Definition: One of the "measureables" associated with basketball players is "vertical leap" -- sometimes called "vertical jump." As the name implies, "vertical leap" is a measure of jumping ability -- specifically, the amount an athlete can elevate himself or herself from a standing position.
The most common way to measure vertical leap is to first measure the player's standing reach -- the highest point he or she can reach while standing flat-footed -- then mark off the highest point that player can reach with a jump. The difference between the two measurements is his or her "vertical jump."
Also Known As: vertical leap
Examples:
Syracuse guard Jonny Flynn posted the best vertical jump at the 2009 NBA Scouting combine - 40 inches.
