Michael Jordan's Vertical Revealed

[eliteballer]

When I started working with Michael Jordan in 1989, his vertical jump was 38 inches. By today’s standards, that might not even get you drafted in the top ten; Andrew Wiggins reportedly had a 44” vertical jump before he was drafted No. 1 overall in the 2014 NBA Draft. Eventually we got MJ up to 42”—and then 48”—using the training program which later became my book JUMP ATTACK. But we weren’t specifically training for vertical jump; we trained for overall explosiveness and skill, and the vertical increase was just a by-product of the training.

http://www.si.com/edge/2014/10/16/tim-grover-talent-isnt-enough

Elite always bringing you that hot, exclusive ISH:pimp:

Although I find it hard to believe Jordan's vertical went UP in the 90's.

[CavaliersFTW]

http://www.si.com/edge/2014/10/16/tim-grover-talent-isnt-enough

Elite always bringing you that hot, exclusive ISH:pimp:
That sounds like complete bullshit to plug that dudes book, and capture the readers attention for the rest of his fluff article. Michael Jordan is on record in the 90's saying he didn't do anything to train his vertical outside of what any normal kids did ... he ran and jumped a lot as a kid, didn't really worry about it beyond that, he just was a naturally good jumper. Michael Jordan if anything, had his highest vertical in the 80's not the 90's. His highest jumps are clearly done prior to this dudes 1989 claim of "working" with Jordan. 48" vertical my ass, that has always been hard to believe to me, let alone believing he achieved this zenith in the 90's. 38" vertical in the 80's claim is almost just as laughable.

[DonDadda59]

Tim Grover bullshitting to sell his hocus pocus book. Jordan's vertical was measured in '83 when he was at UNC:


Abstract:

MICHAEL JORDAN=92S VERTICAL JUMP. =20
Krugh J, LeVeau B. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel =
Hill, NC.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study, which was part of an advanced =
master=92s motion analysis class project in 1983, was to determine =
Michael Jordan=92s maximum vertical jump.
=20
SUBJECT: Michael Jordan=20

METHODS: Surface markers: Left lateral malleolus, left femoral =
epicondyle, left greater trochanter, left pelvic crest, and right distal =
phalanges of digits 2 and 3 of the hand.

Tasks (in order) were:=20
Vertical reach while standing flat-footed - baseline
Vertical reach during a jump from standing
Vertical reach during a jump from running
Vertical reach during a 1 hand dunk=20
Vertical reach during a 2 hand dunk

All tasks, except baseline vertical reach were done with free swing of =
the upper limb(s). Equipment / instrumentation: Camera, lighting, =
markers, meter stick, and standard basketball. Location: Fetzer =
Gymnasium, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

DATA ANALYSIS:
Distance measurements were analyzed by comparison to a meter stick in =
view of the camera. Displacement measurements of reach (pelvis) involved =
measurement of vertical height to the tip of fingers 2 and 3 (pelvis) =
during a task minus vertical height to the tip of fingers 2 and 3 =
(pelvis) during bilateral flat-footed stance. Velocity measurements were =
analyzed by dividing vertical height distance traveled divided by time =
taken for the tasks. A VanGuard Motion Analyzer was used to analyze =
motion frame by frame.

RESULTS:=20
Maximum measurements:=20
Vertical reach while standing flat-footed 93.67 in.
Floor to pelvic crest while standing 49.00 in.
Vertical reach displacement during a jump from standing 35.93 in.
Vertical displacement of the pelvis during a jump from running 38.07 in.
Vertical velocity during a jump from running 701.00 o/sec.=20
Vertical reach displacement during a jump from running 45.76 in.
Vertical reach displacement during a 1 hand dunk 41.70 in.
Vertical reach displacement during a 2 hand dunk 40.93 in.

During the vertical reach from standing, push from the floor was with =
both feet. During the vertical reach during a jump from running, push =
from the floor was with one foot and momentum of the body, two upper =
limbs, and one lower limb was used to the maximum.=20

CONCLUSION / CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Maximum displacement for vertical reach =
was achieved with a jump from a running start, a 2 hand dunk, a 1 hand =
dunk, and a jump from standing, respectively. This is consistent with =
use of momentum of the body and limbs to assist with the vertical =
displacement. Michael Jordan=92s vertical jump ability during several =
tasks provides a standard with which athletic achievement by others can =
be compared.

http://www.elitefitness.com/forum/professional-collegiate-sports/michael-jordans-true-vert-212070.html


So unless his vertical went from 46 to 38 then back all the way up to 48... Grover is bullshittin.

