The Kelsey Report

Jump Test

After finishing five weeks of training, the time to test my vertical jump has arrived.

I can’t remember the last time I did this. Probably college. And the idea of it is a mixture of excitement and wonder blended with trepidation.

I don’t know what will happen. I would like to wander onto the court and casually hop up and grab the rim, turn and shrug my shoulders as if to say, “What’s the big deal?”

About the last thing I want is a 6″ vertical jump with all of the grace and power of Pinochio; no business or hope of ever even hitting the rim.

What runs through my mind is “What if I just have no ups at all? What if I look like a total goof?”

It’s just Fear talking. Of course Fear runs a lot us; drives us to avoid looking bad, not starting something new, not stopping something we hate doing. Fear has a stronghold on a lot of hearts.

I’m determined Fear will not occupy my heart.

In the big picture, where I start matters a lot less than where I end up. I just remind myself of that, of where I was in 2008-09 when I could barely walk much less jump. I’ve come a very long way and there’s no reason to think I can’t keep improving.

I’m fairly certain grabbing the rim is out of reach (no pun intended) today. I haven’t jumped in years, haven’t started any jumping in my training so whatever the result, it’s what I have from the work I’ve put in over the past couple of years and the result of my ActiveAge.

My Vertical Jump Test Video

Here’s what happened:

I was pleasantly surprised by the results. After studying the video, I realized I was very close to hitting the rim giving me a vertical jump somewhere between 22 and 23 inches. When you consider the average vertical jump in the NBA is 30 inches, not too shabby.

What’s Up Next?

My training will shift gears a bit and include more jumping drills. I’ll add one more day during the week of a more demanding Element and keep everything else the same.

I’ll need to update my other baseline tests sometime this week.

After another four or five weeks, I’ll repeat the jump test.

Maybe grab the rim then….

🙂

 

About Doug Kelsey

DK_bball_post Doug Kelsey is a physical therapist and healthy lifestyle “guru”. Doug is formerly an Associate Professor and Assistant Dean for Clinical Affairs at the University of Oklahoma Health Science and is the owner of Sports Center Physical Therapy in Austin, Tx. He writes on how to “actively age” – how to get healthy and fit over your lifetime and take charge of your health.
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Naomi says

GO DK! GO DK! YAY TEAM!

Laura says

Way to go Doug! :o)

    DD Kelsey says

    Thanks Laura!

Jimmy says

Man, you are so close! I bet you could have gotten closer if you tried on your 1st or 2nd attempt at the rim. Better pump up the power and stamina elements this week…..

Keep up the good work!

    DD Kelsey says

    Thanks Jimmy – maybe so. I was surprised and really encouraged by the outcome. I agree – power is a key ingredient. Thanks!

libby ross says

Awesome Kelsey!! Cameron trained with “jump soles” to increase his vertical. Have you heard of them?

    DD Kelsey says

    Hey Libby –

    Yes, I’m familiar with Jumpsoles and Strength Shoes but have not used them. They greatly increase the load in the Achilles so probably not the best choice for me. Thanks!

Jimmy welsh says

Check the video link. Not working. Thanks……..

    DD Kelsey says

    Just tried it…works. Thanks-

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