Wednesday, January 12, 2011

By William G Dains

  One of the standard tests used to measure competency in playing basketball is the vertical jump test. How this test works is that it involves measuring the distance between the floor and the feet once a jump is initiated. To put it simply, it directly measures the vertical height jumped. There are also several timing systems that measure the time of the jump and from then on calculate the vertical jump height.
As usual, of course there are necessary equipment involved. Since this is something that involves measuring, it requires a measuring tape of a marked wall at least. A chalk is also required if you're going to be using the marked wall. But if it's otherwise, go ahead and use the Vertec or jump mat instead.

 How a vertical jump test is done is that the athlete stands at the side of a wall and reaches up with the hand closest to the wall. The feet should be kept flat on the ground while the points of the fingertips are marked or recorded. This measurement is called the standing reach height. After that, the athlete is then asked to step away from the wall and made to leap vertically as high as possible using both arms and legs to assist in projecting the body upwards. The jumping technique may or may not use a counter-movement. It's important that the player attempts to reach the highest part of the wall at the time he or she jumps. The difference between the standing reach height and the jump height ends up being the score of the vertical jump test. The best of the three attempts is usually the one being taken down and recorded.

 Another variation for the vertical jump test is with the usage of a special apparatus called the Vertec. This procedure is more or less similar to the manual or approximate way of doing it. Jump height is measured with the use of a jump mat which efficiently measures the displacement of the hips. For accuracy, the athlete must ensure that his feet land back on the met with his legs fully extended. On the other hand, vertical jump height can usually be measured with the use of a timing mat.

 Like what was discussed earlier, the vertical jump test is usually performed with a counter movement where there is bending of knees immediately prior to the jump. It may also be initiated as a squat jump, starting from a position wherein the knees are bent. There are other test variations wherein there are no arm movements involved. One hand is on the hip while the other is usually above the head. This is designed to isolate the leg muscles and reduce the effect of variations in coordination of the hand movements. And of course, it may also be performed off of one leg, with a step into the jump, may be a run-up off of two feet, or even one foot. This depends on its relevance on the sport involved.
As the title says, this is the complete basics and general concepts behind the vertical jump test. Are you trying to find a jump program that is right for you?
If so, i suggest you check this out: Basketball Exercises
William Dains Jr

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