Vertical Jump Power Test (Sargent Jump): The Timeless Classic

Before force platforms, jump-tracking apps, and inertial sensors existed, leg power was already being assessed with something as simple as a wall, chalk, and an extended arm. That's the origin of the Sargent Jump Test, one of the oldest vertical jump tests and still perfectly valid for quick, equipment-free assessments.

What does this test measure?

It assesses lower-body vertical jump power, calculated as the difference between the maximum reach in a jump and the maximum standing reach. It's a classic indicator of explosive power, widely used in school, military, and sports fitness tests for decades.

Equipment needed

• A smooth wall, tall enough (at least 1 meter above the subject's reach)
• Chalk or tape for marking
• Tape measure

Execution protocol

1. The subject stands sideways next to the wall, feet firmly on the ground
2. With chalk on the fingers of the hand closest to the wall, reach the arm up as high as possible and mark the wall (this is the standing reach mark)
3. From the same position, have them perform a maximal vertical jump, freely using countermovement and arm swing
4. At the peak of the jump, mark the wall with the fingers (the jump reach mark)
5. Measure the distance between both marks: this is the jump height
6. Perform 3 attempts with full recovery and record the best one

Common mistakes

• Not correctly marking the starting standing reach (it's the reference for the entire calculation)
• Lifting the feet off the ground or taking steps before jumping
• Marking the wall with the palm instead of the fingertips, which overestimates the height
• Not allowing enough recovery between the 3 attempts, especially in group assessments

How to interpret the result

Population	Jump height
Sedentary adults	20-30 cm
Recreational athletes	30-40 cm
Trained power athletes	40-50 cm
Elite (basketball, volleyball)	> 50 cm

As with other vertical jump tests, the most useful approach is comparing the same athlete over time, since factors like arm length and reaching technique influence the absolute value.

Related tests

The Sargent Jump is the "grandfather" of modern vertical jump tests. If you want to move toward more precise, sport-specific measurements, the natural progression is:

• CMJ test (Countermovement Jump) — a standardized version with hands on hips and flight-time measurement
• Lower-body explosive strength test — a general power assessment with a similar but more flexible methodology

Track and monitor

The great advantage of the Sargent Jump is that you don't need any special equipment to start tracking your athletes' jump power. With Movalytics you can record the height obtained in each assessment, and once you have access to more precise tools (a platform or jump app), you can keep logging in the same athlete's profile to maintain a complete history.

Frequently asked questions

Is it a reliable test if I don't have more equipment? Yes, within its limitations it's a valid, historically widely used test. The key is consistency in marking technique (always fingertips, same hand, same wall if possible). What's the difference compared to the CMJ? The concept is very similar (vertical jump with countermovement), but the modern CMJ is measured with flight time (platform or app) and usually restricts arm movement, giving a more precise measurement isolated to leg work. Can I use it with large groups? Yes, that's one of its strengths: it's quick to explain and perform, making it ideal for assessing entire teams in a short time.