How to Jump Higher

Jumping power is a skill valued in many sports such as basketball, track and field, and even martial arts. In this article you will learn four different ways to jump higher

Increase leg strength

This is the best way to increase vertical jumping power in untrained people. Hit the gym and perform leg press, lunges, leg curls, and calf raises. Do 3 sets of 8-12 repetitions with a heavy, but not impossible weight.

Mimic or perform Olympic lifts

The power clean is a terrific way to add inches to your vertical. Stand in front of a barbell on the floor… as if you were about to perform a deadlift. Now grab the bar with your palms facing toward you. Squat down, keep your back straight, and your heels flat. Drive the weight up using your legs. When the bar starts to come up, finish the movement by shrugging your shoulders up and using all the power in your legs to create momentum. Catch the bar at the collar bone level and squat down and back up. The power clean is a combination between a deadlift, shrug, and front squat. Check out the link below for a video instruction on power cleans.

Plyometrics

Jump squats are a great plyometric exercise for increasing jumping power. Squat down low with your legs shoulder-width apart and keep your back straight. Now jump up as high as you possibly can for 3 sets of 8 to 12 repetitions.

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