Abalakov Jump
The Abalakov Jump is a variation of the vertical jump test, used for measuring leg power. The Abalakov Jump is named after the scientist that first described the vertical jump test for leg power, and is used as part of the Bosco Jump Test Protocol. In this test, arm swinging is allowed to assist in generating maximum height. See more about other vertical jump techniques.
equipment required: Bosco Ergojump System (or similar device - e.g. just jump mat, Myotest, infrared laser system), recording sheets.
pre-test: Explain the test procedures to the subject. Perform screening of health risks and obtain informed consent. Prepare forms and record basic information such as age, height, body weight, gender, test conditions. Check and calibrate timing mat measurement. Subject to perform an appropriate warm-up. See more details of pre-test procedures.
procedure: The athlete stands upright in socks or bare feet, as still as possible on the mat with weight evenly distributed over both feet. When all is ready, the athlete squats down until the knees are bent at 90 degrees, while swinging the arms back behind the body. Without pausing, the arms are swung forwards and the athlete jumps as high as possible, landing back on the mat on both feet at the same time. The take-off must be from both feet, with no initial steps or shuffling, and the subject must also not pause at the base of the squat. Record the best result of at least three attempts - athletes may continue to jump as long as improvements are being made. Allow a good rest between trials.
scoring: The timing mat may give a score of the time in the air, and the calculated vertical jump height can be calculated. Height can be calculated using this formula: jump height = 4.9 x (0.5 x Time)^2 ).
disadvantages: The jump height is affected by how much you bend your knees, so the test can be invalidated if the subject does not bend the knees the required 90 degrees each time.
comments:
- The subject may benefit from practice, and should be verbally encouraged to perform maximally each time.
- Abalakov was the first to describe a vertical jump test to measure leg power, in 1938.
- There is also an Abalakov Apparatus or Abalakov Belt, using an attached cord to directly measure the displacement of the center of gravity when testing vertical jump height. See the Vertical Jump Mat for an example.
The Test in Action
- This test is part of the Bosco Ergo Jump System.
- Video of a Bosco Test being conducted
Similar Tests
Related Pages
- About Carmelo Bosco
- A discussion about the various vertical jump equipment available
- A discussion about other vertical jump techniques
- See the list of anaerobic tests for other fitness tests of leg power.
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