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What is Vertical Jump and Why is it Important for Athletes?
Jumping high isn’t just about dunking a basketball. It’s a measure of raw power and explosiveness. Learn what goes into a great vertical and how to improve yours.
Paco Raven
March 19th, 2025
Definition of Vertical Jump
The vertical jump is a measure of how high an athlete can elevate off the ground from a standing or moving position. It is a direct reflection of lower-body power, neuromuscular efficiency, and explosive strength.
Table of Contents
What Vertical Jump Actually Is
Imagine standing at the edge of a swimming pool, ready to dive. The power you generate from your legs before takeoff determines how high and far you go. That’s your vertical jump in sports. It’s not just about raw strength—it’s about how quickly and efficiently you can apply force to the ground.
Elite jumpers don’t just push off the ground hard; they push off the ground fast. It’s the difference between a basketball player barely touching the rim and one soaring for a dunk, or a volleyball player who can spike the ball from above the net.
Mechanics of a Vertical Jump
Force production – How much power your legs generate when pushing off.
Rate of force development – How quickly you can generate that power.
Elastic energy – How efficiently your muscles store and release energy.
Coordination – The synchronization of your lower and upper body to maximize height.