Learn to Jump Higher and Amaze Your Friends

The fantastic fact for all of us average athletes is that you can learn to jump higher. A Lebron James or Kobe Bryant slam dunk is one of sport's great moments. The power, height and grace they get from their leap is truly amazing. Watching a skinny white dude who's 5 foot 10 make a similar move is even more amazing.

Increasing vertical jump height is certainly possible. The key to achieving impressive gains is to train hard, train smart and train regularly. Find an effective program from your coach, athletic trainer, from a textbook or from the Internet.

Make sure that it is intense; most gains will be made with a series of short sharp sessions. Ensure that you won't be jump training everyday. Cross-training, working on other skills or fitness requirements are an ideal way to break things up. Rest is also key, our bodies develop best when they have a chance to recover and build new muscle mass during down time.

The 4 key stages in a vertical jump training program are:

Strength training, using traditional weights especially the squat. This will develop the muscles essential for jumping. Studies have found a direct correlation between vertical height and squat strength

Dynamic weight training; start by concentrating on explosive movements, especially the jump squat. Power comes from strength used at speed. The essential combination for getting good height improvements

Plyometrics gets the body used to speed and converting that to height. Exercises like box jumps and tuck jumps, when done in very intense sessions will lead to big gains.

Fourthly is jumping form. Working on using your body in the most efficient manner to transfer power from your large leg muscles, the quadriceps, buttocks and hamstrings through the lower legs, ankles and feet aided by the upper body is key to achieving your aims. Nothing will improve your jumping like practicing jumping.

Form is probably the most important component but is also the one that is most overlooked. Many pro athletes have an inefficient jumping style that wastes energy and reduces vertical jumping height. There are Youtube videos available that can give you a head start on what a good jump looks like

A training program designed for an effective vertical improvement program will increase your vertical jump height if followed properly and undertaken regularly. Find one that you like and get out there and get jumping.

The great news for athletes like us is that you can jump higher faster.

Stephen N Miller was injured doing things the wrong way. He had lots of time to research the best training methods. For the best vertical leap training guide I've found click here or go to http://www.jumphigherfaster.info/