[eliteballer]

Tim Grover bullshitting to sell his hocus pocus book. Jordan's vertical was measured in '83 when he was at UNC:


Abstract:

MICHAEL JORDAN=92S VERTICAL JUMP. =20
Krugh J, LeVeau B. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel =
Hill, NC.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study, which was part of an advanced =
master=92s motion analysis class project in 1983, was to determine =
Michael Jordan=92s maximum vertical jump.
=20
SUBJECT: Michael Jordan=20

METHODS: Surface markers: Left lateral malleolus, left femoral =
epicondyle, left greater trochanter, left pelvic crest, and right distal =
phalanges of digits 2 and 3 of the hand.

Tasks (in order) were:=20
Vertical reach while standing flat-footed - baseline
Vertical reach during a jump from standing
Vertical reach during a jump from running
Vertical reach during a 1 hand dunk=20
Vertical reach during a 2 hand dunk

All tasks, except baseline vertical reach were done with free swing of =
the upper limb(s). Equipment / instrumentation: Camera, lighting, =
markers, meter stick, and standard basketball. Location: Fetzer =
Gymnasium, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

DATA ANALYSIS:
Distance measurements were analyzed by comparison to a meter stick in =
view of the camera. Displacement measurements of reach (pelvis) involved =
measurement of vertical height to the tip of fingers 2 and 3 (pelvis) =
during a task minus vertical height to the tip of fingers 2 and 3 =
(pelvis) during bilateral flat-footed stance. Velocity measurements were =
analyzed by dividing vertical height distance traveled divided by time =
taken for the tasks. A VanGuard Motion Analyzer was used to analyze =
motion frame by frame.

RESULTS:=20
Maximum measurements:=20
Vertical reach while standing flat-footed 93.67 in.
Floor to pelvic crest while standing 49.00 in.
Vertical reach displacement during a jump from standing 35.93 in.
Vertical displacement of the pelvis during a jump from running 38.07 in.
Vertical velocity during a jump from running 701.00 o/sec.=20
Vertical reach displacement during a jump from running 45.76 in.
Vertical reach displacement during a 1 hand dunk 41.70 in.
Vertical reach displacement during a 2 hand dunk 40.93 in.

During the vertical reach from standing, push from the floor was with =
both feet. During the vertical reach during a jump from running, push =
from the floor was with one foot and momentum of the body, two upper =
limbs, and one lower limb was used to the maximum.=20

CONCLUSION / CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Maximum displacement for vertical reach =
was achieved with a jump from a running start, a 2 hand dunk, a 1 hand =
dunk, and a jump from standing, respectively. This is consistent with =
use of momentum of the body and limbs to assist with the vertical =
displacement. Michael Jordan=92s vertical jump ability during several =
tasks provides a standard with which athletic achievement by others can =
be compared.

http://www.elitefitness.com/forum/professional-collegiate-sports/michael-jordans-true-vert-212070.html


So unless his vertical went from 46 to 38 then back all the way up to 48... Grover is bullshittin.

Verts are measured from standstill, not running...and they didn't even test it that way? That info sounds just as dubious.

[SamuraiSWISH]

Tim Grover bullshitting to sell his hocus pocus book. Jordan's vertical was measured in '83 when he was at UNC:


Abstract:

MICHAEL JORDAN=92S VERTICAL JUMP. =20
Krugh J, LeVeau B. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel =
Hill, NC.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study, which was part of an advanced =
master=92s motion analysis class project in 1983, was to determine =
Michael Jordan=92s maximum vertical jump.
=20
SUBJECT: Michael Jordan=20

METHODS: Surface markers: Left lateral malleolus, left femoral =
epicondyle, left greater trochanter, left pelvic crest, and right distal =
phalanges of digits 2 and 3 of the hand.

Tasks (in order) were:=20
Vertical reach while standing flat-footed - baseline
Vertical reach during a jump from standing
Vertical reach during a jump from running
Vertical reach during a 1 hand dunk=20
Vertical reach during a 2 hand dunk

All tasks, except baseline vertical reach were done with free swing of =
the upper limb(s). Equipment / instrumentation: Camera, lighting, =
markers, meter stick, and standard basketball. Location: Fetzer =
Gymnasium, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

DATA ANALYSIS:
Distance measurements were analyzed by comparison to a meter stick in =
view of the camera. Displacement measurements of reach (pelvis) involved =
measurement of vertical height to the tip of fingers 2 and 3 (pelvis) =
during a task minus vertical height to the tip of fingers 2 and 3 =
(pelvis) during bilateral flat-footed stance. Velocity measurements were =
analyzed by dividing vertical height distance traveled divided by time =
taken for the tasks. A VanGuard Motion Analyzer was used to analyze =
motion frame by frame.

