Fitness Testing
Fitness Testing > Tests > Speed & Power > Vertical Jump > Records
World Best Vertical Jump Scores
The vertical jump test measures the difference between a jump straight up off both feet, and the reach height. The result is therefore independent of someone's actual height, and can generally be considered how much the feet get off the ground. See a description of the Vertcial Jump fitness test.
The world record holder for the vertical jump (according to answers.com) is held by Michael Wilson of the Globetrotters, who has a 55" leap (he also once dunked on a 12-foot hoop, which is also a record). Someone else reports that Kadour Ziani, Highest Vertical Leaper from Slamnation, has a vertical jump of 61" (other reports for top leaps for Kadour range from 56"/142cm upwards). There are some other impressive stats coming from another slam dunking group, Team Flight Brothers, especially Terrell Cournoyea aka TDub, who is just 5'9" tall. He has been seen leaping with his head above the basketball rim, very impressive for his size.
Many of these jumps may have been achived with a single step or a run up, compared to the usual technique for the standard vertical jump test from a standing position. As the protocol used ofr many of these scores are not listed, it is difficult to make direct comparisons. Volleyball player Leonel Marshall reportedly has a 50" (127 cm) vertical leap from standing. He is the star of Men's Cuban National Volleyball team. Search for him on YouTube and you will see some spectacular jumping action of him.
Top Vertical Leap Records List
Many of these scores are based on unconfirmed reports, so should not be taken as fact.
| Athlete: | Sport | Vertical Leap: | notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kadour Ziani | Slamnation | 60" | he is 5'10 tall |
| Michael Wilson | Globetrotters | 55" (or 51") | |
| Reggie Thompson | Jumpsoles | 56" (142 cm) | |
| Randy Moss | NFL | 51" | |
| Henry Bekkering | ? | 50"+ | |
| Robert Martin | ? | 50"+ | |
| Leonel Marshall | Volleyball | 50" (127 cm) | |
| Jameel Pugh | Basketball | 50" (127 cm) | |
| Michael Jordan | NBA | 48" (122 cm) | |
| Ronnie Fields | CBA | 48" (122 cm) | |
| Spudd Webb | NBA | 46" | |
| Gerald Sensabaugh | NFL | 46" | all time top score from the NFL Combine |
| Melvin Levett | other | 45" |
Related Pages
- procedure for Vertical Jump Testing
- Vertical Jump results for athletes.
- more Fitness Testing Records and other Sporting Records
- More Records? I scan the internet for the latest athlete results. If you know of something I have missed, I would love to hear from you.
