Power Testing: Vertical Jump Test

The Vertical Jump Test measures lower-body explosive power by recording jump height. It is useful for assessing jump performance, monitoring training response and tracking readiness.

Introduction

A client may improve lower-limb strength, but does that strength transfer into explosive vertical power? The Vertical Jump Test provides a simple measure of jumping capacity.

Quick Summary

Test name: Vertical Jump Test
Purpose: Assess lower-body explosive power
What it assesses: Jump height and vertical power expression
Equipment: Wall, jump mat, force plate, contact mat or measuring tool
Key finding: Jump height
Best used with: Countermovement Jump, Drop Jump, strength testing and sprint testing
Key limitation: Arm swing and measurement method strongly affect results

What Is the Vertical Jump Test?

The MAT article describes standing beside a wall, marking standing reach, jumping vertically and measuring the difference between standing reach and highest touch. It recommends three attempts and recording the highest jump.  

Why It Is Used

It assesses vertical explosive power and can monitor training or rehabilitation progress.

What It Measures

It measures jump height. Depending on equipment, it may also estimate power, flight time or force-time metrics.

Who It Is Useful For

Athletes, general fitness clients, strength and conditioning programs, and rehabilitation clients cleared for jumping.

Equipment Required

Wall and chalk/tape, jump mat, contact mat, force plate or MAT-compatible tool
Measurz or MAT
Flat surface

Step-by-Step Protocol

Warm up with dynamic movements and submaximal jumps.

Measure standing reach if using wall method.

Set arm use rules: arm swing allowed or hands on hips.

The client jumps vertically as high as possible.

Measure jump height.

Rest about 30–60 seconds.

Repeat three trials and record the best height.

Scoring and Interpretation

Score jump height in centimetres or inches. Higher values usually suggest better vertical power. Compare only tests using the same method and arm rule.

Normative Data or Reference Values

The MAT article lists example values for college-aged, high school and professional basketball groups.   Use norms cautiously and only for matched groups.

Reliability and Validity

Vertical jump methods vary. Wall reach, jump mats and force plates are not interchangeable. The MAT article cites Leard et al. and Sayers et al. on jump measurement and power equations.  

Common Errors and Testing Limitations

Common errors include inconsistent arm swing, poor reach marking, bending knees during reach, inconsistent footwear and comparing wall method with force plate data.

Practical Applications

Use the Vertical Jump Test to monitor explosive power, readiness, fatigue and training response.

How to Record This in Measurz

Record jump height, equipment, arm rule, trial number, best or average score, pain, fatigue and jump strategy.

FAQs

What does the Vertical Jump Test measure?

Vertical jump height and explosive lower-limb power.

Should arm swing be allowed?

Either option can be used, but it must be consistent.

Can different equipment be compared?

Not directly. Record the measurement method.

Key Takeaways

The Vertical Jump Test measures explosive vertical power.
Arm use and method must be standardised.
Record best of three trials.
Use trends rather than one-off results.

References

Leard, J. S., Cirillo, M. A., Katsnelson, E., et al. (2007). Validity of two alternative systems for measuring vertical jump height. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 21(4), 1296–1299.

Sayers, S. P., Harackiewicz, D. V., & Harman, E. A. (1999). Cross-validation of three jump power equations. Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, 31(4), 572–577.