RESULTS:=20
Maximum measurements:=20
Vertical reach while standing flat-footed 93.67 in.
Floor to pelvic crest while standing 49.00 in.
Vertical reach displacement during a jump from standing 35.93 in.
Vertical displacement of the pelvis during a jump from running 38.07 in.
Vertical velocity during a jump from running 701.00 o/sec.=20
Vertical reach displacement during a jump from running 45.76 in.
Vertical reach displacement during a 1 hand dunk 41.70 in.
Vertical reach displacement during a 2 hand dunk 40.93 in.

During the vertical reach from standing, push from the floor was with =
both feet. During the vertical reach during a jump from running, push =
from the floor was with one foot and momentum of the body, two upper =
limbs, and one lower limb was used to the maximum.=20

CONCLUSION / CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Maximum displacement for vertical reach =
was achieved with a jump from a running start, a 2 hand dunk, a 1 hand =
dunk, and a jump from standing, respectively. This is consistent with =
use of momentum of the body and limbs to assist with the vertical =
displacement. Michael Jordan=92s vertical jump ability during several =
tasks provides a standard with which athletic achievement by others can =
be compared.

http://www.elitefitness.com/forum/professional-collegiate-sports/michael-jordans-true-vert-212070.html


So unless his vertical went from 46 to 38 then back all the way up to 48... Grover is bullshittin.
:applause:

Grover trying to sell books.

[mehyaM24]

anyway , ive said repeatedly that jordan's leaping ability is GOAT-like. i know for a fact he had AT LEAST a 40" vert after the stories kenny smith told - and the footage you saw his rookie year with chicago.

[mehyaM24]

Like I've said in the LeBron thread:

http://i.imgur.com/OoL39iU.jpg

Around 37-40 inches.. IMO just shy of 40. Not LeBron level, but still very elite. But of course MJ fans will try to discredit Tim Grover.
one pic doesn't mean that is his PEAK VERT, you imbecile. did you and samurai ride the same short yellow bus?

[oarabbus]

inb4 15 pages of 3ball posting the image of Jordan's mouth below the rim and claiming it proves a 46" vert

[j3lademaster]

Assuming MJ was 6'6 in shoes, a 48' vert would put the top of his head half a foot over the rim. Just putting it into perspective for all the people who like to exaggerate vertical leap out there. I swear if i had a nickel for every time some dude with a ~28' vert who can dunk added an imaginary 8-10' to their vert....

[Cali Syndicate]

inb4 15 pages of 3ball posting the image of Jordan's mouth below the rim and claiming it proves a 46" vert

please, no.

[oarabbus]

please, no.

We can only hope.

[Cali Syndicate]

We can only hope.

:crazysam: that image, I hate it.

[Kblaze8855]

Verts are measured from standstill, not running...and they didn't even test it that way? That info sounds just as dubious.

I don't know...that looks rather official. Id trust those numbers(if not made up last week) over anyones estimates.

And verts have been measured many ways. A lot of people go ith one step vertical. The NBA did for a while. They listed Antoinio Mcdyess with an official 47 inch vertical on his league page back in the day off a one step test.

Really....people want to know how high you can get up. If a guy has a 40 inch vertical on the move im not mad if he claims he can jump 40 inches.

Playing basketball...hes probably gonna be moving when he jumps isn't he? Not like people just explode 40 inches on stand still rebounds or blocks on a regular basis.

[3ball]

We can only hope.



http://gifsforum.com/images_new/gif/other/grand/7a0dfd2c3a222ad713c51357c3ed3316.jpeg


even if you don't think he is mouth-level, you can't deny that his eyes clear the rim easily.

