Ever wondered how you can add inches to your vertical jump? Well don’t let that worry you, you are not alone as there are many thousands of amateur basketball and volleyball players out there just like you who want to find out the best ways to jump higher. Here are a couple of tips that will help you on your way to getting that boost you need.
Use weight training to strengthen jumping muscles,your calf and quadriceps are the most important muscles to target in your quest to jump higher. Targeting both of these muscles with heavy weight sessions will do your explosive jumping power the world of good.
Some great exercises to target these muscles are the leg press machine, squats, wide squats, calf raises and jumping squats. As always, be sure to use correct form and have a training partner assist you with the weights just in case you get into trouble!
Limber up and stretch, this might sound like something you do as a little added extra but do not disregard the effect that flexibility and suppleness can have on your jumping power. Check out those ballet dancing guys sometime, (Hmm, bad choice of words! 
) see how easily they jump huge distances around the stage? That is the power of strength and flexibility combined.
Sprints are another great way to train your body for both speed and power, not only will this help you with your lower body muscles it will help to increase upper body strength which helps you on the court.
Mental conditioning is a must! Cultivate a ‘can do’ attitude with regards to your game as a whole or you will let negativity and procrastination bring your game down. Positive thinking coaches and what they teach are no longer considered mumbo-jumbo in the big leagues. Think about any huge name in any sport that you can think of, Mohammed Ali, was he a can do guy? Michael Jordan, was he? It reflects in their very persona that they will achieve, even before they ever did. Learn this lesson well and it will carry you a long way.
Lastly but definitely not least, find yourself a good mentor. Having somebody who can help you who has actually been through the same process as you are going through is a great help in your motivation and inspiration. When you hit a wall or plateau in your training they will also be able to help you change things up to keep your jump height on the up and up.
Tandem Sports Vertical Jump Challenger
- Accurately measures vertical jump from 4 to 12 feet
- Moveable arms placed at 1in increments for more precise readings
- Heavy-duty easy-glide casters provide base with both stability and portability
- Includes 22 lb. weight stabilizer and two wheels
- Great for measuring height, standing arm reach, standing vertical leap, or vertical jump from approach
Keep track of your vertical improvements with the Tandem Sports Vertical Jump Challenger. This ingeniously-designed telescopic pole accurately measures from four to twelve feet. Movable arms are stationed at one-inch intervals to provide precise readings every time. Think of all the sports in which an advantage in elevation means an advantage in the game: basketball, volleyball, football, soccer, tennis, the list goes on. And the Vertical Challenger can measure more than just the standing leap. Dont forget to use it for measuring height, standing arm reach, and vertical jump from an approach.
List Price: $ 425.44
Price: $ 293.99