-20 (poor), < 11 (very poor)
power calculations: There are also a calculation to convert jump height into a power or work score. Here are several formula I have come across. Power = 2.21 x weight x root of jump distance. Power = body mass(kg) x (4.9 x height jumped in meters)^2, Peak Anaerobic Power output (Watts): PAPw = (60.7 x jump height) + (45.3 x body mass(kg) - 2055 (ref: Sayers et al.)
advantages: this test is simple and quick to perform.
disadvantages: technique plays a part in maximizing your score, as the subject must time the jump so that the wall is marked at the peak of the jump.
comments: The jump height can be affected by how much you bend your knees before you jump, and the effective use of the arms. The test is also sometimes incorrectly spelled as the "Sergeant" or "Sargent" Test.
references: 1. Sayers, S., et al. (1999) Cross-validation of three jump power equations. Med Sci Sports Exerc. 31: 572. 2. Bosco C, Luhtanen P, Komi PV (1983) A simple method for measurement of mechanical power in jumping. European Journal of Applied Physiology 50:273-282.

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