[Random_Guy]

lol seriously a 48 inch verticle lol

[Hoopz2332]

inb4 15 pages of 3ball posting the image of Jordan's mouth below the rim and claiming it proves a 46" vert


:oldlol:

[3ball]

we now have data from multiple first-hand sources and visual proof of jordan's 46 inch vertical.

i don't know what more you want... :confusedshrug:

[andgar923]

One would think that it takes more than a mere 38 inches to dunk from the ft line with rather ease and also hit one's head on the backboard on a block.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6qjd3s_McVk&spfreload=10%20Message%3A%20JSON%20Parse%20error%3 A%20Unexpected%20EOF%20(url%3A%20https%3A%2F%2Fwww .youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3D6qjd3s_McVk)&channel=MichaelJordanZone

This is MJ past his jumping prime, and is easily jumping around the low-mid 30s in this jump shot.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-5R4RLL5fAs&spfreload=10%20Message%3A%20JSON%20Parse%20error%3 A%20Unexpected%20EOF%20(url%3A%20https%3A%2F%2Fwww .youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3D-5R4RLL5fAs)&channel=youutoobe

[Dragonyeuw]

:wtf:
One would think that it takes more than a mere 38 inches to dunk from the ft line with rather ease and also hit one's head on the backboard on a block.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6qjd3s_McVk&spfreload=10%20Message%3A%20JSON%20Parse%20error%3 A%20Unexpected%20EOF%20(url%3A%20https%3A%2F%2Fwww .youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3D6qjd3s_McVk)&channel=MichaelJordanZone

This is MJ past his jumping prime, and is easily jumping around the low-mid 30s in this jump shot.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-5R4RLL5fAs&spfreload=10%20Message%3A%20JSON%20Parse%20error%3 A%20Unexpected%20EOF%20(url%3A%20https%3A%2F%2Fwww .youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3D-5R4RLL5fAs)&channel=youutoobe

Wow, and with literally zero momentum other than a hop step.

[Inactive]

Verts are measured from standstill, not running...and they didn't even test it that way? That info sounds just as dubious.It appears to be legit; it's from http://www.jospt.org/doi/pdf/10.2519/jospt.1999.29.1.A1 .

His running max vert would be the second highest ever measured at the draft combine. http://www.draftexpress.com/nba-pre-draft-measurements/?year=All&sort2=DESC&draft=&pos=&source=All&sort=12

[OldSchoolBBall]

Jordan definitely had more than a 38" vert - that's a joke, and is definitely just a guy trying to hype his training program. I'd estimate he had a 41-43" vert. I definitely believe that today's athletes are able to maximize and improve their vert due to the training programs in place. Hard as it is to believe, Jordan would have been an even BETTER leaper today.

[DonDadda59]

That's without a basketball..

Since when are verticals measured with a basketball? :coleman:

[DatAsh]

It appears to be legit; it's from http://www.jospt.org/doi/pdf/10.2519/jospt.1999.29.1.A1 .

His running max vert would be the second highest ever measured at the draft combine. http://www.draftexpress.com/nba-pre-draft-measurements/?year=All&sort2=DESC&draft=&pos=&source=All&sort=12

Interesting.

Too bad people will ignore this to push whatever agenda they're trying to push.

[Elosha]

I don't know...that looks rather official. Id trust those numbers(if not made up last week) over anyones estimates.

And verts have been measured many ways. A lot of people go ith one step vertical. The NBA did for a while. They listed Antoinio Mcdyess with an official 47 inch vertical on his league page back in the day off a one step test.

Really....people want to know how high you can get up. If a guy has a 40 inch vertical on the move im not mad if he claims he can jump 40 inches.

Playing basketball...hes probably gonna be moving when he jumps isn't he? Not like people just explode 40 inches on stand still rebounds or blocks on a regular basis.

I agree, the numbers seem quite specific and perhaps trustworthy. Moreover, they seem right in line with what we could see from Jordan's max vertical during the 80's and early 90's. I also posted several additional pictures in the Lebron vertical thread that pretty clearly showed his head over the rim, suggesting a 43-45 inch max vertical. There's no visual evidence whatsoever that he had a 48 inch vertical, (the rookie pic 3ball posts shows a very high jump but not 6 inches over the rim) but arguing that he had only a 39-40 inch vertical is equally inaccurate.

Jordan and Lebron have equivalent vertical leaps in my opinion. However, in comparing them, the differences are: (1) Lebron ultimately gets higher off one foot primarily because of his 2-3 inch height advantage and corresponding reach advantage and (2) Jordan has a different kind of leaping advantage in that he could approach max vertical leap off both one and two feet, whereas Lebron is somewhat less explosive off one foot, although still fairly good.

