VerticalDunk

Are you testing your vertical jump for the very first time, starting a new vertical jump training program, or just tracking your progress?  These are all important times to test and measure your vertical jump.  There’s a few different ways to test your vertical jump.  These methods vary in accuracy and simplicity, but all give similar results.

The vertical jump test is not only a way to measure how high you can jump.  It’s a great indicator of power.  If you can jump high, chances are you’re fast and athletic.

The Best Way to Test your Vertical Jump

This vertical jump test is called the Sargent Jump Test.  Popularized by Dr. Dudley Allen Sargent, a pioneer in physical fitness and education, this test measures your standing vertical jump, but can also be used to test your one step vertival, two-legged running vertical jump and single-leg running vertical leap.  This is the method used to test NBA and NFL combine vertical jumps.

What you Need

• Wall
• Measuring tape
• Chalk, ink or tape

Vertical Jump Test Procedure

1. Warm up and stretch.  It will help you jump higher.
2. Get pumped up.
3. Rub chalk on your fingers or put a piece of tape between your fingers.
4. Stand with your dominant shoulder against a wall.
5. Standing flat footed, reach as high as you can with your dominant hand.  Touch the wall.  This is your standing reach.
6. Step away from the wall a few inches.
7. Jump as high as you can.  Touch the wall at your peak.
8. Repeat 10 times taking short breaks or until you think you have your best jump.
9. Measure both distances.  Subtract your best jump from your standing reach.  This is your vertical jump measurement.

For example, when LeBron James entered the NBA his standing reach was 8′ 10″ (106 inches) and his highest jump was 12′ 6″ (150 inches).  LeBron James has a vertical of 44″.

150 inches – 106 inches = 44 inches

Want to Jump Higher?

Follow these tips and tricks to maximize your vertical jump test scores.

• Improve your form to quickly increase your vertical jump.
• I’ll say it again, stretch and warm up before you jump.
• Wear proper footwear.
• Visualize yourself jumping higher.  Then jump again.
• Swing your arms.
• Drop down into your quarter squat quickly.
• Explode out of the squat.
• Start a vertical jump program.

Other Test Methods

If you have access to a training facility with a vertical jump measuring device, you can use that instead.  You should get a similar result, but it may be quicker and easier to set up.  These measuring devices may be one of the following:

• Vertec
• Jump Mat
• Timing Mat

John Wall tests his vertical jump with a Vertec before getting the number 1 pick in the 2010 NBA draft.

How did you do?

The average vertical jump height for a male aged 21-30 is 22.1 inches.  A female the same age is 14.1 inches.

Vertical Jump for Adults aged 20+

Vertical Jump for ages 16 to 19

See how you match up to your favorite NBA player’s vertical jump.