Here is one of the archived newsletters from Topend Sports. Sign up to receive the latest sports and science news direct to your email inbox. See more archived newsletters.
Fitness Testing Newsletter: Nov 12, 2007
Hi and welcome to another fitness testing newsletter. You are receiving this email as you have subscribed through the Topendsports website. If you do not want to receive any more newsletters, you can unsubscribe through the Yahoo groups administration panel (link below).
In this issue
In this issue we profile a common fitness test, the Vertical Jump Test.
-
techniques
-
equipment
-
videos
-
top scores
Vertical Jump Techniques
The vertical jump test is a common fitness test of explosive leg power. In the most simple form of the test, athletes stand up against a wall and the standing reach height is recorded. They then jump and touch the wall at the peak of the jump. The vertical jump test results is the difference between these two measures, therefore the result is independent of a person's height.
There are variations of this procedure, such as whether the arms may be used to help propel the body upwards, and limitations on the amount and speed of knee bend. Some sport-specific variations also allow a single step or 3-5 step approach.
Vertical Jump Equipment
There are various vertical jump apparatus available for measuring vertical jump height. Each has its advantage and disadvantages.
-
Wall and Chalk - The original and most simple method for measuring vertical jump height, using just any wall and a piece of chalk in the hand.
-
Vertec® - one of the most common apparatus for measuring vertical jump ability. It is of steel frame construction with horizontal vanes which are rotated out of the way by the hand to indicate the height reached.
-
Vertical Jump mat - The subject wears a waist belt attached to measuring tape that is grounded to a mat.
-
Just Jump mat - The sensor mat with a hand-held computer unit which calculates vertical jump height.
-
Laser operated optoelectronic device - using the breaking of a laser beam to indicate ground release and jump height
-
Video Systems - to very accurately measure vertical jump height such as for scientific research, a properly calibrated video system can be used.
More details of each of these apparatus
Vertical Jump Video Examples
A new addition to the fitness testing website is video examples of fitness tests. There are a few examples of vertical jumping techniques, including using a very impressive 40" (102 cm) vertical jump using the Just Jump Timing Mat System, and examples of jumps using the Vertec® vertical jump Apparatus, including an instruction video.
These plus other examples can be seen by following this link:
https://www.topendsports.com/videos/category/testing/power/vj/
Vertical Jump Scores
The world record vertical jump has been reported as up to 61" (155 cm) by Kadour Ziani (other reports for top leaps for Kadour range from 56"/142cm upwards). He stands 5'10 tall (177.8 cm). NBA Superstar Michael Jordan had a best jump of 48" (122 cm), still well above the NBA average of 28" (71 cm). For males, anything above 28 inches or 70 cm is excellent. An average score would be 16-20 inches (40-50 cm). For females, an excellent score would be above 24 inches or 60 cm. An average score would be between 12-16 inches (30-40 cm). see more results
About this Newsletter
Fitness testing news and latest information, including notification of updates to the ultimate source of all fitness testing information - "Rob's Home of Fitness Testing". Topics covered include methods for measuring body fat, shuttle run beep test issues, strength and power testing and much more.
Thank you for your ongoing support of my site.
Rob Wood
Rob's Home of Fitness Testing
Related Pages
- sign up for the latest newsletters
- See more archived newsletters
Any comments, suggestions, or corrections? Please let us know.
Current Events