[eliteballer]

RESULTS:=20
Maximum measurements:=20
Vertical reach while standing flat-footed 93.67 in.
Floor to pelvic crest while standing 49.00 in.
Vertical reach displacement during a jump from standing 35.93 in.
Vertical displacement of the pelvis during a jump from running 38.07 in.
Vertical velocity during a jump from running 701.00 o/sec.=20
Vertical reach displacement during a jump from running 45.76 in.
Vertical reach displacement during a 1 hand dunk 41.70 in.
Vertical reach displacement during a 2 hand dunk 40.93 in.

Can't believe I overlooked the bolded. So his vert at UNC was 36.

[eliteballer]

It appears to be legit; it's from http://www.jospt.org/doi/pdf/10.2519/jospt.1999.29.1.A1 .



What page?

[SHAQisGOAT]

Like I've said in the LeBron thread:

http://i.imgur.com/OoL39iU.jpg

Around 37-40 inches.. IMO just shy of 40. Not LeBron level, but still very elite. But of course MJ fans will try to discredit Tim Grover.

Those shitty "estimates" then made in paint, supposed to be a joke or something??

If not... :facepalm :facepalm

1st of all dude was jumping sideways, then that's most likely not even the peak of his jump, and you don't even measure verticals with/dunking the ball... Oh, and paint :oldlol: :rolleyes: :facepalm

From everything I've seen, pretty clear that MJ had a vertical in the mid-40's or something... And remember that Jordan was not even a legit 6'6''.

[jstern]

It's amazing how much we have advance in the last two decades. To think that Michael Jordan wouldn't get drafted in the top in this era with this leaping ability. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OD54eF2XKJA&feature=player_detailpage#t=17

[Elosha]

Here's three instances where Jordan is arguably 42 or more inches on dunks.

The first is a famous alley-oop in NY in 1988:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lwoWli_rlVU&feature=player_detailpage#t=265.

If you pause at the apex of his jump at 4:29, which when his head is closest to the rim and right before he ducks his head and dunks, it looks like his head is even with the top of the rim.

The second is a rarely seen angle of Jordan's 1988 free throw line dunk. If you pause at 4 seconds, it's pretty clear the top of his head is slightly higher than the rim.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uLdxQ-_J9FI

The last jump is more ambiguous due to the angle.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-fVAZ114I38&feature=player_detailpage#t=1080

This game is from November 1992 against Golden State. While it appears that his head is maybe an inch or two above the rim, the angle likely inflates it somewhat. So my guess is that he was near the rim, but at most even with it or perhaps just under it. Still, given how he soars over the challenging defender, it gives a pretty good idea of how explosive a leaper he was off of two feet.

[oarabbus]

http://gifsforum.com/images_new/gif/other/grand/7a0dfd2c3a222ad713c51357c3ed3316.jpeg


even if you don't think he is mouth-level, you can't deny that his eyes clear the rim easily.



we now have data from multiple first-hand sources and visual proof of jordan's 46 inch vertical.

i don't know what more you want... :confusedshrug:


http://i.imgur.com/TtRut.gif

[SHAQisGOAT]

In shoes he is 6ft 6... I don't see the significance of measuring without shoes here. Care to explain why? Is he not jumping with shoes?

Probably, "point" still stands, and my post wasn't remotely close to being just about that...

[SHAQisGOAT]

Stuff like this...


One would think that it takes more than a mere 38 inches to dunk from the ft line with rather ease and also hit one's head on the backboard on a block.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6qjd3s_McVk&spfreload=10%20Message%3A%20JSON%20Parse%20error%3 A%20Unexpected%20EOF%20(url%3A%20https%3A%2F%2Fwww .youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3D6qjd3s_McVk)&channel=MichaelJordanZone

This is MJ past his jumping prime, and is easily jumping around the low-mid 30s in this jump shot.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-5R4RLL5fAs&spfreload=10%20Message%3A%20JSON%20Parse%20error%3 A%20Unexpected%20EOF%20(url%3A%20https%3A%2F%2Fwww .youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3D-5R4RLL5fAs)&channel=youutoobe


It appears to be legit; it's from http://www.jospt.org/doi/pdf/10.2519/jospt.1999.29.1.A1 .

His running max vert would be the second highest ever measured at the draft combine. http://www.draftexpress.com/nba-pre-draft-measurements/?year=All&sort2=DESC&draft=&pos=&source=All&sort=12


i've never seen that picture before... must have been before he had to duck his head from hitting the rim... and he's turning sideways, contorting his body..

the original link is pretty cool... http://sports.mearsonlineauctions.com/ItemImages/000033/79c1d42e-a6c6-4207-adc6-d8b35af9ed25_lg.jpeg


http://gifsforum.com/images_new/gif/other/grand/7a0dfd2c3a222ad713c51357c3ed3316.jpeg


http://gifsforum.com/images_new/gif/other/grand/c3cfd605055a94999ab4e497110b2b30.gif


... mean/say/prove a WHOLE lot more than bullshit like this...


