What is the Max Touch Test?

The Max Touch Vertical Leap Test (also called Max Vert) is a basketball-specific assessment that measures the overall skills of explosive leg power and coordinated jumping mechanics combined with the player's natural height and wingspan. Unlike standard vertical jump tests that only measure displacement, the max touch test records the absolute height reached above the ground, making it directly relevant to game situations like rebounding and shot-blocking.

This test is particularly valued in basketball scouting because it provides a practical measurement of how high an athlete can actually reach during play. A 6-foot player with exceptional jumping ability might achieve a similar max touch to a taller player with average leaping skills, but both represent valuable attributes in different ways.

How to Perform the Max Touch Test

Equipment Required: Vertec® or similar jump measuring apparatus, several marker cones.

Pre-test: Explain the test procedures to the subject. Perform screening of health risks and obtain informed consent. Prepare forms and record basic information such as age, height, body weight, gender and test conditions. Check and calibrate the equipment if required. Perform a standard warm-up. See more details of pre-test procedures.

vertical jump test

Test Setup: The arms of the Vertec® are adjusted to be a set distance off the floor, eliminating the need for measuring standing reach separately. Markers are placed 15 feet (4.57m) away from the base of the Vertec®, enabling approaches from several different angles.

Procedure:

  1. The athlete stands 15 feet away from the Vertec® apparatus
  2. The athlete has freedom in choosing their approach: with one or two feet and any number of steps
  3. As the athlete approaches, they jump and touch the highest Vertec® finger possible
  4. The touch height above the floor is recorded to the nearest 1 cm or 0.5 inch
  5. Multiple attempts are typically allowed, with the best result recorded

Pro Tip: Athletes typically achieve their best results with a 3-4 step approach using a two-foot takeoff for maximum power, though some players with exceptional single-leg explosiveness may prefer a one-foot takeoff similar to a basketball layup approach.

Scoring: The max jump height is recorded as a distance from the ground, to the nearest 1 cm or 1/2 inch.

Some Results: US Decathlete Bryan Clay achieved 11 feet 1 inches (3.38 m) for this test during a SPARQ testing exercise in 2005 (published in SPARQ Magazine, Summer 2008). See also the NBA Combine Max Vert test results.

Target Population: Basketball, Volleyball, AFL

Max Touch Performance Standards

Performance standards vary significantly between male and female athletes, as well as across different sports and competition levels. The following tables provide comprehensive benchmarks based on combine data and athletic research.

Male Athletes

Category Height (Imperial) Height (Metric) Typical Population
Elite 12'0"+ (366cm+) 366+ cm NBA players, elite college prospects
Excellent 11'6" - 11'11" 351 - 365 cm D1 college basketball, professional volleyball
Above Average 10'10" - 11'5" 330 - 350 cm D2/D3 college, competitive club athletes
Average 10'2" - 10'9" 310 - 329 cm High school varsity, recreational athletes
Below Average Under 10'2" Under 310 cm Beginner athletes, general population

Female Athletes

Category Height (Imperial) Height (Metric) Typical Population
Elite 10'6"+ (320cm+) 320+ cm WNBA players, elite college prospects
Excellent 10'0" - 10'5" 305 - 319 cm D1 college basketball/volleyball
Above Average 9'6" - 9'11" 290 - 304 cm D2/D3 college, competitive club athletes
Average 9'0" - 9'5" 274 - 289 cm High school varsity, recreational athletes
Below Average Under 9'0" Under 274 cm Beginner athletes, general population

Notable Max Touch Results

Understanding elite performance benchmarks helps athletes set realistic goals and appreciate exceptional athletic ability:

  • Shaquille O'Neal: Reportedly achieved 12'5" (378cm) - unofficial NBA combine record for max vertical reach
  • Bryan Clay (Decathlete): 11'1" (338cm) during SPARQ testing in 2005
  • D.J. Stephens: 46-inch vertical jump at 2013 NBA Combine (translates to approximately 12'2" max touch)
  • Devin Carter/Reed Sheppard (2024): 42-inch max vertical, tied for highest at 2024 NBA Combine
  • Matey Kazyiski (Volleyball): 390cm (12'10") spike height - world record in volleyball

Sport-Specific Applications

Basketball

In basketball, max touch directly correlates with rebounding ability, shot-blocking potential, and finishing at the rim. The NBA Draft Combine uses this test as a key athletic measurement, with scouts looking for players who can touch 11'0" or higher regardless of position. Guards with exceptional max touch can contest shots and grab rebounds above their height class, while centers use their max reach to protect the rim.

Volleyball

Volleyball players focus on "spike height" and "block touch" which are equivalent measurements. D1 college men's volleyball programs typically recruit athletes with approach jump touches of 11'0" (335cm) or higher. The attack jump reach determines a hitter's ability to swing down on the ball over the net, while block touch affects defensive efficiency.

