Vertical jump measured with slow-motion video
In trios, students film their vertical jumps in slow motion and calculate jump height from flight time. They compare the jump with and without a countermovement and analyze which technical factors boost lower-body power.
How to play
- Form trios with one device per group and explain the formula: height = 1.226 × flight time squared (in seconds); it is printed on the worksheet (3 min).
- Specific warm-up: 3 minutes of easy hops, squats and high knees in place.
- First set: jump from a paused half squat, hands on hips; a partner films the feet from the side at floor level, three attempts each (6 min).
- Second set: countermovement jump, dropping and exploding quickly, still with hands on hips; three more attempts (6 min).
- Each trio scrubs through the videos frame by frame, notes takeoff and landing frames and calculates the height of each jump (5 min).
- Share-out: how much does the countermovement help? Each group explains one technical reason (2 min).
Rules
- Land with knees slightly bent, never locked.
- Film only the feet and never share videos outside of class.
- Rest at least 30 seconds between attempts so every jump is a max effort.
- Set the device on the floor or a stand; never hold it in front of the jumper.
Variations
Easier
Measure only the countermovement jump, with the teacher helping find the frames.
Standard
Compare both jump types and calculate height on their own.
Harder
Add an arm-swing jump and a drop jump from a low box to calculate a reactive strength index.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: measure arm power with seated medicine ball throws, filming the flight time.
- Shyness: the student can handle video analysis and film their own jumps only with their trio, no audience.
- Knee discomfort: jump onto a mat and do fewer attempts.
Learning goals
- Measure lower-body power with a digital tool.
- Compare jumps with and without a countermovement and explain the difference.
- Use technology responsibly to analyze their own performance.
Equipment for a class of 25
- tablet or smartphone: 8
- mats: 8
- worksheets: 25
- pens: 8
Teacher tip
The camera must sit at floor level from the side; below 120 frames per second the math gets imprecise. Get video permission at the start of the year.
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