Types of Vertical Jumps
The three most common ways to measure an athlete’s vertical jump are…..
- Sargent Jump – Nearly a century ago in 1921, Dr. Dudley Sargent of Harvard University published a simple titled paper “The Physical Test of a Man” highlighting the vertical jump. The Sargent Jump Test was named after him. This is the test used in the NFL combine. The athlete will have both feet on the ground, squat, and then jump as high as the athlete can from a stationary position directly underneath The Top Hopper measuring assembly. While exploding from the squatted position the athlete will swing both arms upward. At the highest point of the athlete’s jump the athlete will swat at the highest indicator on The Top Hopper assembly.
- Max Vertical Jump – The athlete will run towards The Top Hopper measuring assembly. Right before reaching The Top Hopper assembly, the athlete will start the jump process. The athlete will first squat slightly on one leg, then driving the other knee towards the sky as the athlete jumps. At the highest point of the athlete’s jump the athlete will swat at the highest indicator on The Top Hopper measuring assembly.
- One-Step Jump – The athlete is allowed to take only one step with one foot prior to jumping. The athlete will start with one foot directly underneath The Top Hopper measuring assembly; The athlete will then step into the jumping position and jump with both feet together. The jump is then the same as the Sargent Jump.
Regardless of which vertical jump you choose, always ensure the jump is reproducible, reliable, and accurate. The only measuring device that can do that is The Top Hopper.