The Countermovement Jump (CMJ) is a vertical jump where the athlete starts standing, drops quickly to a self-selected depth, and immediately rebounds maximally upward. The downward dip pre-loads the stretch-shortening cycle, so the CMJ measures concentric power augmented by elastic and reflex contributions.
Performed with hands fixed on hips ("no-arm" CMJ) for cleaner comparison, or with arm swing (Abalakov jump) for sport-specific transfer. Jump height is the primary outcome (cm), but a force plate can also yield peak power, peak force, and rate of force development. Pair with the Squat Jump to compute the Eccentric Utilization Ratio (EUR = CMJ ÷ SJ).
Typical CMJ heights: elite male field-sport athletes 50–70 cm without arms, 60–80 cm with arms; women's NCAA soccer 35–45 cm; high-school athletes 35–55 cm.
Where it's used
Pre-season baselines, weekly readiness screening (small drops in CMJ height correlate with fatigue), talent ID.
References
- Bosco C, Luhtanen P, Komi PV (1983). A simple method for measurement of mechanical power in jumping. Eur J Appl Physiol.
Back to the glossary
Browse the full sport-science glossary for related terms.