What is Vertical Jump?

Vertical jump is best described as the ability to raise one's center of gravity higher in the vertical plane solely with the use of one's own muscles.

In other words, vertical jump is a measure of how high an individual or athlete can elevate off the ground from a standstill.

Places where vertical jump measurements are used

Usually, vertical jump measurements, commonly referred to as "my vert", are used primarily in athletic circles both to measure performance and as something athletes brag about among themselves. The most common sports in which one's vertical jump is measured are track and field, basketball, Football, and volleyball, but many sports measure their player's vertical jumping ability during physical examinations.

How to measure vertical

The simplest method to measure an athlete's vertical jump is to get the athlete to reach up against a flat wall, with a flat surface under his feet (such as a gym floor or concrete) and mark off the highest point he can reach flat-footed.(this is referred to as "standing reach"). Then, instruct the athlete to take several jumps from a standstill, marking off the highest point he can reach. Next, measure the distance between the two. This is the athlete's standing vertical jump.

The method described above is the most common and simplest way to measure one's vertical, but other, more scientifically accurate method have been devised. A pressure pad can be used to measure the time it takes for an athlete to complete a jump, and then using a kinematics equation (h = g*t^2/8) the computer can calculate his vertical jump based on the time in the air. Using this method, an athlete can "cheat" by pulling his knees up to extend hangtime.

A second, more efficient and correct method is to use an infrared laser placed at ground level. When an athlete jumps and breaks the plane of the laser with his hand, the height at which this occurs is measured.

Devices based on United States Patent 5031903, "A vertical jump testing device comprising a plurality of vertically arranged measuring elements each pivotally mounted..." are also common. These devices are used at the highest levels of collegiate and professional performance testing. They are comprised of several (roughly 70) 14-inch prongs placed 0.5 inches apart vertically. An athlete will then leap vertically (no running start or step) and make contact with the retractable prongs to mark their leaping ability. This device is used each year at the NFL scouting combine.

Common misconceptions about vertical jump

The most common misconception about vertical jump is that the measurement displays the athlete's ability to elevate off the ground from a run-up, contrary to from a standstill. The effect of this misconception is that many athletes will quite grossly inflate their vertical jumps.

Increasing vertical jump

One of the most frequently asked questions in the athletic world is "How can I increase my vertical jump?". A higher vertical jump has obvious advantages in many aspects of sports such as basketball and volleyball.

There are many different ways to increase one's vertical jump, with much controversy on which method is the most effective. What follows are scientific and physics breakdowns of how to improve vertical jump performance.

A more scientific breakdown of vertical jump is required to comprehend methods to improve performance.

Vertical jump is a measure of how far off the ground one can elevate one's own bodyweight. To do this, an individual must produce power.

In physics, power can computed using the following formula :



In relation to sports, power is better described by the equivalent expression:



Therefore, to increase power (and consequently vertical jump), an athlete must train to improve both strength and speed.

Strength can be increased using traditional strength training, with emphasis on the posterior chain (or "p-chain") which consists of the hamstrings, calves, lower back and glute muscles. Studies have shown that the majority of force generated during a vertical jump is generated by these muscles, and most importantly the quadriceps which are not part of the p-chain but rather the anterior chain.

Therefore, arguably the two most important max strength lifts for improving vertical jump are the full back squat and the deadlift.

Speed in the vertical jump is a measure of how fast one can exert force. In the vertical jump, there is a very short time period in which force can be generated to use in a vertical jump(0.2s). Hence, it is very important for an athlete to be able to exert the maximum force possible in the shortest amount of time. Speed training reduces the "time" portion of the power equation, resulting in more overall power.

Speed training consist of two elements: Plyometric exercises (exercises which allow you to absorb the more energy during the countermovement, or eccentric contraction, of an explosive movement such as jumping or sprinting) and explosive training such as jump squats or power cleans.

An important fact to note is that plyometric and explosive exercises are not necessary until an athlete has built up a fairly strong strength base (commonly set between 1.5 and 2 times an athlete's bodyweight in the full squat and deadlift exercises). The reason for this is that even if the time portion of the power equation is reduced significantly, the overall power will still be a lower number if the force portion of the equation is neglected.

Flexibility of the Achilles Tendon has also been known to increase the vertical jump of an athlete. Caution must be used, though, since tearing of the tendon can occur.

Exercises used by professional trainer Joe DeFranco

• Toe curls
• Box squats with resistance bands
• Static hip flexor stretching
• 50 rep "rhythm" squats
• Snatch Grip Deadlifts
• Depth Jumps
• Reverse Hyperextensions
• Dumbell Swings
• Bulgarian Split Squats
• “Pogo Jump” Warm-up
• Trap Bar Deadlifts, off a 4” box
• Standing Backward Medicine Ball Throw
• Power Clean/Power Snatch
• Weighted Ab Work
• Push Jerks
• Vertical Jumps

Flexibility (achieved through stretching) also increases the vertical leap.