A Comparison of Single Leg Countermovement Jump Techniques on Jump Performance: Considerations for Test...

Staton, AE, Fahey, J, and Jones, PA. A comparison of single leg countermovement jump techniques on jump performance: considerations for test standardization. J Strength Cond Res 40(6): 650-662, 2026-Single leg countermovement jump (SLCMJ) testing is widely used in both sport performance and rehabilitation contexts. However, several inconsistent protocols and various jump techniques have been used across literature. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate 4 variations of the SLCMJ (A: 90° hip and knee flexion, B: 90° knee bend, C: straight limb, D: unrestricted limb), examining the reliability and performance across a range of outcome, kinetic, and temporal metrics with the goal of enhancing test standardization. Twenty-four university sports science students (Mean ± SD ; age = 21.4 ± 3.7 years; height = 176.0 ± 8.2 cm; mass = 71.7 ± 10.8 kg) performed 3 trials of each technique across both limbs, while collecting vertical ground reaction forces from dual force plates and 2D video in the sagittal plane. Technique B demonstrated the highest reliability across most metrics when compared with other techniques (ICC ≥0.80, CV ≤ 13%). Significant differences ( p < 0.05) were observed across all techniques within certain variables. Technique D resulted in greater outcome measures; however, this is achieved through an entirely different strategy relying on angular momentum generated by the swinging free limb and greater work performed by the stance limb hip joint compared with triple lower limb flexion followed by extension involved in the other techniques. Consequently, technique B, limiting the contribution of the free limb, facilitates optimal flexion and extension of the hip, knee, and ankle, thus, is deemed more appropriate for sports performance testing and rehabilitation contexts.