Overview
The CMJ measures an individual's ability to generate power through the lower body, assessing both strength and explosive power. It is an excellent movement for evaluating athletes in several scenarios. Not only is it easy to measure, but athletes from almost every sport incorporate CMJ mechanics, either fully or partially, in training and competition.
Want to learn more about normative data in the CMJ? Click here.
Key Equipment
Output Sports Sensor
Output Sports Foot Strap
Output Sports Sensor Pocket
Smartphone or Tablet with Output Sports Capture App installed
Setup
1. Pair the Sensor
Open the Output Sports Capture app on your smartphone or tablet.
Connect the sensor to your app via Bluetooth.
2. Position the Sensor
Put the Output sensor into the foot strap pocket with the charging port facing down.
Securely attach the sensor to the selected foot for optimal performance tracking (see image below).
The athlete should stand in a clear space with their hands firmly attached to their hips.
3. Configure Additional Features
In the Output Sports Capture app, select “CMJ” from the exercise menu.
Enable or disable the 'countdown timer' found in the bottom right corner of the screen. This feature provides the athlete with a preparation time of 5, 10, or 15 seconds, allowing them to adequately prepare and get into position before starting the test.
Activate or deactivate the 'video recording feature' found in the bottom right corner of the screen. This functionality enables both the coach and athlete to review the exercise performance, ensuring that proper form and technique are maintained throughout the squat.
Instructions
Press the start button to begin the test.
Cue the athlete to jump as high as possible.
The athlete should stick the landing and wait until the test is completed.
Repeat for desired number of tests.
This test can also be done as Repeated CMJs
Follow the same protocol, EXCEPT:
In the app, select “Repeated CMJs” from the exercise menu.
The athlete can repeat the bilateral CMJs for the desired amount of reps, utilizing a slight pause in-between each rep.
This test can also be done Arms Free
Follow the same protocol, EXCEPT:
In the app, select “CMJ (Arms Free)” from the exercise menu.
Have the selected athlete begin with their arms fully extended overhead.
Cue the athlete to throw their arms down on the descent and jump as high as possible while sticking the landing.
This test can also be done as a Single Leg test
Follow the same protocol (Hands on hips to start), EXCEPT:
In the app, select “CMJ - Single Leg” from the exercise menu.
When the athlete is standing tall and in position, instruct them to shift onto one limb.
Review the Data
After completing the test, review key metrics in the Output Sports Capture app such as:
Jump Height (cm OR in) - The highest point reached during a jump.
Takeoff Velocity (m/s) – The velocity at the moment of takeoff.
For a more in-depth analysis and to compare your results with previous sessions, you can access the data in the HUB.