Like I've said in the LeBron thread:

http://i.imgur.com/OoL39iU.jpg

Around 37-40 inches.. IMO just shy of 40. Not LeBron level, but still very elite. But of course MJ fans will try to discredit Tim Grover.

... or Grover coming up with bullshit to shamelessly plug his book.


Still can't believe some people argue against Jordan having all-time elite vertical leap :facepalm I mean, either you never watched him at his athletic peak, or you ain't watching the same stuff I did.

[Inactive]

What page?Page 10, PO30. You can just hit ctrl+F, and search for "Michael Jordan".

[mehyaM24]

Stuff like this...Still can't believe some people argue against Jordan having all-time elite vertical leap :facepalm I mean, either you never watched him at his athletic peak, or you ain't watching the same stuff I did.
exactly. i normally dont rag on posters, but when morons like that try to spin pictures into something they are not - thats when i have no choice but to question their intelligence.

and as you know, im not a particular fan of jordan's volume scoring - but i have little doubt he had a HIGHER vertical than '40". its just common sense.

[La Frescobaldi]

Verts are measured from standstill, not running...and they didn't even test it that way? That info sounds just as dubious.

For years and years they measured full stop, one step, and running. And they still should. Full stop vertical alone is stupid.

They did it against a wall, sometimes with a chain from the hoop and some dye on your finger, and with a volleyball pole and a stick. It was later on when they came up with those various other contraptions.

[eliteballer]

You know, I'm looking at those Jordan North Carolina numbers again, and they lead us to believe there's a 10 inch difference between his standing and running verts.

Is that believable?

[CavaliersFTW]

According to Madonna it was significantly less than Scottie Pippens.

[abuC]

3ball told me this was the most accurate representation of MJ's max vert

http://memoryglands.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/SpaceJam.jpg

[Inactive]

You know, I'm looking at those Jordan North Carolina numbers again, and they lead us to believe there's a 10 inch difference between his standing and running verts.

Is that believable?It's a large difference, but not unbelievable; ~11% of players have a greater disparity between their running and standing verts.

His standing vert was 78.5% of his running vert. That would be the 155th largest disparity between standing, and running vert, out of 1401 players whose numbers are listed on draftexpress.

It is surprising though, since during his NBA career Michael was a very good leaper off two feet, but that was usually with at least one step, or a jumpstop.

[ClipperRevival]

http://sports.mearsonlineauctions.com/ItemImages/000033/79c1d42e-a6c6-4207-adc6-d8b35af9ed25_lg.jpeg

Seriously, can ANYONE in the history of the game jump off one foot, going sideways and get his head right at the rim like MJ did in his sideways dunk in the 1988 dunk contest? MJ just had the best set of coordination, reflexes and fluidity of movement so he just made it look easy. But he did things athletically no one else could do.

http://sports.mearsonlineauctions.com/ItemImages/000033/79c1d42e-a6c6-4207-adc6-d8b35af9ed25_lg.jpeg

[ClipperRevival]

http://sports.mearsonlineauctions.com/ItemImages/000033/79c1d42e-a6c6-4207-adc6-d8b35af9ed25_lg.jpeg

Seriously, can ANYONE in the history of the game jump off one foot, going sideways and get his head right at the rim like MJ did in his sideways dunk in the 1988 dunk contest? MJ just had the best set of coordination, reflexes and fluidity of movement so he just made it look easy. But he did things athletically no one else could do.

MJ is probably 6'5" without shoes. So for the top of his head to be right at the rim, he would need to jump exactly 43 inches. Assuming his head is an inch below, he did 42 inches on that jump.

But the thing is, we never saw MJ try to get his head as high as possible just for the heck of it. He only did things that meant something in the context of playing the game (in-game or in-dunk contests). I'm pretty sure he could've gotten his head ABOVE the rim if that was his sole purpose like you saw Gerald Green do in practice with the perfect head start and jumping off two feet. But all we have are in-game and in-dunk contest moments which prove he can get his head right at rim level.

