Vertical Jump

Vertical jump is one of the clearest signals of explosive lower-body power — it shows up in rebounding, finishing at the rim and contesting shots. Three variations are tested because they measure slightly different things: standing vertical isolates raw leg power with no run-up, while max and running vertical show what you can generate with momentum.

• A vane/touch device (or a wall and chalk) set to your standing reach
• Clear run-up space for max and running vertical (about 4-5m)

1. 1Standing vertical: start under the device with both feet together, no step or run-up. Dip and jump straight up, touching the highest vane you can.
2. 2Max vertical: take your own natural approach (a few steps of run-up) and jump off one or two feet to touch the highest vane possible.
3. 3Running vertical: a longer run-up than max vertical, converting more horizontal speed into height at take-off.
4. 4For each, your jump height is the vane touched minus your standing reach (recorded at the Wingspan & Reach station).

One recorded attempt per jump type (standing, max, running) — staff will usually let you try a practice jump first to find your approach.

• Standing vertical is a two-foot take-off with no step — stepping in counts as a foul on that jump.
• For max/running vertical, use an approach you're comfortable with rather than copying someone else's.

• Warm up your legs before jumping — calf raises, bodyweight squats, a few practice jumps.
• Land with soft knees, not locked out.
• Tell staff if you have any history of knee or ankle injury before you jump.