You can't immediately improve your muscle strength or speed; however there are ways to jump higher straight away. You can add inches to your vertical leap by perfecting your technique. These tips are used by professional athletes and their coaches and are derived from the ultimate in leaping athletes - high jumpers.
It is incredibly frustrating seeing others out on the court who don't train as hard or care as much but are out there because of their god-given abilities. I used to feel the same way while sitting on the bench. Time off while injured gave me the chance to talk to renowned fitness coaches and research the best ways to succeed.
Arm Drive
One of the most powerful ways to add height to your vertical leap is by perfecting your arm drive. Many athletes neglect this facet of the jump, but it is a crucial element. You want to shift as much of your momentum as possible in an upwards direction. Throwing your arms up will also help to push the knees and hips in the right direction.
Don't waste energy flapping sideways or holding your momentum back. You want to channel all of your body parts in the same direction. Here are a few tips to help you achieve it.
Start your arms low as you approach the jump. At lift off, drive them towards your target with a very powerful motion, but maintain smoothness at all time. The force you develop should be enough to lift yourself off the ground without using any leg muscles at all.
Whether it's a one-footed or two-footed jump you should be aiming to raise both arms as strongly as possible. Hold the ball in both hands initially; this will enable you to maintain control while utilizing the arm drive. At the top of your jump, palm the ball, drop the opposite arm and stretch out with the ball. Slam it home.
For rebounding and vertical tests, the same principles apply. Use both arms while jumping, but stretch just one out to get to the highest point.
In addition to strength and plyometric training there are many other techniques which will help. For many other tips to jump higher see the links below.
For the best vertical leap training program I've ever seen click here or go to http://www.jumphigherfaster.info/
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