Have you ever seen someone jump and just thought, “How did they do that?” I mean, seriously—it’s like they leave the ground and hang there for a second. That’s what makes the highest vertical jump so fascinating. It’s not just legs or strength; timing, technique, and maybe even a little natural talent all play a role.
What Is the Highest Vertical Jump?
The highest vertical jump on record is about 63.5 inches – set by Evan Ungar in 2016. Other names get mentioned too: Kadour Ziani at 60, Michael Jordan around 48 , and Zion Williamson close to 46 inches. A vertical jump, tracked with devices like Vertec, simply shows how high an athlete leaps.
In this article, we’ll explore the record-holders, the science behind jumping higher, and even some tips if you want to push your own limits. Whether you’re a player, a coach, or just a fan of jaw-dropping jumps, you’ll find something interesting here.
What Exactly Is a Vertical Jump?
Okay, let’s simplify it. A vertical jump is basically how high you can push off the ground from a standstill. Usually, it’s measured from the floor to your fingertips at your highest point.
But here’s the catch—it’s not just legs. Explosive power, timing, coordination, and yes, your arms too, all matter. Some people make it look effortless, like they’ve got springs in their feet. Others? They train for months just to gain a few inches.
Who Holds the Records?
Some of these Highest Vertical Jump are insane. Truly jaw-dropping.
Basketball Legends
- Michael Jordan: around 48 inches—half a person in the air.
- Zion Williamson: about 46 inches, and he’s massive.
Other Notable Jumpers
- Kadour Ziani: 60 inches, known for crazy dunk tricks.
- Evan Ungar: Guinness World Record holder at 63.5 inches. Can you even imagine leaving the floor that high?
Table: Top Highest Vertical Jump Records
| Athlete | Vertical Jump | Sport | Year Recorded |
| Evan Ungar | 63.5 in | Athletics | 2016 |
| Kadour Ziani | 60 in | Basketball | 2000s |
| Michael Jordan | 48 in | Basketball | 1980s |
| Zion Williamson | 46 in | Basketball | 2019 |
Seriously, picturing yourself five feet off the ground? My knees hurt just thinking about it.
How Do They Measure Highest Vertical Jump?
It’s not guesswork, even though it looks like magic.
- Standing jump: no run-up. Simple.
- Running jump: a short approach first.
- Equipment: jump mats, Vertec machines, force plates.
Even tiny timing mistakes can throw off the measurement by inches. Milliseconds matter—crazy, right?
What Affects How High You Can Jump?
A few things make a big difference:
- Leg strength: quads, glutes, calves—your main engines.
- Explosive power: fast-twitch fibers do most of the work.
- Technique: arm swing, knee bend, takeoff timing. Don’t skip this.
- Body weight: lighter athletes often get a slight edge.
- Training: squats, jumps, plyometrics—tiny gains add up.
Even small adjustments in form can add inches. Weird how that works.
Key Muscles for a Higher Vertical Jump
Here is guide to jump higher:
Upper Body
- Shoulders & Arms → Drive momentum with a strong arm swing.
Core
- Abs & Lower Back → Stabilize your body and transfer power efficiently.
Lower Body (Main Engines)
- Glutes → Provide explosive power.
- Quads → Deliver strong extension force.
- Hamstrings → Add acceleration for takeoff.
- Calves → Give the final push-off from the ground.
Tips to Jump Higher
Yes, you can improve your jump. No magic, just smart work.
Plyometric Exercises
Box jumps, tuck jumps, depth jumps. Quick, explosive, maybe a little painful—but worth it.
Strength Training
Squats, lunges, deadlifts, calf raises. Build the right muscles, and your jump will thank you.
Technique Tips
- Swing your arms—don’t leave them behind.
- Explosive takeoff matters—slow jumps won’t cut it.
- Keep knees aligned; wobbling is a jump killer.
Table: Weekly Vertical Jump Training Plan
| Day | Exercise | Reps/Sets | Notes |
| Mon | Squats | 4×8 | Moderate weight |
| Tue | Box Jumps | 5×10 | Explosive focus |
| Wed | Rest | – | Recovery |
| Thu | Lunges | 4×12 | Alternate legs |
| Fri | Depth Jumps | 5×8 | Max height |
| Sat | Calf Raises | 4×20 | Slow, controlled |
| Sun | Rest | – | Stretch and recover |
The Relationship Between the Mind and Body in Jumping
You might think that having strong legs is the only way to jump higher. That is undoubtedly a factor, but there are many more at play. Equally important are your coordination, balance, and even mental clarity. Interestingly, before they take off, some athletes actually see themselves flying through the air.
Like they’re doing a little mental practice every time, they visualize themselves landing flawlessly and hitting their target. Odd, huh? However, it does have an impact. Jumping is a game of the mind as much as the body.
Fun Facts
- NBA players jump 28–34 inches on average.
- Volleyball pros often hit 30–40 inches.
- Some animals—kangaroos, frogs—out-jump humans easily. Unfair, right?
Common Misconceptions
- Tall players can’t jump high: Nope. Technique often matters more.
- Only young athletes can improve: Adults can add inches too.
- More squats = higher jump: Not exactly. Explosiveness and form beat raw weightlifting.
FAQs
- Highest vertical jump ever recorded?
Evan Ungar at 63.5 inches. Mind-blowing. - Can I improve my jump quickly?
Plyometrics, leg strength, and consistency are key. - Do plyometric exercises help?
Totally—they train fast-twitch muscles needed for explosive lifts. - Good vertical jump for basketball?
NBA average: 28–34 inches. Anything higher? Elite. - How long to improve?
6–12 weeks of steady effort shows results.
I’m Jacob Walker, and my blog is where digital and physical sports collide. I cover FIFA & NBA2K, explore unique athlete crossover content, and analyze the latest industry trends.
