Plan your own program for jumping higher
If you play sports such as basketball and volleyball, then you already know that being able to jump really high is a skill that you need to cultivate in order to play a better game–or maybe even win games for your team. You’ve probably been hoping to be able to jump high with the best of them but figured jumping higher is a natural skill, not something to be developed. If that’s what you’re thinking, this should cheer you up: You’re very wrong. Jumping higher can be learned and developed, and what you need to do is undergo training specifically designed to help you learn how to jump higher. It would be a good idea for you to consult your fitness instructor or your coach in developing a special program for you to learn how to jump higher.
As a quick overview, being able to jump higher will necessitate the development and strengthening of your muscles, particularly those of your legs and thighs, which you will be using to their maximum potential in order to drive you upwards as you jump up. So don’t be surprised if your jump-higher training program will require you to do exercises that strengthen your legs.
A good program to help you jump higher involves the following exercises: lunges, squats, toe raises, and jumping exercises. Lunges will strengthen both your legs and thighs, as well as squats. Both exercises will help you develop enough leg strength to be able to support your entire body weigh, something you need to do whenever you jump. Toe raises should be down slowly, with you concentrating on every move you make. Start with your feet flat on the floor and gradually raise yourself on your toes, holding the position for a few seconds. This exercise improves calf muscle strength. try doing these with ankle weights in order to help you add more power to your legs.
Jumping exercises, on the other hand, will help you see how much progress you’re making, as well as contribute to your muscle development. You can do standing vertical jumps or you can start from a sitting position, then spring up as high as you can, straightening up during the jump. You can also ask your coach or trainer about plyometrics, which consists of a series of exercises that provide maximum benefits to your body’s muscle groups. Plyometrics are performed specifically for people who really aim to jump higher and move faster.
Incorporate these workouts into your jump higher training program and you’ll be able to see the difference in the way you jump when you stick to the program faithfully.