Speed and power are the two key elements that will determine your jumping ability. So, the exercises that make up a jump training program must be centered around improving these elements. Exercises that don't lead toward maximizing strength and power should not be included. Distance running and doing 100's of calf raises, recommendations commonly found in todays jump training programs will ultimately have little impact on your over all jumping ability. While these exercises may have some value in athletics, they will not maximize our speed or power, and as a result they can not be the basis of any successful jump training program.

Don't settle for less than maximum results

Some athletes may claim that they have engaged in these types of exercises and it has improved their vertical jump 4, 5, or even 6" and maybe it did. Beginning a new exercise program, changing up your existing program, or focusing on specific muscle groups for the first time can create your muscles to respond and grow stronger. This increase in strength results in a positive increase to your jumping ability, but does it create a maximum increase for your jumping ability, nor will it continue to increase your jumping ability if you continue the exercises. Now, I don't know about you, but I have never implemented a workout program with the hopes of getting less than maximum results. Fortunately, there has been lots of scientific research and studies done that show us how to get maximal results from our workout efforts.

Apply science to increase your vertical

Outside of professional sports, you don't see many athletes applying modern scientific principles to their training. Most often athletes, and coaches, make one of two mistakes. They rely on the traditional workout methods, jogging/stretching for warm up followed by lifting weights, 8-12 reps, 3-5 sets. While these traditional methods can be quite effective for younger or beginner athletes they will never allow a competitive athlete to come anywhere close to their true potential. The second, and often more damaging, mistake is trying to implement advanced training tactics incorrectly or before the athlete has prepared for them. This can not only result in less than optimal results, but it can have a negative effect the the athletes performance. Many athletes that have participated in competitive sports or tried push their own abilities have experienced this, feeling weaker and less capable after finishing with a training program.

Hardwork and focus are critical to vertical jump training

These types of setbacks can be frustrating for athletes. They are often blamed on over training, under training, or genetic limitations. Rarely is the real culprit, a misunderstanding of how the body adapts to physical stress, even considered. If you find yourself in this situation, don't fear, there is hope. If you want to avoid this situation all together you can. By applying proper scientific principles to your vertical jump training program any healthy athlete can achieve a vertical jump in the 40"+ range, even if your past efforts have failed. Now, don't get me wrong, I never said that this would be easy. There are no shortcuts to generating these types of results. Breaking through the 40" vertical barrier will require hard work, focus, and discipline on your part, but it is possible. By learning the proper vertical jump training techniques this could be a reality for you.