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7.2: Part B- Power Test- Vertical Jump and Clap Push Up Test

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    100747
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    Part B- Power Test- Vertical Jump and Clap Push Up Test

    A second limitation of muscles is the speed of movement with a given load. This is known as power. From the standpoint of most sports, power is probably the most important variable to obtain- meaning it affects performance the most. The ability to bring a bat around fast, or for a running back to run fast and “strong” (not easily tackled), or for a basketball player to jump high are all very important for successful performance in that sport. Many of the track and field events are power events and require specialized training and a lot of it!

    As weight gets heavier, the slower someone will move. Interestingly, the last example mentioned, a vertical jump is an easy to perform test and a reliable gauge of lower body power. The faster someone can contract their quadriceps, gluteals, and gastrocnemius, the higher they will jump. Because body weight is the resistance, it will strongly influence the jump height. Thus, comparing the differences in jump heights between individuals should limited but the “calculator” (website) is designed to measure power output. https://exrx.net/Calculators/VerticalJump

    Lower Body Power

    Comparisons within the individual are quite valid, and if someone lost weight but not leg power, it will be revealed with improved jump height. Technique can also influence the height thus the subject should be shown proper technique and allowed 2-3 practice trials. The top height of 3 “test” trials should be used. The testee should be warmed up and minor practice trials should be performed. Note that power is quite limited so strong practice trials may result in a lower actual test result.

    Get a piece of chalk- small stick is best. Which ever hand possesses the chalk should be closest to the wall. Generally, the dominant hand is the best choice. The jumper may either: A) have both feet about shoulder width apart and squat down swinging the arms back and then forcefully swing the arms forward and jumping and then marking the wall much like hitting a volleyball spike. B) Some people may choose to have the feet spread apart a stride length, then quickly step with both feet under them and jump.

    Height 1: ___________

    Height 2: ___________

    Height 3: ___________

    Upper body power

    One of the main tests is the seated or kneeling medicine ball toss. It is usually with an overhead throw (kneeling) or a push from the chest(seated). For the overhead toss- males use a 3 kg (medicine) ball and females use a 2 kg ball. Unfortunately, there is not as much standardization with it in both weight of the medicine ball and toss technique. The seated push or putt has a 3 kg for males and 1.5 kg for females.

    A quick measure could be the plyometric push up (with a clap). If someone can do two claps from the ground with good body position, and hands about shoulder width, they have “very good” power, if a testee get one clap they have good power, and just getting hands off the ground is moderate or fair. The test can be done on an incline as well. Be careful not to hurt the wrists of the testee and have a practice test with pads or pillows underneath the body (not the hands).


    This page titled 7.2: Part B- Power Test- Vertical Jump and Clap Push Up Test is shared under a CC BY-NC-SA license and was authored, remixed, and/or curated by Mark Kelly.