Exercises to Improve Your Vertical Jump
People involved in athletics, especially basketball, volleyball, soccer, and football, are often interested in finding ways to increase their vertical jump. There are many drills and programs available that are specifically designed for improving a person's vertical leap. Before starting any of these programs though, an athlete should at least be in fair general physical shape. Here we go over a few exercises that you could start with before starting a vertical leap program. These will help get you started.
Warm Ups
Prior to starting the exercises, you should warm up your muscles. Jog around for ten minutes or run up and down s few sets of stairs. It is also a sound idea to stretch your muscles prior to exercising. Warming up before exercising helps you develop muscle fibers that are utilized for jumping.
Skipping Rope
Skipping rope is an exercise that should not be overlooked, as it will contribute to increasing the strength of your legs. Moreover, it promotes maintaining excellent cardiovascular condition. Do this exercise for 15 to 30 minutes regularly.
Knee Raises
Hold an overhead bar firmly, with your arms straight overhead. Hang from the overhead bar, with your arms fully extended and knees slightly bent. Holding this position, slowly raise your knees towards your chest. Squeeze your stomach muscles while doing this. Maintain this position for several seconds, before lowering your legs towards the floor. Repeat the process five times.
Knee Bends
One of the best ways to improve your leg strength is with knee bends (also called squats). Stand upright - straight, with chest out and with your back straight. Now, bend your knees slowly, maintaining a straight back. Crouch, in a slow motion, as far down as possible. Repeat this process 20 times.
Toe Touches
Stand upright. Bend at the waist while keeping your knees locked. Continue bending down as far as you can go while trying to touch your toes with your fingers. Maintain this position for a few seconds. Do this exercise slowly and do not "bounce" while trying to reach your toes. Repeat this 30 times.
Sit-Ups
Sit-ups will help improve your vertical jump. Begin this exercise laying with your back flat on the floor, with your legs bent at the knees, and your feet flat on the floor. Place you hands behind your head. Now, curl your shoulders off the floor, in a slow motion. Continue to sit up. Try to not "pull" on your head with your hands. Focus on your stomach doing the work. Exercises for your waist are crucial for all physical activity as it is the "core" area of your body. Repeat this 10-20 times.
To get the most out of your vertical jumping exercises, you must think about a vertical jump training program. Check out these Vertical Jump Program Reviews to check which are rated the best and to find more information on How To Jump Higher.