Ways to Jump Higher
I wanted to take the time to share some ways to jump higher with you. Being able to get higher with your jumps has many advantages. The obvious is the ability to dunk the ball, but there is also the ability of rebound control, shot blocking, more accurate shooting and the ability to run faster. Being able to jump much higher will bring your game to a new level. I want to show you exactly what you're going to need to do to accomplish that correctly and in the most safe manner.
On of the most important ways to jump higher is through training your muscles required in the jumping movement. As they become stronger, they have the ability to push you further off the ground.
Try starting out doing jump rope. You don't have to jump very high, in fact, it's much better if you just keep above the rope as you bounce over it. The idea behind this exercise is that it keeps you on the tips of your toes. The longer you remain on the tips of your toes, the strong your calf muscles will get, which makes your jumping ability improve.
Another great exercise is the standing calf raise. At the gym, you should be able to find a Smith machine. It has a barbell locked into position, so it can only go up and down. Get underneath it, so the bar rests on your shoulder back area. Get a block of wood to put the tips of your toes on. Start pushing up and down. That will work the calf muscles, but here is a tip to get the most out of this workout. As you push yourself up, be extremely explosive in speed. This will make you a much better jumper.
