Last updated: 3 October 2026
Reviewed by Jordan Morley, FA Level 2 Football Coach
The vertical jump measures lower-body explosive power — the height a person can raise their centre of mass in a maximal jump. It is a standard athletic test in basketball, volleyball, American football and track and field. Elite male volleyball and basketball players reach 70-90+cm; recreational athletes typically 40-60cm. Vertical jump is developed through plyometrics, Olympic lifting, squat strength and rate-of-force-development training. It correlates strongly with sprint speed and overall athletic power.
- Height gained in maximal jump
- Measures lower-body explosive power
- Elite: 70-90+cm; recreational: 40-60cm
- Developed via plyometrics and power training
In practice
Vertical jump height is widely used as a quick, equipment-light proxy for lower-body explosive power across many sports — basketball, volleyball and American football scouting combines all commonly include a vertical jump test, since the same fast-twitch power and stretch-shortening-cycle efficiency that drives a high vertical jump also underpins sprinting acceleration and other explosive athletic actions.
FAQ
What does vertical jump height measure?
Primarily lower-body explosive power and stretch-shortening-cycle efficiency — the same physical qualities that also contribute to sprinting acceleration and other explosive athletic movements, which is why it's used as a general power proxy across many sports.
How can vertical jump be improved?
Plyometric training, Olympic lift variations, and general lower-body strength training (particularly developing rate of force development) are the main approaches used to improve vertical jump height.