3 DIY tools you can use to measure your vertical jump at home

Here are three DIY tools you can use to measure your vertical jump at home. These ideas are easy to set up, affordable, and require minimal equipment.

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1. Tape and String Setup

A low-cost tool that provides a quick way to measure vertical jump without any permanent marks.

What You’ll Need:

• Measuring tape
• Long piece of string
• Masking tape

How to Use:

1. Secure one end of the string to the floor near a wall using masking tape.
2. Measure up along the wall and mark height intervals on the string with tape or a marker.
3. Stand next to the string, jump, and reach for the highest point on the string that you can touch.
4. Note the highest point reached, and measure your jump by calculating the difference from your standing reach.

Pros:

• Easy to set up and clean up.
• Provides a quick and repeatable way to measure jump height.

Cons:

• The string can move or swing, which might affect accuracy.
• Requires precise measurement intervals on the string for consistent results.

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2. Smartphone Slow-Motion Video

Using a smartphone’s slow-motion video feature can give you an accurate reading of your vertical jump with a bit of video analysis.

What You’ll Need:

• Smartphone with a slow-motion camera
• Tape measure

How to Use:

1. Set up your phone on a stable surface or tripod to record your jump from the side.
2. Mark your standing reach on the wall or use a measuring tape visible in the frame.
3. Record your jump in slow motion and measure the height you reach from the video.
4. You can analyze the video to find your highest point and calculate the jump height by comparing it to your standing reach.

Pros:

• Provides a digital record of your jump.
• Allows you to track and review your progress over time.

Cons:

• Requires a smartphone and some basic video analysis skills.
• May not be as accurate if the video setup isn’t positioned correctly.

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3. Simple Vertical Stand with PVC Pipes

This DIY vertical jump tester is inspired by professional "Vertec" machines used in sports training facilities, but it's made using PVC pipes and flags or markers.

What You’ll Need:

• PVC pipes (1-inch diameter is sturdy enough)
• PVC T-joints and elbow joints
• Measuring tape
• Small flags, tape, or markers

How to Use:

1. Assemble a vertical PVC frame that is stable enough to stand on its own. It should be at least a few feet taller than your highest jump.
2. Mark height intervals on the PVC pipes using measuring tape and small flags or tape. Space them out in 1-inch or 2-inch increments.
3. Stand next to the frame and jump, aiming to touch the highest marker possible.
4. Record the highest point you touched to measure your jump height.

Pros:

• Durable and reusable setup.
• Provides clear, consistent measurements.

Cons:

• Takes some time to assemble and may require a stable base to prevent tipping.
• Requires PVC pipes and additional connectors, which may involve some cost.

These DIY methods, including the PVC vertical stand and chalkboard gauge, offer affordable and creative ways to track your vertical jump progress at home.