Vertical jump is quite simply the ability of an individual to jump as high as possible off the ground. The distance between feet at maximum height and ground is called your vertical jump and this is usually measured in inches.
Many people already know the importance of the vertical jump when it comes to certain sports such as Basketball. Having the ability to jump high in these sports can make all the difference to your performance as well as your career aspirations.
However the vertical jump is probably most crucial for people who play Basketball and Volleyball, many coaches and scouts recruit on an individuals ability to carry out a high vertical leap in these games.
You can measure a vertical jump by standing against a vertical wall preferable a wall which is marked. You should then warm up with a light run at first to get your muscles relaxed, then put your hand in some chalk and face the wall. Jump as high as you can in a vertical direction and touch the wall with your hand at the maximum height of your jump,repeat the jump several times in order to get your best reading. You need to then measure the distance between the ground and your mark on the wall this will then give you an accurate measurement of your vertical leap.
Now there are several ways you can improve your vertical jump, you need to keep in mind that your jumping ability is based on the power and strength in your muscles, both these factors can be improved by undertaking the right exercises.
The muscles in your legs are the key muscles responsible for your ability to carry out a high vertical jump, you can exercise these muscles by carrying out squats, you could also spend some time at your gym doing exercises to give you more power in your legs.
The vertical jump is an explosive action so in addition to you need to have strength and power in your legs, however, you also need to be able to react quickly. This kind of is where plyometric exercises are essential in order to improve your speed.
Plyometric exercises include zig zag hops, tuck jumps, obstacle jumps and also skipping. You need to gradually improve the intensity of these exercises in order to increase your vertical leap.
We've gone through various aspects of vertical jump including how to measure and improve upon it. It's important to note that the key to increasing your leap or any other kind of athletic skill is to have a multifaceted approach to training.
However the vertical jump is probably most crucial for people who play Basketball and Volleyball, many coaches and scouts recruit on an individuals ability to carry out a high vertical leap in these games.
You can measure a vertical jump by standing against a vertical wall preferable a wall which is marked. You should then warm up with a light run at first to get your muscles relaxed, then put your hand in some chalk and face the wall. Jump as high as you can in a vertical direction and touch the wall with your hand at the maximum height of your jump,repeat the jump several times in order to get your best reading. You need to then measure the distance between the ground and your mark on the wall this will then give you an accurate measurement of your vertical leap.
Now there are several ways you can improve your vertical jump, you need to keep in mind that your jumping ability is based on the power and strength in your muscles, both these factors can be improved by undertaking the right exercises.
The muscles in your legs are the key muscles responsible for your ability to carry out a high vertical jump, you can exercise these muscles by carrying out squats, you could also spend some time at your gym doing exercises to give you more power in your legs.
The vertical jump is an explosive action so in addition to you need to have strength and power in your legs, however, you also need to be able to react quickly. This kind of is where plyometric exercises are essential in order to improve your speed.
Plyometric exercises include zig zag hops, tuck jumps, obstacle jumps and also skipping. You need to gradually improve the intensity of these exercises in order to increase your vertical leap.
We've gone through various aspects of vertical jump including how to measure and improve upon it. It's important to note that the key to increasing your leap or any other kind of athletic skill is to have a multifaceted approach to training.
Although the above has given you a short introduction on how to measure and improve your vertical leap it is important that you understand that many elements such as diet and genetics also play an important part in your jumping ability.