Get That Spring In Your Step - Learn How To Jump Higher
1. Get That Spring In Your Step - Learn How To Jump Higher
So you may have been watching some video clips on YouTube, seeing all these amazing basketball
players display their skills, seeing them jump up and dunk with authority. So you want to know how to
jump higher? Then this is the article you need to read. A few easy exercises will have you going in the
right direction in no time. Sound good to you? Well, there are much more advanced exercises that
you can carry out, but for now we'll keep it simple.
Firstly, it is important that you train with the right moderation. Overtraining is the last thing you want to
be doing, as injury will be just round the corner. Consistency is still extremely important, but in the
right doses, like eating. Eating consistently 3 times a day is good, but overeating is not so effective.
The main muscles that need to be developed are your calf muscles, quads and some other smaller
muscles.
To start off with, you need to get in a position where you are tip toeing, walking around this way for 20
to 30 minutes. Sounds weird doesn't it. What this is doing is working the calf muscles and expanding
them, to provide that bit more elasticity and bounce to help you launch better. After that, try tip toeing
backwards for around 10 minutes. If your muscles feel pain initially, then rest in between attempts, or
do it for a shorter duration of time until your calf muscles get used to it. Then increase the time. Keep
at this consistently, and you'll jump higher in no time. Dunks, rebounds, blocked shots, you name it,
will be coming out of the wood works.
To really build those calves in this particular exercise, like most exercises, you can add more
resistance. Well, how you are wondering? Ever heard of ankle weights? That's exactly what you
need. You can buy them at most popular sports stores, and are available at different weights. Starting
off with 5kg or 10lbs is a good start. Light enough for you to manage, but heavy enough for you to feel
the burn when tip toeing. Use these weights for a 3 to 4 week duration and watch those calf muscles
expand. Then maybe considering using even heavier weights, around 25lbs or 12.5kgs.
Remember guys, it's very important that you warm up and warm down before partaking in any form of
exercise. I would say really be careful with ankle weights though. Start off without using weights for a
good few weeks and really get used to the exercises until they are very very easy for you to do, then
add the light weights working with those for some weeks. Once you feel extremely comfortable using
light ankle weights, then try the heavier ones and see how you do. In addition, cardio exercises are
also good to maintain overall fitness, and of course playing lots of basketball. If you maintain
consistency and determination, you will see some results and a sprint in your step. You'll definitely be
jumping higher.
How can you jump higher