Vertical Jump Test - with no arm movement
This procedure describes the method used for directly measuring the vertical jump height, like in the standard vertical jump test, though in this protocol no arm swinging is allowed. Not moving the arms isolates leg muscles and reduces the effect of variations in coordination of the arm movements. This is the method used for the eTID program. See more about other vertical jump techniques.
equipment required: measuring tape or marked wall, chalk for marking wall (you can also use powdered chalk, talcum powder or flour), room with a ceiling at least 4m high, or outside wall of similar height.
pre-test: Explain the test procedures to the subject. Perform screening of health risks and obtain informed consent. Prepare forms and record basic information such as age, height, body weight, gender, test conditions. Perform an appropriate warm-up. See more details of pre-test procedures.
procedure: Determine reach height - stand side on to the wall directly underneath the board/measuring tape with both feet flat on the ground, with the preferred arm (jump hand) closest to the wall. Place chalk on fingertips of the preferred arm, with the other hand placed on the hip. Reach up as high as possible above the head with the palm facing the wall. Touch the board/wall with their middle finger to leave a mark at the highest possible point while the feet remain flat on the ground. Record the reach height to the nearest 1cm. The athlete then stands slightly away from the wall, and maintains the position with one hand on the hip and the other stretched upwards. Without swinging the arms, the subject crouches down then leaps vertically as high as possible. The subject can choose the depth of the crouch and is allowed to ‘bounce’ (without lifting their feet off the ground) if desired. The take-off must be from both feet, with no initial steps or shuffling. Attempt to touch and mark the wall at the highest point of the jump. The best of at least three attempts is recorded - they may continue to jump as long as improvements are being made.
scoring: The jump height is calculated as a distance score (to the nearest cm), the difference between the maximum jump height and the reach height. Record all 3 values.
advantages: this test is simple and quick to perform, and it is possible to self-administer the test.
disadvantages: technique plays a part in maximizing your score, as the subject must time the jump so that the wall is marked at the peak of the jump.
comments: The jump height can be affected by how much you bend your knees before you jump, and practice should be encouraged to determine the best technique for each subject.
The Test in Action
- The no arm vertical jump test is the method used for the eTID program.
Similar Tests
- Vertical jump test with a run up taking off one or two feet.
- Procedure for Vertical Jump Testing using the Vertec® or just a wall
- Vertical Jump Testing using a timing mat
Related Pages
- A discussion about the various vertical jump equipment available
- A discussion about other vertical jump techniques
- See the list of anaerobic tests for other fitness tests of leg power.
- About the eTID Talent Identification Testing Program.
Any comments, suggestions, or corrections? Please let us know.
Current Events