The Jawku Jump: MEASURING AND TRAINING YOUR VERTICAL JUMP

(Article taken from Jawku.com)

All vertical Jump systems have their own unique way of measuring a vertical jump. The gold-standard recognizable at the NFL combine amongst other organizations is the VERTEC®. (shown below) While the VERTEC® has been shown to be a dynamic way to measure one’s vertical jump, it is not a great training tool due to several inherent flaws.

 The most note-worthy of these flaws is during the pre-jump reach measurement phase. The athlete must stand next to the VERTEC® and reach up with one hand so that the “facilitator” can set the height according to each individual’s custom reach. The problem with this is that it is very difficult for the facilitator to get an accurate reach measurement; as each jumper can reach higher when they are jumping.

The reason it is not recommended as a regular training tool is that the jumper will make every compensation necessary to touch the highest marker. These physical modifications deteriorate correct jumping mechanics.

The goal of the VERTEC® is to touch the highest marker possible at all cost. A strength coach has no use for an “at all cost” training tool; perhaps for periodic measurements only. What JAWKU intends to deliver is a training tool designed to increase your vertical jump, not simply measure it. The vertical jump is a strong indicator of acceleration and leg-drive, by measuring the jumper’s lower body strength. This test tells how powerful an athlete is. Power is strength multiplied by speed, said another way the speed at which an athlete can move their body weight across a short distance. Vertical jump shows an athlete’s lower body power in the vertical direction. This is the main reason you see a vertical jump in the combines across various sports.

Please see the images above to understand why the VERTEC® nearly always posts higher scores than other vertical jump measurement systems. In this image you see proper vertical jump mechanics and form not only for accurate measurement, but especially for training to jump higher. It is a  uniform countermovement or non-countermovement jump. Taking off and landing on both feet, with legs maintaining a vertical position.

The JAWKU JUMP score may sometimes be 2 to 4 inches lower than the VERTEC® due to the jumper’s body positioning to reach the highest marker. The diagram shows that manipulating your body can result in a jump advantage. This is why the JAWKU JUMP places the Universal Sensor on the shoe. This position negates all the body modifications that a jumper might do when “jump-reaching” to hit the highest possible marker

The JAWKU JUMP was developed not only as an accurate measurement tool, but as a vertical jump training system.

The Comparisons:

VERTEC® PROS

• Measures any type of jump

• Durable

CONS

• Big and bulky and not portable

• requires plate weights to weigh it down

• The markers often break when they are swatted

• Arithmetic is required by facilitator after each jump

• Accuracy is questionable; as it is based on the expertise of the facilitator

• Needs an experienced facilitator

• Lengthy set-up between athletes

JAWKU JUMP PROS

• Fits in your pocket

• Powered by your App

• Incredibly low cost

• Incredibly Accurate

CONS

• Can only measure two-foot take-off and landing

• You need to already own the JAWKU SPEED sensor

• Rechargeable

• Athlete much jump with proper mechanics

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