Michael Jordan forever changed the game of basketball. His 48 inch vertical leap gave him a tremendous advantage over his opponents. Just think about it, being able to jump higher makes it easier to grab rebounds over people, block shots, and dunk. It pretty much makes basketball an easier game overall. Now I can't tell you that I can have you throwing down dunks like Michael Jordan, but if you put in a little hard work and use the right training program you CAN dramatically improve your vertical leap.
The major muscles involved when a person jumps are the quads, hamstrings, and the lower back. Most people think that the calves play the biggest part in your vertical jump, but they are wrong. What, you don't believe me then test it out for yourself.
Stand in place with your feet flat on the ground. Do not bend your knees and jump up as high as you can. Alright,....well I'm guessing you didn't jump very high. That would be because when you try to jump that way your body is only able to use the calves. Ok, repeat the test again but this time take a deep knee bend. Are you done? This time you should have jumped much higher because you are using your large muscle groups in your legs.
Believe it or not, about 80 percent of your jumping power is generated from the quads, hamstrings, and lower back. Therefore, if improving your vertical jump is your goal I would focus most of my attention on increasing the strength and power of these muscles. Here are some of the exercises I would use:
Squats - Squats are BY FAR the best overall exercise that you can do to help you improve your vertical jump. Just think about the squat motion in general. It closely resembles the motion you use when you are preparing to jump. It hits all the right muscle groups as well. So make sure you incorporate HEAVY squats into your workouts.
Sprints - Running sprints has several advantages. They will increase your speed, build your leg muscles, and improve your vertical jump. You can perform sprints anywhere, you don't have to take time out to go to the gym. You can easily make them harder as well by running up a hill if the flat land sprints become too easy or boring.
Jumping rope - Getting proficient at jumping rope will improve your reflexes and cardiovascular system. Once you have mastered the rope, add ankle weights to increase the difficulty.
Box Jumps - Box jumps are a basic exercise and can do wonders for your vertical jump. Jump onto a tall box or bench. Jump off and as soon as your feet touch the ground, jump again and EXPLODE back up as high as you can.
Heel and Toe touches - Stand with your feet shoulder width apart. Jump as high as you can and bring your heels toward your butt. As you are in the air touch your toes. Land, jump again, and then your heels.
An area that is commonly overlooked is the individual's jumping form. It is easy to gain a quick 2-3 inches on your vertical just by implementing the proper jumping techniques. Trust me, I can say this from experience because I have seen it in myself. - 31494
The major muscles involved when a person jumps are the quads, hamstrings, and the lower back. Most people think that the calves play the biggest part in your vertical jump, but they are wrong. What, you don't believe me then test it out for yourself.
Stand in place with your feet flat on the ground. Do not bend your knees and jump up as high as you can. Alright,....well I'm guessing you didn't jump very high. That would be because when you try to jump that way your body is only able to use the calves. Ok, repeat the test again but this time take a deep knee bend. Are you done? This time you should have jumped much higher because you are using your large muscle groups in your legs.
Believe it or not, about 80 percent of your jumping power is generated from the quads, hamstrings, and lower back. Therefore, if improving your vertical jump is your goal I would focus most of my attention on increasing the strength and power of these muscles. Here are some of the exercises I would use:
Squats - Squats are BY FAR the best overall exercise that you can do to help you improve your vertical jump. Just think about the squat motion in general. It closely resembles the motion you use when you are preparing to jump. It hits all the right muscle groups as well. So make sure you incorporate HEAVY squats into your workouts.
Sprints - Running sprints has several advantages. They will increase your speed, build your leg muscles, and improve your vertical jump. You can perform sprints anywhere, you don't have to take time out to go to the gym. You can easily make them harder as well by running up a hill if the flat land sprints become too easy or boring.
Jumping rope - Getting proficient at jumping rope will improve your reflexes and cardiovascular system. Once you have mastered the rope, add ankle weights to increase the difficulty.
Box Jumps - Box jumps are a basic exercise and can do wonders for your vertical jump. Jump onto a tall box or bench. Jump off and as soon as your feet touch the ground, jump again and EXPLODE back up as high as you can.
Heel and Toe touches - Stand with your feet shoulder width apart. Jump as high as you can and bring your heels toward your butt. As you are in the air touch your toes. Land, jump again, and then your heels.
An area that is commonly overlooked is the individual's jumping form. It is easy to gain a quick 2-3 inches on your vertical just by implementing the proper jumping techniques. Trust me, I can say this from experience because I have seen it in myself. - 31494
About the Author:
Learn more about Michael Jordan's Vertical. Stop by Brayden Fisher's site at www.40inchvertical.net and learn how increasing your vertical leap can help your game.
