A deterministic model of the vertical jump: implications for training

Abstract

Increasing vertical jump height is a critical component for performance enhancement in many sports. It takes on a number of different forms and conditions, including double and single legged jumps and stationary and run-up jumps. In an attempt to understand the factors that influence vertical jump performance, an extensive analysis was undertaken using the deterministic model. Once identified, practical training strategies enabling improvement in these factors were elucidated. Our analysis showed that a successful vertical jump performance was the result of a complex interplay of run-up speed, reactive strength, concentric action power of the take-off leg(s), hip flexors, shoulders, body position, body mass, and take-off time. Of special interest, our analysis showed that the concentric action power of the legs was the critical factor affecting stationary double leg vertical jumps, whereas reactive strength was the critical component for a single leg jump from a run-up.