Increasing your Vertical Jump!

Here are two exercises that have proven to increase one's vertical jump.  These are plyometric movements.  Build a limit strength base first before attempting any plyometric movement. With plyometrics and most training, more is NOT better.  Two times per week, for 15-20 minutes is plenty of time to spend on plyometrics.  More is NOT better!

1. Vertical Jump – EXPLODE!

The secret to making any plyometric movement exercise work for you is to think explode! when doing it.  Jump as high as you can 10 times in a row (no bench).  Be sure that each time your feet hit the ground you're already thinking 'explode' for your next jump. Make your time on the ground as short as possible.  And make your time in the air as long as possible.  Focus on your hang time.

Visualize Pete Sampras's famous vertical jump when he's hitting an overhead.

2. Kangaroo Jumps

This plyometric exercise is exactly like the vertical jump except that with each jump you are traveling as far as you can with each successive jump.  Think 'explode' as your feet come back in contact with the ground.  Make your next jump as high and as long as you possibly can.  Do ten kangaroo jumps in a row.