What does the standing vertical jump primarily measure?

The standing vertical jump primarily measures power. Power is defined as the ability to exert force quickly and is a combination of strength and speed. In the context of a vertical jump, power is demonstrated through the explosive force generated by the leg muscles to push the body off the ground. This explosive movement requires not only significant muscular strength but also the ability to apply that strength rapidly, which directly correlates to the height achieved in the jump.

While speed, agility, and flexibility are important components of overall athletic performance, they do not specifically pertain to what the standing vertical jump is designed to measure. Speed refers to how fast an athlete can move, agility involves the ability to change direction quickly while maintaining control, and flexibility measures the range of motion in the joints. Therefore, in the context of this question, power is the most relevant measure derived from the standing vertical jump.