First you need to design a test protocol that is easy to replicate and that reduces sources of variability. Once you have decided on a protocol you need to make sure your athletes understand it and that they stick to it. Otherwise you will lose the ability to compare results over time.
Hot Tip If you are measuring jump height make sure the athlete is completely ready to jump (standing tall with feet flat) before you press the START button.
Pressing the START button sets the zero for jump height calculation.
Distance above this position is considered to be jump height, distance below is dip.
There are a few things to consider in determining the protocol and setup you use.
- Reducing the effect of technique
- The skill and maturity of the athlete
- The frequency of testing
A good way to reduce the effect of technique is to constrain arm swing by using a broom handle as a barbel. This also makes a good point to attach the GymAware tether. You can place the Power Tool on the floor beside the athlete so that the unit is clear of their feet. One point to note here though, is that the athlete needs to be instructed (and you need to check for) any tilting of the bar during the jump, as this will produce errors.
To avoid these errors you can mount the PowerTool above the athlete using the PowerTool mounting bracket. The unit will detect that it is mounted upside down and will automatically compensate.
Please note that we don’t recommend relying solely on the magnets to secure the PowerTool above the athlete. The bracket can be screwed to the unit then securely mounted to the ceiling.
Another quick option is to place the unit between the legs and attach the tether to a belt on the athlete. This makes some athletes nervous at first as they fear landing on the unit when jumping. Most athletes get used to this and have no problems, as the natural way to jump is with feet shoulder width apart.
If you still have concerns you can recess the PowerTool into a platform (see below).
