How do I jump higher? How can I practice jumping higher?
Guest Post by Scott Bias
Great questions.
The best and most effective way to learn to jump higher is to practice jumping. There are all kinds of fancy plyometric exercises around that get labeled as “The best jumping exercise” but in reality a lot of them are designed for jumping endurance or are just preformed with the wrong focus. This results in the athlete getting in better condition but not really jumping any higher than before. Find something high enough that you can almost touch it and then practice jumping for it until you get it. Then just find something higher and repeat the process. This may sound like a simple answer but the key is to practice correctly, using proper form and technique. Improving your jumping form and technique can add as much as 4 to 6 inches to your vertical. Below are some things you need to do to maximize your jumping form.
1. Accelerate into the jump, never slow down or stop.
The best way to practice this is with a 3 step approach (jumping off two feet). Take 3 steps with each one being quicker than the last and then explode into the jump. You can tell by the sound your feet make how fast each step is. The last two should be very fast.. boom boom up!
2. Keep your chest and head pointed forward to up. Do not bend over at the waist.
3. When you plant your feet and begine the upward thrust your quads (thighs) should be at about a 45 degree angle to the floor.
4. Get off the ground as quickly as possible. The faster you apply your strength to the floor the higher you will go.
What is the proper way to land a jump?
How to people normally land jumps? On their toes or on the heels? By toes, I mean on the balls of your feet.
You always want to land on the balls of your feet. Make sure you land softly absorbing the impact with your muscles and not your joints. If you feel a jarring sensation when you land you are probably landing flat footed or on your heels and this will lead to injuries down the road.
Practicing with proper form will lead to faster results. Perseverance and dedication will lead to long term results and a vertical well above the average.
Work Hard – Train Hard!
Scott Bias