[feyki]

Tim Grover bullshitting to sell his hocus pocus book. Jordan's vertical was measured in '83 when he was at UNC:


Abstract:

MICHAEL JORDAN=92S VERTICAL JUMP. =20
Krugh J, LeVeau B. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel =
Hill, NC.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study, which was part of an advanced =
master=92s motion analysis class project in 1983, was to determine =
Michael Jordan=92s maximum vertical jump.
=20
SUBJECT: Michael Jordan=20

METHODS: Surface markers: Left lateral malleolus, left femoral =
epicondyle, left greater trochanter, left pelvic crest, and right distal =
phalanges of digits 2 and 3 of the hand.

Tasks (in order) were:=20
Vertical reach while standing flat-footed - baseline
Vertical reach during a jump from standing
Vertical reach during a jump from running
Vertical reach during a 1 hand dunk=20
Vertical reach during a 2 hand dunk

All tasks, except baseline vertical reach were done with free swing of =
the upper limb(s). Equipment / instrumentation: Camera, lighting, =
markers, meter stick, and standard basketball. Location: Fetzer =
Gymnasium, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

DATA ANALYSIS:
Distance measurements were analyzed by comparison to a meter stick in =
view of the camera. Displacement measurements of reach (pelvis) involved =
measurement of vertical height to the tip of fingers 2 and 3 (pelvis) =
during a task minus vertical height to the tip of fingers 2 and 3 =
(pelvis) during bilateral flat-footed stance. Velocity measurements were =
analyzed by dividing vertical height distance traveled divided by time =
taken for the tasks. A VanGuard Motion Analyzer was used to analyze =
motion frame by frame.

RESULTS:=20
Maximum measurements:=20
Vertical reach while standing flat-footed 93.67 in.
Floor to pelvic crest while standing 49.00 in.
Vertical reach displacement during a jump from standing 35.93 in.
Vertical displacement of the pelvis during a jump from running 38.07 in.
Vertical velocity during a jump from running 701.00 o/sec.=20
Vertical reach displacement during a jump from running 45.76 in.
Vertical reach displacement during a 1 hand dunk 41.70 in.
Vertical reach displacement during a 2 hand dunk 40.93 in.

During the vertical reach from standing, push from the floor was with =
both feet. During the vertical reach during a jump from running, push =
from the floor was with one foot and momentum of the body, two upper =
limbs, and one lower limb was used to the maximum.=20

CONCLUSION / CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Maximum displacement for vertical reach =
was achieved with a jump from a running start, a 2 hand dunk, a 1 hand =
dunk, and a jump from standing, respectively. This is consistent with =
use of momentum of the body and limbs to assist with the vertical =
displacement. Michael Jordan=92s vertical jump ability during several =
tasks provides a standard with which athletic achievement by others can =
be compared.

http://www.elitefitness.com/forum/professional-collegiate-sports/michael-jordans-true-vert-212070.html


So unless his vertical went from 46 to 38 then back all the way up to 48... Grover is bullshittin.

Solid post .

[Elosha]

Re-posting this from earlier in the thread. Unfortunately the third link is now dead, but I may be able find it elsewhere when I have the time.


Here's three instances where Jordan is arguably 42 or more inches on dunks.

The first is a famous alley-oop in NY in 1988:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lwoWli_rlVU&feature=player_detailpage#t=265.

If you pause at the apex of his jump at 4:29, which when his head is closest to the rim and right before he ducks his head and dunks, it looks like his head is even with the top of the rim.

The second is a rarely seen angle of Jordan's 1988 free throw line dunk. If you pause at 4 seconds, it's pretty clear the top of his head is slightly higher than the rim.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uLdxQ-_J9FI

The last jump is more ambiguous due to the angle.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-fVAZ114I38&feature=player_detailpage#t=1080

This game is from November 1992 against Golden State. While it appears that his head is maybe an inch or two above the rim, the angle likely inflates it somewhat. So my guess is that he was near the rim, but at most even with it or perhaps just under it. Still, given how he soars over the challenging defender, it gives a pretty good idea of how explosive a leaper he was off of two feet.

[3ball]

http://i.imgur.com/Up7Bhyb.gif


http://i.imgur.com/pQ03uDD.gif


http://i.imgur.com/pQ03uDD.gif

http://i.imgur.com/Up7Bhyb.gif

[Noyze]

The **** outta here. I'm a huge Jordan fan but calling bullshit on his 48.

[Marchesk]

So unless his vertical went from 46 to 38 then back all the way up to 48... Grover is bullshittin.

