Common myths in vertical jump training

For decades, athletes have had to either have incredible natural talent, ingenuity, discipline, or all three to achieve results in vertical jump training and have a vert of 40 inches or more. In the last 10 years, enormous strides have been made in the vertical jump training field with the release of programs and the development of true experts.

Although we’ve come a long way, unfortunately there are still some persisting myths that make athletes hesitant about starting a program. The following is an explanation of some common myths debunked.

1. You’re too old for this.

Vertical jump programs aren’t for everyone, it’s true. However, your age is much less relevant than how much you’ve taken care of yourself, how active you have been, and how healthy your joints and supporting structures are.

Regardless of your age, if you are competing competitively, you will benefit from more focused training.

If you’re really concerned, you could also visit a physician to check in with a particular program; most will require a decent amount of strength and quickness training that will actually be beneficial, not detrimental, to your overall health and fitness.

2. You’re too young for this.

Parents are often concerned to allow their ten-year-old child to participate in an intense vertical jump program. What they may not realize, however, is that without the training program they will be looking for results in an unsupervised environment. Within a suitable jump training program, there will be limits and explanations of proper techniques for young people. Bottom line is, if you are already playing competitively, you will benefit from more structured training.

3. Weights will stunt your growth.

Not sure where this myth originated, but the truth is, weight training will only strengthen your bones, muscles, and supporting structures. If you research about this online, you’ll learn that at worst weight training has no effect on your growth; some documented German studies show an increase in height from weight training. In either event, developing a strength workout routine will not hinder your growth.

4. Creatine isn’t safe/is illegal/shouldn’t be used in a workout.

Did you know creatine is produced naturally in the body? Most professional athletes use creatine to help them get the most out of their workout routines. It’s completely legal, and is very effective. With that said, do your own research to decide what’s best for you. You’ll probably learn that as long as you take the correct dosages, maintain a healthy diet, and drink plenty of water, that creatine will be most useful to you in your search for faster, better results.

5. Protein shakes will stunt your growth.

If this were true, then eating 4 cans of tuna a day would do the same. You are free to only receive protein from whole foods such as chicken; protein shakes just makes getting the protein a little easier. Protein is a necessary part of any diet.

6. Even though my muscles are sore, it’s okay to continue my workout.

No way. This isn’t a good idea. Did you know that recovery is equally important to the workout itself? Never be afraid to take one, two, or even a week’s worth of days off if you aren’t feeling up to par. Learn to listen to your body. You will get the most out of your workouts that way, and achieve more results.

7. Because I have been injured in the past, I can no longer participate in a vertical jump training program.

Well, this is only half true. It depends on the nature of your injury. But don’t give up hope; ask around and learn more to see if a training program is within your limits.

The vertical jump training industry is really growing fast and in the process, long-held myths are being uncovered and debunked by the experts. Because of new technology and studies that are coming out all the time, improving the field, the average jumper has never had a better chance at dunking than now.