Why You Should Consider Vertical Jump Training

Vertical jump training has been a hot topic for a number of years now. The surging popularity of the NBA and college basketball and the spectacular slam dunks seen in nearly every game has created a huge interest in such programs. It seems everyone wants to be able to dunk and new programs seem to be released on a weekly basis. As a result, most people think of vertical jump training in light of basketball.

Benefits for Other Sports Beyond Basketball

Basketball players aren’t the only athletes interested in vertical jump training. Volleyball players, football players, soccer players, track and field athletes all can benefit from a good vertical jump training program. In fact, athletes in any sport that places a premium on jumping ability and explosive speed can benefit from such training.

The benefits of having a good vertical jump in volleyball is obvious, the ability to play above the net to drive a serve or spike or block an opponent. Football players, particularly receivers know well the benefits of being able to get up. A quarterback that knows his receiver can really jump can throw the ball up high where only his man can get it. Likewise, a great leaper has the same advantage on defense. He can go up higher than his opponent to pick the ball off. Soccer players with superior leaping abilities have a clear advantage when going up for a header in a crowd. Clearly, vertical jump training can make a huge difference for more than basketball players. And we didn’t even discuss baseball players leaping to steal away a home run ball, track and field athletes and more.

Benefits Beyond Better Hops

Vertical jump training has benefits for an athlete far beyond simply getting more hops. A good vertical jump training program will combine strength training (weight lifting), flexibility training and speed training to produce a better all around athlete. The result will be more explosive strength, speed and agility as well as leaping ability. The repetitive nature of many jump training exercises also helps produce greater muscle endurance, faster muscle response time, and better body control and balance.

Flexibility training, a part of any quality vertical jump training program, will result in an athlete being less prone to injury due to increased flexibility and strength. Many vertical jump programs will also teach the proper mechanics of leaping which not only help you reach your maximum vertical jump but also help reduce the risk of injury.

Follow the program!
Adhering to the program is more important in vertical jump training than normal workout routines.  Most programs are trying to do more than simply strengthen your legs so you can jump higher. Without getting overly technical, they are trying to develop stronger, more explosive muscles with quicker reaction and recovery times. Deviating from the schedule or workout routines can seriously affect your results. Follow the program to the letter to see the best results.

Of course, as with any intense exercise program care must be taken to perform the exercises with proper technique and intensity to avoid injury and to get the maximum benefit from the program. Don't over do it!  Even the best program can result in injury if they are performed improperly or too frequently. Follow the program!

Listen to your body!

The workouts in most jump training programs are quite intense and there is a lot of debate over the best training techniques and methods. Regardless of which program you use, even if done properly many of these workouts can be hard on your body. There will be a lot of jumping, lifting, stretching and more. Listen to your body!

If you are an athlete, you know the difference between normal workout discomfort and abnormal pain. Pain is a warning from your body that something is not right! Stop your workout until you have had a chance to determine what the problem is and what needs to be done about it.

If you are not an athlete, vertical jump programs are not the place to start to get into shape. They do require a certain level of strength, flexibility and fitness to start. As with any new exercise program, you should consult with your physician to see if you are up to starting a vertical jump program. This is especially true if you have a history of joint injury or problems as jump training can be particularly hard on the joints.

Which Program to Choose

As mentioned before, there are quite a number of vertical jump training programs out there. However, some have managed to prove themselves effective and have separated themselves from the rest. It is not the goal of this hub to push any one particular program but to help open your eyes to the additional benefits of leap training other than getting more hops. Each of the top programs have something to offer.

With vertical jump training, it is more important than normal workout routines to follow the program to see the maximum results program. Most programs are trying to do more than simply strengthen your legs so you can jump higher. Without getting overly technical, they are trying to develop stronger muscles with quicker reaction and recovery times. Deviating from the schedule or workout routines can seriously affect your results. Follow the program to the letter to see the best results.

Of course, as with any intense exercise program care must be taken to perform the exercises with proper technique and intensity to avoid injury and to get the maximum benefit from the program. Even the best program can result in injury if they are performed improperly or too frequently. Follow the program.

Listen to your body!

The workouts in most jump training programs are quite intense and there is a lot of debate over the best training techniques and methods. Regardless of which program you use, even if done properly many of these workouts can be hard on your body. There will be a lot of jumping, lifting, stretching and more. Listen to your body!

If you are an athlete, you know the difference between normal workout discomfort and abnormal pain. Pain is a warning from your body that something is not right! Stop your workout until you have had a chance to determine what the problem is and what needs to be done about it.

If you are not an athlete, vertical jump programs are not the place to start. They do require a certain level of strength, flexibility and fitness to start. As with any new exercise program, you should consult with your physician to see if you are up to starting a vertical jump program. This is especially true if you have a history of joint injury or problems as jump training can be particularly hard on the joints.

Which Program to Choose

As mentioned before, there are quite a number of vertical jump training programs out there. However, some have managed to prove themselves effective and have separated themselves from the rest. It is not the goal of this post to push any particular program but to help open your eyes to the additional benefits of leap training other than getting more hops. You can find more information on vertical jump training techniques and programs at the the Veritical Jump Training Blog.

In closing, vertical jump training clearly offers significant benefits to the serous athlete beyond an increased vertical leap. For some, these added benefits may be as important, if not more important than getting better hops. In the world of competitive sports any edge you can gain on the competition could make the difference between winning and losing. So, don't discount the value of vertical jump training in your sport, especially if it isn't basketball.