Vertical jump

In addition, single and multiple vertical jumps are occasionally used to assess muscular strength and anaerobic power in athletes.

An important element in maximising vertical jump height is an immediately preceding crouching action which preloads the muscles.

This involves lowering the arms to the sides during the legs' counter-movements, and powerfully thrusting them up and over the head during the jump.

[4] However, despite these increases due to technical adjustments, some researchers consider that optimizing both the force producing and elastic properties of the musculotendinous system in the lower limbs is partially determined by genetics, though resistance exercise training is required to reach potential.

This is similar to a CMJ with the difference being that the crouched position is not rapidly assumed in order to maximise the influence of the SSC.

An IPJ involves a crouched position being assumed for a longer period of time in the interests of maximising the ability to isometrically preload the muscles.

This is because the primary intention is not to maximise the length of the crouch, which would entail a different posture, but to generate increased power via the isometric press which is formed by the downward pressure from the torso onto the bent legs, and the upwards force from the bent legs which resist this pressure in equal measure.

In terms of their application of this isometric preload method of maximising power generation during the crouched phase, the jumper instinctively and intuitively performs the crouch in the interests of intensifying the feeling of preload in the muscles and especially in the glutes, thighs, and core.

Plyometrics are particularly effective in training for power output, and include different types of vertical jumps.