Last updated: 3 August 2026
Reviewed by Jordan Makin, 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.
Key points
- Height gained in maximal jump
- Measures lower-body explosive power
- Elite: 70-90+cm; recreational: 40-60cm
- Developed via plyometrics and power training