This procedure describes the method used for measuring leg power using the Drop Jump, where the athlete jumps after a drop from a height, repeated for heights of 20 cm, 40 cm, 60 cm, 80 cm and 100 cm. In this test, no arm swinging is allowed. This is part of the Bosco Ergo Jump System. See more about other vertical jump techniques.
equipment required: bosco ergojump measurement system (or similar device - e.g. just jump mat, Myotest, infrared laser system), boxes of heights: 20 cm, 40 cm, 60 cm, 80 cm and 100 cm.
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: This test is performed from five standardized drop heights: 20 cm, 40 cm, 60 cm, 80 cm and 100 cm. The athlete stands on the box, adjacent to the timing mat. Hands are placed on the hips, and stay there throughout the test. The athlete then drops down off the box onto the mat, bending the knees on landing, then immediately going into a maximal vertical jump. The technique is as per the Counter Movement Jump. The athlete jumps vertically as high as possible, and back on the mat with both feet landing at the same time. Allow adequate 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: requires athletes with a good degree of leg strength, as the forces through the body are much higher than for a standard vertical jump test. The standard size boxes are not readily available, and may even need to be custom made.
comments: The subject may benefit from practice, and should be verbally encouraged to perform maximally each time.
The Test in Action
- This test is part of the Bosco Ergo Jump System.
- Video of a Bosco Test being conducted
Similar Tests
- Drop Jump — a test of leg strength and power which requires the athlete to drop off a box and immediately jump as high as they can
- Drop Jump (Incremental) — the athlete jumps after a drop from a series of heights, starting from a 30cm box and working upwards to a 75cm box.
- Force Plate Vertical Jump
- Vertical jump using a timing mat
- No arms vertical jump
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.