How to tell if a shock is still good

Im still a newbie when it comes to suspensions and im not sure if its been asked before or not but what are the common symptoms when it comes to knowing if shocks are good or bad?

If a shock is bad would it contribute to a bone jarring ride every time you hit a pothole or bump in the road?

Also any general things to look for when it comes to diagnosing if other suspension parts are good or bad?
Leafsprings, coils, etc.

 

Typically is a strut, ie coilover is shot you will here it going over a pothole. It basically will hit hard and bottom out easier since the shock is not there to cushion/delay the bump.

Generally mechanics bounce the vehicle up and down using their body weight. If it keeps bouncing up and down more than 1.5-2 motions the shocks are done for.

Some vehicles that old people like are meant to be really cushy. So they might bounce a lil more.