Instead of estimating jump height with a reach or flight time, force plates calculate the vertical displacement of an individual’s center of mass using the measured kinetic (force production) data, the Impulse-Momentum Theorem, and the Law of the Conservation of Energy. The actual definition of vertical jump height is the change in height or max displacement of the center of mass of an athlete when they jump. This is not because these people are dishonest, they are simply competitive! In some situations the results of these tests can have extremely significant consequences when large contracts are at stake! How Do You Define Jump Height?Īlmost seems like a stupid question, until you really stop to think about it… Is it the height between the athletes feet and the floor at their peak, what about the highest they can reach? Coaches will even teach these tips and tricks to their athletes to help boost their performance in combine or testing situations. In reality by definition neither of these systems are actually measuring jump height, but using some less reliable and more “cheatable” metrics to estimate it. Whether consciously or not, athletes (and their neuromuscular systems) will often find amazing ways to cheat these systems. While both of these systems can be useful, they can both challenges with reliability and validity, especially when it comes to our competitive athletes. There are two primary tools currently in use: a Vertec type of system measuring based on how high an athletes reaches, and a jump mat type system which measures based on how long an athlete is in the air. The popularity of a vertical jump assessment not only has familiarized athletes but the countless coaches who are tasked with measuring and recording this data. ![]() (They even somehow find ways to cheat the scale and the measuring tape, judging by heights and weights on most rosters) But thanks to a little bit of technology and a little bit of physics, using the vertical jump as a test can be an “un-cheatable” assessment of athletic movement. ![]() Whether that’s not touching a line, taking an extra step, or having questionable technique, athletes will find a way. But with any testing, uber-competitive athletes are going to attempt to cheat it for a better performance outcome. The simplicity of the movement itself means when basic jump tests are performed athletes will rarely be confused as most everyone has jumped before. The vertical jump is one of the most fundamental athletic movements, and in turn one of the most widely tested.
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