People playing sports, particularly basketball, volleyball, soccer, and football, are frequently looking for ways to increase their vertical leap. There are many drills and programs existing that are specifically intended for improving a person’s vertical leap. Before starting any of these programs though, you should at least be in fair overall 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 beginning any exercises, you need to warm up your muscles. Jog around for ten minutes or run up and down the stairs for a while. It is also a sound idea to stretch your muscles prior to exercising. Warming up prior to doing exercises helps you develop muscle fibers that are used for jumping.
Skipping Rope
Jumping rope is an exercise that is often overlooked, and shouldn’t be, as it will contribute to improving the strength of your legs. It also promotes maintaining excellent cardiovascular condition. Perform this exercise for fifteen to 30 minutes on a regular basis.
Knee Raises
Grab an overhead bar securely, with your arms about shoulder-width apart. Hang from the overhead bar, with your arms fully extended and knees bent slightly. Hold this position and slowly pull your knees up to your chest. Concentrate on contracting your stomach muscles while doing this. Hold this position for several seconds, before lowering your legs back down. Repeat the process 5 times.
Knee Bends
One of the top exercises to improve the strength of your legs is with knee bends (also called squats). Stand upright – straight, with chest out and with your back straight. Proceed to bend your knees slowly, keeping the back straight. Crouch, in a slow movement, to the maximum possible extent. Repeat this exercise 20 times.
Toe Touches
Stand straight. Bend from the waist while keeping your knees locked. Lower yourself down as far as you can go while trying to touch your toes with your fingers. Sustain this stance for a couple seconds. Do this exercise slowly and avoid “bouncing” while trying to touch your toes. Do this 30 times.
Sit-Ups
Sit-ups can help improve your vertical leap. Begin this exercise laying with your back flat on the floor, with your knees bent, and your feet flat on the floor. Place you hands behind your head. Now, curl the shoulders from the floor, in a slow motion. Continue to sit up. Do not “pull” on your head with your hands. Concentrate on your stomach doing the work. Exercises for your midsection are important for all physical activity as your ultimate all around strength and flexibility start here. Repeat this exercise 10-20 times.
To get the most out of your vertical jumping exercises, you must consider a vertical jump training program. Check out these Vertical Jump Program Reviews to see which are rated the best and to get more information on Improving Your Vertical Jump.
Tags: how to jump higher, improve vertical jump, increase vertical jump, jumping exercises