As in the Counter Movement Jump Assessment, this test allows us to understand the athlete’s power, explosivity, and dynamic control. However, this jump test evaluates each leg as an individual motor. We know each motor requires the efficient use of 3 cylinders: Power, execution of power, and the ability to direct that power. With good training we want to see power increase, ground contact time decrease, and the size of the used area get smaller and smaller.

In a 2D OptoJump system, the athlete performs 5 right leg jumps and 5 left leg jumps. They are asked to jump as high and quickly as possible. Height, contact time, power, and used area are all recorded.

Like the other jump assessments, we are looking for power and height to increase over time while contact time and used area decrease. This test also allows us to look at the differentials between the left leg and right leg performances. This is important to track, because we want our athletes to be as symmetrical as possible. Large asymmetries can often lead to injuries – as if the athlete was building on an unstable foundation. With the objective data from this test, we can see exactly where the asymmetries lie so that they can be addressed before higher levels of difficulty are attempted.

To improve power and stability, the athlete needs Ground School. To improve contact time, the athlete needs Flight School.