How to Test a Vertical Jump

The vertical jump is an important skill that will help you excel in sports such as basketball and volleyball. Knowing exactly what your vertical jump is will allow you to compare it to other players so that you can see how you stack up. The vertical jump test will let you to identify if you need to improve in the area and by how much. Testing the vertical jump on a monthly basis will let you track your improvements and help you meet your goals.

Things You'll Need

  • Duct tape
  • Chair
  • Cloth tape measure
  • Pencil
  • Paper
  • Calculator
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Set the chair up next to the wall where the vertical jump test will take place. In order to measure the vertical jump, you must have a wall with no pictures hanging on it. The ceiling in the room where the test is going to take place must be high enough so that it cannot be touched when jumping. A 12-foot ceiling is more than enough for most people.

    • 2

      Stand on the chair. With the bottom of the cloth tape measure dangling on the ground, tape the top of the tape measure to the wall. When the tape measure is completely stretched out it should be in a straight line down the wall with no slack in it. Tape the bottom of the tape measure to the ground where it meets the wall.

    • 3

      Stand against the wall where the tape measure is with your back to it. Record your height in inches.

    • 4

      Stand facing the tape measure with your toes about six inches from the wall. Jump as high as you can straight up in the air, and with your arms extended touch the tape measure at your highest point. Note exactly where you touched the tape measure and record the data in inches.

    • 5

      Calculate your vertical jump in inches. Use your calculator to subtract your height in inches from the highest point of your jump in inches. The resulting number is your vertical jump. For example if you are 72 inches tall and you touched the 100-inch mark on your jump, then your vertical is 28 inches.