Combine Basketball
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All Measurements
Athleticism & Explosion

Max vertical

The same measurement as the standing vertical, but with a run-up. Again it is the height above standing reach, not above the floor.

Measurement Unit
in
Optimal Direction
Higher (Greater)
Attempts Allowed
Best of 3 Reps
Gate Precision
1 Decimals
Max vertical is measured from a running approach, as the height reached above the athlete’s own standing reach.standing reach3-step running approachhighest vane touchedVERTICAL
Protocol: Running approach permitted. Record best of 3.

Basketball Kinetic Importance

This is the one that shows up in a game: a lob, a putback, a chase-down block. The gap between max and standing vertical is itself informative — a large gap means the athlete converts approach speed into height well, which is a coachable skill rather than a fixed one.

Exact Execution Sequence

  1. 1Approach of the athlete's choosing, usually two to four steps.
  2. 2One or two feet at takeoff, whichever they actually use in a game.
  3. 3Highest vane touched counts. Best of three attempts.
  4. 4Measured from the same standing reach as the standing vertical.
What Gets an Attempt Disqualified or Re-Run

Strict execution ensures integrity. Disqualified reps are logged with reasons rather than deleted.

  • Starting the approach from outside the marked run-up area.
  • Hanging or pulling on the apparatus.
  • A touch on the way down rather than at the top.
Max vertical Protocol — Combine Basketball