Assessing Power
Vertical Jump: Explosive power is essential for effectively performing many soccer-related actions such
as jumping and sprinting, and the vertical jump test assesses the ability of the leg muscles to exert force at
a high velocity. The test can be administered using a Vertec measuring device or in an area with a flat
wall and a high ceiling. We have provided the set-up and procedure only for the latter.
Equipment: A flat wall with a very high ceiling, chalk, measuring tape, flat surface with good traction
Set-up and Directions: Have the athlete rub chalk (different color than the wall) on the fingers of their
dominant hand. Direct the athlete to stand with the shoulder of the dominant side six inches from the wall.
Next, have them reach as high as possible with the dominant hand making a mark on the wall as shown
(Figure 1.10a). Both feet should remain flat on the ground. Instruct the player to perform a counter
movement jump and reach as far as possible with the dominant hand, making a second mark on the wall
(Figures 1.10b and 1.10c). The athlete is not allowed a preparatory step and should take off from a two-
footed stance. The distance between the two chalk marks will be used as the athlete’s score. The best of
three trials should be used for the final score.