Measurements

Run a Countermovement Jump Measurement

July 27, 2026 Marius Schober 2 min read

Outcome

Record one vertical jump with one rapid downward movement, a clear take-off, and a controlled landing on the force plates.

Applies to

Use the CMJ examination tile and an approved adjacent-plate configuration. The selected configuration defines which platform is under each foot.

Person performing a countermovement jump from stable standing to landing on the same force plates
Countermovement Jump sequence

Before you begin

  • Confirm both plates are stable, dry, unloaded, and matched to the selected configuration.
  • Clear the full take-off and landing area. Arrange a spotter if required.
  • Select the correct project, Subject, configuration, and CMJ examination on Home.
  • Agree the footwear and arm instruction and record them consistently.
  • Cue the person: “Stand still with your hands on your hips. Make one quick downward movement, jump straight up as high as practical, land in the same place, and then stand still.”

Steps

  1. Select the CMJ tile. Measure opens with the wizard.
  2. During tare, keep both force plates completely unloaded and untouched.
  3. When prompted, ask the person to place one foot on each configured plate and stand still.
  4. Confirm the displayed standing state is stable and both feet are fully on the plates.
  5. Repeat the cue, check the landing area, and confirm the person is ready.
  6. Start only on the wizard cue. The person makes one continuous downward movement and immediately jumps vertically.
  7. The person lands with one foot on each plate and remains still until the wizard permits stepping off.
  8. Open View and confirm the trace shows quiet standing, the intended movement, take-off, landing, and stable standing afterward.
  9. Record arm instruction, footwear, coaching, unusual landing, and any reason for repetition in the notes.
  10. Generate a report only after the trial passes the operator review.

You should now see

One saved CMJ trial under the correct Subject and configuration, with a trace that matches one countermovement, a clear airborne period, and a stable landing.

Stop or repeat when

  • Anything touches a plate during tare or the person moves during the standing stage.
  • There is an extra preparatory movement, unintended arm swing, or no clear take-off.
  • A foot partly leaves or misses a plate, the landing is unstable, or an unexpected safety event occurs.
  • The trace or event order does not match what you observed.

If it does not work

Let the person recover before repeating. Recheck plate position, configuration, tare, cue, and footwear. Do not use a trial that fails the task or trace review.