So wait, Jordan had a poverty 38" vertical at one point, according to some source?

http://hypebeast.com/image/2015/12/russell-westbrook-foot-locker-0.jpg

[LAL]

Started working in 89? Then why was he jumping higher in the 80s?

[La Frescobaldi]

So wait, Jordan had a poverty 38" vertical at one point, according to some source?

http://hypebeast.com/image/2015/12/russell-westbrook-foot-locker-0.jpg

prolly in like junior high

[ClipperRevival]

http://sports.mearsonlineauctions.com/ItemImages/000033/79c1d42e-a6c6-4207-adc6-d8b35af9ed25_lg.jpeg

Seriously, can ANYONE in the history of the game jump off one foot, going sideways and get his head right at the rim like MJ did in his sideways dunk in the 1988 dunk contest? MJ just had the best set of coordination, reflexes and fluidity of movement so he just made it look easy. But he did things athletically no one else could do.

So no one can dispute my claims huh?

[plowking]

So no one can dispute my claims huh?

Zach Lavine can do every dunk Jordan can do, and probably do it twice as good to boot.

Jordan isn't the highest jumper ever. More than likely in the 43-45inch range.

[ClipperRevival]

Zach Lavine can do every dunk Jordan can do, and probably do it twice as good to boot.

Jordan isn't the highest jumper ever. More than likely in the 43-45inch range.

But did you see the pic? It almost seems photo shopped how high he is. And you get great perspective because you also see the ground.

[ClipperRevival]

Zach Lavine can do every dunk Jordan can do, and probably do it twice as good to boot.

Jordan isn't the highest jumper ever. More than likely in the 43-45inch range.

And I'm going to pretend that I didn't read that part about Lavine.

[ClipperRevival]

Oh, and also have to give props to Bron on this topic. His alley opp play against Indiana was legendary stuff too.

http://ballislife.com/lebron-almost-hits-his-head-on-the-rim-on-alley-oop-dunk-in-gm7/

Assuming he is 6'7" without shoes, that means he has a TRUE vertical of at least 41 inches because the top of his head was at the rim, which is insane for a 250 lb man.

[feyki]

But did you see the pic? It almost seems photo shopped how high he is. And you get great perspective because you also see the ground.

Jordan's Head level ; Around 310 cm(10'2) - Jordan's height with shoes ; 198(6'6) = 112 cm ( 44 inches ) .

[3ball]

There's multiple sources saying mj had 48 inch vert, but regardless it was at least 45

[3ball]

Lavine matching MJ... :roll:

He's such a lightweight

Reminds me of james white - basically a one-foot dunker... should've been a long-jumper

[3ball]

.
Head above rim:


http://i.imgur.com/pQ03uDD.gif




Head at rim while contorting/turning sideways for fancy reverse dunk:


http://sports.mearsonlineauctions.com/ItemImages/000033/79c1d42e-a6c6-4207-adc6-d8b35af9ed25_med.jpeg

[ClipperRevival]

MJ's vertical is revealed right here. Shoulders at the bottom of the back board and his head clearly right at rim level. And this was when he jumped going sideways, off one feet. Look at the clear space between him and the floor.

http://sports.mearsonlineauctions.com/ItemImages/000033/79c1d42e-a6c6-4207-adc6-d8b35af9ed25_lg.jpeg

[DoctorP]

This is a good opportunity for some visual evidence:

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-XDjSpLSGadw/VeKg6nmS-0I/AAAAAAAALEc/aYctI3FZkcU/w450-h241-no/a166a4dcc909727f0a429ad67bd70faa.450x241x133.gif

[jstern]

http://sports.mearsonlineauctions.com/ItemImages/000033/79c1d42e-a6c6-4207-adc6-d8b35af9ed25_med.jpeg

I agree that this picture is a great example of Jordan's vertical. He's jumping sideways, and one of the things that people forget is that the highest jump for players come when they don't have the ball. The ball lowers a player's verticle.

For example look at Lebron. https://youtu.be/PX990fnB6i8?t=19

Also, when a player is listed as having such and such vertical. It's probably their best vertical ever tested, and tested under the right conditions. You can't expect it to hit it every dunk during a game.

I forgot about this dunk, he's like sideways. https://youtu.be/RUInu7kVFbw?t=159

[SexSymbol]

vertical from a standstill is pointless in the nba, most of the dunks are from a running start.
So MJ is in the 46-48 range which is not surprising, he was a real life skywalker