The Top 5 Vertical Jump Training Programs

The popularity of the NBA and college basketball has created a huge demand for vertical jump training programs in recent years. People are fascinated and envious of the leaping skills displayed by these finely tuned athletes. The wildly popular slam dunk competition during the NBA All Star week festivities is a great example of the interest in this skill. People who have little interest in basketball itself will tune in to watch the high fliers display their skills.

However, the need for great leaping skills isn’t limited to basketball players only. Many sports, including volleyball, football, baseball, track and field, soccer and others place a premium on having good leaping skills. Volleyball players need hops to block and spike, soccer players need the advantage when going up for a header, receivers need to out jump their defenders to make the reception and outfielders need the ability to clear the wall when trying to steal away a potential home run. It goes on and on in sport after sport. Having great hops is a highly desired skill.

The best way to increase your vertical jump is by undertaking a structured vertical jump training program. Sure, you can increase your vertical jump on your own but your best chance to see radical improvement is to learn from the experts. There are a number of vertical jump training programs developed by top experts available. Some are great, some not so great. Here are what I think are five of the top programs with the best reputations and reviews. Take a look at each of them and decide for yourself which one will best help you reach your vertical jump goals. So, in no particular order ....

The Jump Manual

The Jump Manual is probably the leading and most respected vertical jump training system available on the internet. It is comes in e-book format and was developed Jacob Hiller. It has version that run on all major computer operating systems and is also available as a Kindle Book on Amazon.com and other outlets.

Ten chapters cover topics ranging from proper nutrition, training techniques and motivation. Each chapter has text, graphics and video clips to illustrate the exercises and techniques. The video clips vary in length from 2 to almost 10 minutes and show you how to do each stretch and exercise properly.

It normally takes 12 weeks at a minimum and comes with a 100% satisfaction guarantee to add at least 10 inches to your vertical leap. If within 60 days you are not satisfied with your results, they will give you a full refund of the purchase price.

On a personal note, my son purchased this program after having completed the Air Alert program below. Since the Air Alert program had already help development his vertical jump, he did not get the 10 inch increase guaranteed by the program. However, he was able to a an additional 4 inches to his leap giving him an additional advantage on the court.

Air Alert

The Air Alert program from TMT Sports claims to be the most popular and effective jump training program available. It guarantees that you will gain 8 to 14 inches in your vertical leap, if you follow the program completely. I ordered the program online on the Air Alert website for my two sons, both basketball players. The program consists of a professionally produced DVD, illustrated training manual, measuring and training charts.

The Air Alert website describes their program like this:

“This amazing step-by-step system is a specialized training program that utilizes a unique and highly effective principle we developed in 1991 called Habitual Jump Training™. This principle is based on slowly and safely building muscle memory through habituation. This technique, also known as the Kangaroo Effect provides consistently high gains through repetitive, motion training as opposed to strength training which is what most other programs offer. As you train with frequent repetition, jumping muscles develop memory or habit making jumping effortless and instinctual similar to that of a kangaroo”.

My oldest son completed this program and went from being able to touch the rim but unable to dunk to being able to comfortably dunk with either his right or left hand. He is still unable to dunk from a standing position but he is only 5’ 10” after all. He failed to measure his vertical leap properly before beginning the program but his vertical must have increased at least 6 inches.

My younger son completed the program also. Before starting, he was unable to touch the bottom of the backboard at all, even on a good day. After completing the program he was able to easily touch the rim. He is not dunking yet but the difference is obvious in his rebounding and how high he gets up on his lay ups and jump shots.

Vertical Explosion Training Program

Like the programs above, the Vertical Explosion Training Program claims to able to increase your vertical leap by 10 inches in just 10 weeks. The system was developed by Kurt Howard who has helped over 2,100 athletes start their vertical training. This system has been seen on such sites as ESPN.com, NBA.com, CBSSports.com, NYTimes.com, MensHealth.co.uk and more.

This eBook program is a step-by-step workout program with detailed instructions on how to perform each exercise. Complete instructions on the number of sets and reps are provided for each of the exercises as you progress to the next level. A complete set of videos clearly show you how to properly perform each exercise. There is a video for each workout that walks you through the entire workout in easy to follow format.

There is also a complete set of videos that you can play on your iPod or iPhone. You can watch the workouts at the gym to ensure you are doing them correctly. In addition, training logs are provided to track your performance and keep training focused. You also get a free copy of “Sport Nutrition Secrets Uncovered” so that you can make sure to "fuel" your body properly to reach peak performance. The program comes with free lifetime updates so you get the benefit of any new exercises or workouts that may be developed.

This program also comes with a 100% satisfaction guarantee. You can try out the Vertical Explosion training program for a full 60 Days. If at any time during that time you are not satisfied with the results, they will provide a full refund.

Vertical Jump Development Bible

The Vertical Jump Development Bible claims to be the definitive how to manual on vertical jump improvement. Developed by performance coach Kelly Baggett, the program chronicles how he increased his own vertical leap by 20 inches and how you can do likewise.

The VJDB is a comprehensive 150+ page book that shows you how to reach your maximum vertical jump. It is a great resource for complete beginners to accomplished athletes. There are 4 levels of advancement; beginner, novice, intermediate, and advanced. The developer promises that you can expect dramatic improvements in your vertical jump in as little as 30 minutes a couple of times a week.

The exercises in the program are customized for the individual. Before you ever start training, pre-testing will help you determine which specific program is best for you. At each level, you can choose between 16 combinations of strength and plyometric training.

The Vertical Jump Development Bible covers topics such as:

• The different components of maximum vertical jump
• How to enhance your mind-body connection
• Self-assessment tool
• Different plyometric and strength training programs
• How to perfect your jumping technique
• How to analyze your jumping style and take advantage of your body structure

And more. The Vertical Jump Development Bible is one of the most respected and highly recommended vertical jump programs available today.

Vertical Mastery

Unlike the other products n this hub, Vertical Mastery is neither a traditional book nor an eBook. Vertical Mastery is a true software application that creates custom vertical jump training programs tailored for the individual athlete. It takes into account your individual strengths and weaknesses.

Vertical Mastery takes you through a three step process to develop your own custom vertical jump training program:

• Step 1: Perform an athletic assessment to determine your strengths and weaknesses

• Step 2: Analyze the pre-test results and determine the areas that need extra attention.

• Step 3: Build a training program that targets your weaknesses.

After the analysis is complete, the Vertical Mastery software builds your customized and program targeted to improve those areas that you need the most work on. This way you will see greater vertical jump gains and you will see them faster than if you were doing a one size fits all jump training program.

The program includes the Vertical Mastery software, a detailed user manual, an 85 page vertical jump training guide, unlimited free email support and a complete video library with videos of every exercise in any of the programs as well as video instructions for all the pre-program assessment tests.

This program also comes with a 100% satisfaction guarantee. You can use the Vertical Mastery training program for a full 60 Days. If at any time during that time you are not satisfied with the results, they will also provide a full refund.

One Caveat

Vertical jump training programs are normally intensive and quite strenuous. You should be certain you are physically capable of participating in such a program before you begin. As with any new exercise program, consult with your doctor before starting. These programs can especially be hard on the joints so people with a history of joint injury or problems should also consult their physician prior to starting a vertical jump training program.