Bladdaow!

Speed is one of the most important components to jumping higher. It is what most sports authors call as the horsepower of the vertical leap. For a good vertical jump, maximum force is needed in a relatively short amount of time in order for the jump to be effective. But speed alone isn’t the be-all and end-all of the system. In basketball, for example, a dunk is made not just by the leap but by the good amount of force placed in the leap. A simple formula to explain this is Power= Maximum Force + Speed. One cannot do without the other when vertical jumps are concerned.

With this formula in mind, training with weights is a good way to jump higher and dunk. Maximum strength is important, so maximum loads are also needed in training in order for the muscles to stretch. Muscles continue to be passive and unused if the muscle fibers aren’t stretched enough. In order for the muscles to stretch, one must train not at your comfortable weight level but higher than that.

Of course, directly training when one hasn’t had prior experience with weights before can be quite dangerous. Even the most basic moves like a squat can lead to injury if one isn’t careful enough. For beginners, it is recommended that one start with a small amount of weight with more repetition, then once the athlete gets comfortable with the weight, then it’s time to load up. Beginners and professionals should realize that successful training lies more with the quality of the workout.

When one wants to learn how to jump higher fast, the speed of movement or velocity should be focused on equally as strength training. Strength is considered the backbone but speed is considered as the catalyst of the jump. Contrary to what others believe, it is not the running speed that’s important in the vertical jump but rather how fast the system can be turned on and off. It also has something to do with the proper application of speed at the right time.

Speed has something to do with physical attributes but with proper training, even those which do not have the natural ability for quickness will be trained for it. Practice is key to speed as well as proper training. Some analysts believe that plyometrics if the most effective way to increase speed because it helps with muscle control, which in turn will develop muscle memorability. So that everytime a jump is made, the body can apply speed faster than the last jump.

Remember that force and speed work hand in hand in order to increase that vertical leap. Having one without the other will leave one disabled. Make sure to find the right program that develops both of these factors. With proper training, you’ll be on your way to those extra inches!