Increase Your Vertical Jump with Strength Training

Everyone can agree that strength training is a key element of any program designed to increase your vertical jump. In fact, the benefits of strength training are undeniable for any form of exercise program. However, many athletes and coaches don't fully apply the necessary strength training techniques when developing jump training programs. To fully understand the importance of strength training we must know why it is so important and how it must be applied to our training.

Why it's important Creating a basis of strength is the first step to developing massive power, the key element needed to increase your vertical jump. Attempting to advance your training without having the required levels of strength can be detrimental to your training as well as your health. Strength training is how you prepare your body for the stresses of more advanced training methods. Properly preparing your body will help to avoid injury and maximize results. You will not only increase the strength of your muscles, but you will also increase the strength of your bones and ligaments (ligaments are what connect the muscle to the bone). Attempting advanced training techniques without first developing the required levels of strength can result in serious, even permanent, injury. Make sure you develop an adequate basis of strength before proceeding with the next phase of your vertical jump training.

When it should be used In order to increase your vertical jump a strength training phase of your program should be incorporated prior to every power development phase of your vertical jump training. Only after building up your total strength can you then begin to shape that strength into power. If you skip the strength phase of your training, or if you do not allow enough time to realize its full effects then the rest of your workout will produce minimal results. To realize the full potential of your workout efforts always begin your vertical jump training program by developing a basis of strength.

Everyone Needs Strength Training Everyone that wants to see the greatest results from their vertical jump training program needs to preform strength training exercises. It is especially important for young athletes, or individuals new to training, to undergo an extensive strength training phase prior to attempting any type of advanced training technique. Depending on your current level of fitness this could be anywhere from 6-12 weeks. Even athletes that have a lot of experience with weightlifting weights need to focus on strength development exercises. The strength training phase for an athlete should last between 4 and, preferably, 6 weeks long. It is important to realize that strength is relative. Even though a well conditioned athlete may be strong their vertical will only improve if they are able to become stronger.

There are many aspects to strength training that must taken into consideration. A through understanding of these principles is critical to for anyone wanting to learn how to jump higher. By rushing through, or skipping, the strength training phase you are dooming yourself to significantly diminished results. Make sure that strength training is the first phase of your next vertical jump training program.