Vertical Jump Pro

Vertical Jumping: The Basics

Overall athletic ability is sometimes measured by a person’s ability to jump straight up off the ground from a standing position using only his or her muscles. Measurements of a person’s vertical jumping ability are used in some athletic circles to measure individual improvement over time. Although the vertical jump test may seem to only measure a very limited ability, it is proven to be one of the most effective tests in predicting the success of athletes. Athletes who compete in track and field, basketball, volleyball, football, and figure skating will take measure of their vertical jumping ability.

Taking the measurement

In the average gym setting many trainers or coaches will measure an athlete’s vertical jump by simply watching the jump and marking the height reached on a nearby wall. Subtracted from this height is the highest point the athlete can reach while remaining flatfooted, the difference is the vertical jump measurement. In more competitive environments more technologically advanced methods will be used to measure the jump such as pressure pads and infrared lasers. While more scientifically accurate, these measurement tools are not readily accessible to the recreational athlete. Sometimes the time it takes to complete the jump is also recorded.

By taking measure of the vertical jump every two to three weeks, an athlete can gage the effectiveness of his or her training program. The vertical jump measurement can also be used to determine if an athlete is overtraining. If the vertical jump measurement drops 10% or more while training, it is a good indication that training should be scaled back to allow adequate recovery.

Vertical Jump Averages

Some professional athletes depend on their vertical jumping ability to perform well at their sport. Professional NCAA basketball players, who regularly employ the muscle groups needed for jumping, have vertical jump measurements between 28 and 31 inches. A NFL defensive back has a 40 inch vertical jump on average. Female ice skaters in their teenage years can generally jump between 9 and 11 inches, depending on how long they have been skating. Slightly older high school age female volleyball players average around 18 to 20 inches. The world record vertical leap is 60 inches held by Kadour Ziani. Other high leaps that have been recorded include those of Reggie Thompson (56 inches), Michael Jordon (48 inches), and Spudd Webb (46 inches).

Why Some People Jump Higher Than Others

Although people of the same height, gender, and age should have similar vertical jump measurements, there are many factors that can create variations. Differences in strength, bone length, tendon length, and body chemistry can also affect an athlete’s ability to create the force needed to jump higher. Some people are naturally stronger or naturally better at moving efficiently and displaying strength more rapidly. It is important for athletes and those engaged in a fitness regime to use the vertical jump test as a measurement for ones own personal improvement rather than as a competition between athletes. In most cases taller, leaner people will be able to naturally jump higher that those shorter in stature.