Vertical Leap Training Interview With Jacob Hiller

How did you first get started sports, and what led you specifically to jump training?

As a youth I had an obsession with my excelling in performance as well as training others do to the same. I liked to run, do push-ups, pull-ups, and sit-ups for fun. When I went to visit friends at a young age I would end up leading them in exercise routines. I have always just enjoyed seeing positive changes in my body and performance.

In high school I played basketball, wrestled, and ran track (long and triple jump). In college I ran played basketball, ran track (long and triple jump), and ran cross country. From a very young age I have been continuously involved in some sort of training regime. In college my focused shifted to weight training but all of my techniques up to this point were what I call “sub-optimal.” They were yielding results, but nothing near equaling the type of effort and energy I was expending to get them.

I have always been particularly fascinated with the vertical jump. During my high school and college training I have tried nearly everything available to increase my vertical. My results were never even near what was promised. At times I thought that perhaps it just wasn’t possible.

I had tried strength shoes, ankle weights, trampolines, plyometrics, college basketball and track programs, and I was even convinced cross country would help my vertical. I put a lot of trust in individuals I assumed would have the expertise needed in order to achieve the performance level I desired. Unfortunately I was never led to a path to create those results.

After my second year of college I went to serve a 2 year service trip. I was away from intense training and could only work in my home to try to maintain my training. However, during this 2 year trip I began to realize why all my training did not produce optimal results. It was like the pieces of the puzzle started coming together, and it was crystal clear how to get results.

I started testing some of these techniques with 15 – 30 minutes a day. The results were remarkable. I had never experienced anything like it. I tried the same methods with other athletes, and the results also came quickly. Although I couldn’t apply my training completely during my service trip I was ready to apply them when I got home.

After my service trip I started implementing my new ideas. Upon beginning I could put down a regular 2 hand dunk. My vertical was slightly above average. 3 months later I was doing whatever I wanted (in regards to dunking). I could 2 hand 360, alley oop, and I dunked about 12 inches shy of the free throw line.

Now this was fun. This was worth the effort, sweat, and enthusiasm I put into it. Very quickly I got my 2 foot vertical to 44 inches off 3 steps. I was 6’3.5”, 235 pounds, about 10% body fat, and I was quicker and could jump higher than anyone on the court. Playing ball had never been more fun.

Everywhere I went people would ask me how I trained. I was even accused of using steroids. It was hard for me to explain after a pick up game exactly how to get the results I had come to enjoy. There simply wasn’t enough time to give them all the info they needed. I began training other athletes and they were ecstatic at how fast and effective the methods were. I then began compiling the information into a training manual.

Around January of 2007 I decided to place the manual online under the name of The Jump Manual. I didn’t know what to expect, and all I could do was place an ugly website up about the program and make a couple of Youtube videos. I never could have expected the results that happened next.

Since that time, hundred of testimonials have rolled in. Kids as well as serious athletes just like I was are now reaching the goals that play such an important role in their life. I absolutely love it. I get new testimonials nearly daily, so many I have stopped placing them on my website.

From that point The Jump Manual has gone from being “what I used to increase my explosive ability” to a highly researched and deliberated methodology to get systematic results. The next version of The Jump Manual, coming out in June 2009, represents the pinnacle of explosive training and development. The methods are even better than what I could have ever imagined, and I believe it will open up the doors for any athlete to obtain a 50 inch vertical if they are willing to put in the time and effort.

As for my own training it has taken a backseat for the moment to my clients and customers (unfortunately). My wife and I travel the world training, giving seminars, and developing more effective methods. We have been on the road for 7 months. Upon my return home I will be returning to my own training, and I am very very excited for that.

2. Why is the vertical jump so critical for performance?

The vertical jump is the foundation for explosiveness. If you have a high vertical you can run faster, punch harder, and throw farther. The vertical jump harvests the strength of the largest muscles in your body to maximize your level of performance.

It’s actually simple. The muscles involved in the vertical jump are the most capable of producing power in the entire body. Neglecting them would be neglecting your greatest weapon, and settling for a sub-optimal performance.

3. What are some of the take-away lessons you’ve learned from your involvement sports and training athletes?

Correct training is counter-intuitive. Training wrong feels so right. In many ways correct training is easier, and it is definitely more fun, so people don’t think they can possibly get better results. Athletes are ready to work hard and they expect to, and they should, but they should also be working smart.

A strength component is absolutely essential. So many programs trick athletes into thinking that they can neglect a resistance training program in their workout regime. Neglecting strength training in your training is an absolutely horrendous idea.

Most coaches and trainers simple aren’t qualified to train explosive attributes of an athlete. This isn’t so much a criticism as it is a reality. The good news is that it is getting better. Sharing information and techniques is constantly improving the way we train. Just look at how we trained 50 – 100 years ago compared to now.

What we are learning about muscle development, CNS (central nervous system) functioning, and athletic performance is really changing everything. Weight rooms, training facilities, and training methods of the future will make our current methodologies appear archaic as we learn the best techniques to train and condition the muscle.

4. What advice would you share with an athlete or coach just getting started in an athletic program?

Train for optimal performance. That means train at high intensity. Optimal performance is high intensity, so training at low intensity means that you are not training for optimal intensity. Understanding that alone will begin to help you make serious improvements. Treat each repetition of an exercise like an isolated event. Training with muscle fatigue (or high reps) is going to train you at lower performance levels.

Respect nutrition. Strength gains don’t happen in the weight room. Strength gains can only take place if you have a proper nutrient and energy profile in your body. If you changed nothing but your nutrition and kept your current program, you would be astounded at the type of results you can achieve.

Resist the desire to over-train. Proper recovery is so key to achieving your best, and developing into a powerful and explosive athlete.

5. If someone wants to learn more about you or your program, where can they go?

You can learn more on The Jump Manual website. I also have my current rates posted if you are a professional athlete looking for training, but I cannot work with US based athletes at the current time because we are in Germany.