Increase Your Vertical Leap

Jumping ability is an important part of the game.

Whether it's your jump shot, blocking a shot on defense, or going up high for a rebound, increasing your vertical leap can make you a better player.

By working on your fitness level and jumping ability, you can dramatically increase your vertical jump and become a better player.

Having a good vertical is important to playing the game of basketball. It's not a necessity (there are lots of good players who aren't great jumpers), but it can help in many areas of the game: rebounding, defense, and shot blocking to name a few.

Now, don't assume that having good hops will make up for a lack of skill in other areas of the game. It won't. But having good leaping ability can add another dimension to your game.

And it doesn't hurt to be able to go up over a guy and dunk on him. A monster move like that can turn a game around.

Training your vertical leap
Being able to jump high is the result of a combination of things:
- Natural ability
- Leg strength
- Explosive power
- Overall athleticism

In otherwords, if it's not in your genes, you probably won't ever be able to jump like Michael Jordan. Then again, none of us can.

But no matter what your vertical leap is now, you can always make it better. Even if it's just a small improvement. And that will end up helping you and your game.

Here are some of the thing that will help you get stronger, and hopefully improve your vertical leap:

- Play lots of basketball
If you play a lot of ball, that will tranlate into being in better shape. There's no way your vertical leap will improve if you aren't in good shape. Also, there are lots of quick movements you make in a game that you can't recreate outside of actual game play. These help build your overall basketball abilities, as well as your athleticism (explosiveness, jumping ability, etc.).

- Workout with a jump rope
It's an old school exercise, but it works. Jumping rope is a great way to build stamina, and work on your leg strength. In addition, it builds jumping ability (explosiveness, calf strength, etc.). It's really a great exercise.

- Run stadium stairs
Another old school exericse...and a great one. Running stadium stairs can really help your vertical leap because it build stamina, leg strength, and when done right, explosiveness. To work on explosiveness, use "bounding" movements. In otherwords, don't just get from one step the the next, but really leap and bound up from one step to the next.

- Wall sits and squats
Strength training (like wall sits and squats) will help you build leg strength, which is a key component of athletic fitness, and therefore jumping ability. Remember to only use a weight that is comfortable for you, and to always have a trainer or training partner work out with you. You don't want to get hurt lifting too much weight, or lifting it improperly.

- Explosive leaps
This is a great type of exercises. Do these at a park, or on a football field so that you are cushioned by the soft grass surface.

One-legged jumps are done like this: leap as high as possible off of one foot, then come down and immediately leap as high as possible off the other leg. Repeat this for 10 to 15 jumps.

Two-legged leaps are done like this: squat down so you are in the triple threat position. Now explode up and off the ground as if you are reaching for a rebound. Come down, gather yourself for a second or two, then leap up again, as high as possible. Do this 8 to 10 times.

Remember, vertical leap is part leg strength and part explosiveness. In fact, the explosiveness part is the more important of the two. It's not about the size of your leg muscles, or how much weight you can put up in the gym. It's about your athletic ability, coordination, and your ability to explode up and off the ground.

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