Australian Football (AFL)

In AFL, max touch ability is crucial for marking (catching) the ball in contests. The ability to reach higher than opponents in aerial duels is a prized attribute, particularly for key position players. AFL draft testing includes vertical jump assessments similar to the max touch protocol.

How to Improve Your Max Touch

Improving your max touch involves developing both your physical jumping ability and your technical approach mechanics:

Strength Training

  • Squats and Deadlifts: Build foundational leg strength with 3-5 sets of 4-6 reps at 80-90% of max
  • Bulgarian Split Squats: Develop single-leg power, crucial for one-foot takeoffs
  • Romanian Deadlifts: Strengthen the posterior chain for explosive hip extension
  • Calf Raises: Often overlooked, calf strength contributes significantly to final push-off

Plyometric Training

  • Depth Jumps: Drop from a box (30-50cm) and immediately jump for max height
  • Box Jumps: Focus on explosive hip extension and soft landings
  • Approach Jumps: Practice the specific movement pattern used in testing
  • Reactive Hops: Single and double-leg bounds to improve stretch-shortening cycle

Technical Improvements

  • Optimize your approach angle and step count (typically 3-4 steps works best)
  • Time your arm swing to coincide with takeoff for maximum momentum transfer
  • Practice both one-foot and two-foot takeoffs to determine your stronger pattern
  • Work on flexibility to achieve full range of motion in the jumping motion

The Test in Action

  • This test is used in the Basketball SPARQ testing and at the NBA draft combine.
  • Volleyball programs use similar testing called "approach jump touch" or "spike height"
  • AFL combine testing includes vertical reach assessments for key position prospects

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a good max touch height for basketball?

For male basketball players, an excellent max touch is 11'6" (351cm) or higher, which is typical of Division I college and professional players. Average recreational players typically reach 10'0" to 10'6" (305-320cm). Elite NBA players often exceed 12'0" (366cm). For female players, excellent is considered 10'0"+ (305cm+).

How is max touch different from vertical jump?

Max touch measures the absolute height reached above the ground, while vertical jump measures only the displacement from standing reach to max jump height. Max touch = Standing Reach + Vertical Jump. This makes max touch more practical for assessing basketball ability as it accounts for height and arm length.

What is the NBA combine record for max vertical reach?

Shaquille O'Neal holds the unofficial record at approximately 12'5" (378cm). D.J. Stephens holds the combine record for max vertical jump displacement at 46 inches (2013). The 2024 combine saw Devin Carter and Reed Sheppard tie for highest max vertical at 42 inches.

Can I improve my max touch height?

Yes, with dedicated training most athletes can improve their vertical jump by 4-8 inches over 6-12 months. This involves a combination of strength training (squats, deadlifts), plyometric exercises (depth jumps, box jumps), and technical refinement of approach mechanics.

How do I measure my max touch at home?

Stand against a wall, extend your arm fully upward, and mark your standing reach with chalk or tape. Then take your approach, jump, and touch as high as possible on the wall. Measure from the floor to your max touch mark. Use chalk dust on fingertips for clear marking. Repeat several times and record your best effort.

What equipment is used for official max touch testing?

The Vertec® is the standard apparatus used at the NBA Combine and most professional testing. It consists of adjustable horizontal vanes that rotate when touched, making it easy to read the exact height achieved. Similar devices include the Just Jump system and various wall-mounted measuring apparatuses.

Should I use a one-foot or two-foot takeoff?

Most athletes achieve higher max touch with a two-foot takeoff, which allows for greater power generation. However, some athletes with exceptional single-leg explosiveness perform better with a one-foot takeoff. Test both methods to determine which works best for you. The max touch test typically allows athletes to choose their preferred technique.

References

  1. Ziv, G., & Lidor, R. (2010). "Vertical jump in female and male basketball players—A review of observational and experimental studies." Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport, 13(3), 332-339.
  2. NBA Draft Combine. (2024). Official measurement protocols and results. NBA.com/stats/draft/combine.
  3. SPARQ Rating. (2008). "Basketball SPARQ Testing Protocols." SPARQ Magazine, Summer 2008.
  4. Sheppard, J.M., et al. (2008). "Development of a comprehensive performance-testing protocol for competitive surfers." International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance, 3(4), 435-451.
  5. Markovic, G. (2007). "Does plyometric training improve vertical jump height? A meta-analytical review." British Journal of Sports Medicine, 41(6), 349-355.
  6. AVCA (American Volleyball Coaches Association). (2023). College Prep Combine Testing Standards.
  7. AFL Draft Combine. (2024). Official testing protocols and benchmarks. AFL.com.au.

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