What the broad jump actually measures
A vertical jump shows how much force you can put into the ground straight down. A broad jump shows how much force you can put into the ground at an angle, behind you, to push the body forward. That second skill is closer to what acceleration, side-stepping and shrugging off a tackle actually require. Many strong vertical jumpers are mediocre broad jumpers, and the gap tells you something about where their power lives.
Typical norms for senior club / academy players
| Group | Below average | Average | Strong | Elite |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Senior backs | <2.30 m | 2.30–2.55 m | 2.55–2.75 m | >2.75 m |
| Senior forwards | <2.10 m | 2.10–2.35 m | 2.35–2.55 m | >2.55 m |
| U18 academy | <2.20 m | 2.20–2.45 m | 2.45–2.65 m | >2.65 m |
Ranges are indicative and derived from professional and academy datasets across rugby union and league (see sources). Local norms from your own squad over time are more useful than population averages.
Reading the gap with vertical jump
- Big vertical, small broad → vertical-dominant; often well-developed extensors but weaker hip-drive
- Big broad, small vertical → strong horizontal projection; common in fast acceleration profiles
- Both strong → balanced power profile
- Both weak → general strength/power deficit; address before discipline-specific work