How to Calculate a Peak Power Jump Height

The peak power jump -- also known as the vertical leap and the Sargent jump -- is a test of your elastic leg strength. Athletic coaches often use this test to evaluate the abilities of team candidates, or to measure improved strength in a player over time. Though fancy equipment is available for measuring power jump scores, the truth is you can measure your score yourself using nothing but a wall, some chalk and some measuring tape.

Things You'll Need

  • A wall
  • Powdered chalk
  • Measuring tape
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Warm up. Do a few easy jumps and other light warm-up exercises such as jumping jacks to prepare your body -- especially your legs, arms and shoulders -- for the power jump test. Stretch your calves, quadriceps, hamstrings and shoulders.

    • 2

      Stand next to the wall, with your side to it. Dip the fingers of one hand -- the one closer to the wall-- into the powdered chalk, and reach up to touch the wall and leave a mark with the chalk as high as you can. While you do so, keep your feet entirely on the floor, including your heels.

    • 3

      Using the measuring tape, measure and record the height of the chalk mark. This is your standing reach height.

    • 4

      Stand underneath the mark you made and reapply some chalk to your fingertips. Squat down, swing your arms and then leap up as high as you can, using both your arms and legs to project you upward. When you reach the top of your jump, hit the wall again and leave another chalk mark.

    • 5

      Repeat the jumping-and-marking process at least two more times, or more if your performance is getting better and better. Use the measuring tape to measure and record the highest point where you touched the wall. This is your jump height.

    • 6

      Subtract your standing reach height from your best jump height. The difference is the height of your peak power jump.