Need to Know How to Jump Higher?
Since the age of 13, I can remember wanting to find just about any means possible to learn how to jump higher. I remember all of the hours spent in some capacity attempting ways to jump higher so that I could dunk a basketball. First it was touching the net, then the backboard, then touching the rim, grabbing the rim, dunking a tennis ball, dunking a volleyball, dunking a basketball, bloody fingers and all, and beyond this to dunking two basketballs, touching my head and/or elbow on the rim, etc. At one point, it actually became “too easy” to dunk unless it was against competition.
I practiced with friends, in the gym, at the park, weekends, nights, etc. and the improvement came steadily for me. It also helps that I’m 6’7″, but that is not necessarily a given that you’ll be a leaper. In fact, I have played against enough elite competition over the years to know that there are a lot of athletes out there that far exceeded my jumping ability and I was at or near 42″ at one point.
Jump Higher – Throw It Down!
I can tell you from experience that it is a really good feeling when you are able to throw it down on the defender. It’s even better when it is challenged by a defender and he is posterized and you get a 3-point play…..really cool! From a basketball standpoint, it is one of the biggest thrills I had playing the game. Of course, game-winning shots are right up there, but dunking on someone for 3-point plays and listening to the crowd go nuts is sensational. I can remember one time in particular in a JUCO game in Baytown, TX when I put my knee right in the defender’s chest and threw it down on him and one of my teammates, during the game mind you, actually picked me up and hugged me while spinning me around in a circle because he was so impressed. I can remember to this day of trying to get loose so I could get back on defense….pretty funny looking back on it.
Keep Things in Perspective:
So, I ask you, what are your dreams? First of all, dream beyond
dunking a basketball, PLEASE! How can you be a better human being, a better sister/brother, a better daughter/son, a better mother/father, etc.? I don’t want to get too off topic here, but please always do keep things in perspective.
Also, know that there are a lot of other facets to basketball that are every bit as important, and many/most will argue more important, than being able to jump high. Practice that 15-17′ jump shot, learn how to pass, improve your dribbling, play better defense, etc……..simply put, just know that the fundamentals of the game are what will REALLY take your game to the next level. Learning to jump higher, becoming quicker and gaining strength are all essential elements that will be an enhancement, but always improve your fundamentals. I hope I have made this point clear. However, learning how to jump higher in addition to improving your fundamentals……..priceless!
How Dedicated Are You to Jump Higher?
Where are you today in regards to your jumping ability? If you are reading this, obviously you have room for improvement. Don’t take that as an insult; you may already be at a 40″ vertical and just want to boost it up a little more or on the other hand, you may be at the 15″ vertical range and are looking for vast improvement. Just know that proper training techniques, proper diet, proper rest, etc. all will be contributing factors which will determine how much you are able to improve your vertical. The # 1 factor will be your dedication to a system that works.
There are a number of jumping programs shown on the right, some better than others, some more expensive than others, etc. Just know that most, if not all, of these will work for you, although some are better. More than anything will be your dedication to a program, nutrition, rest and how strong your desire really is. Understand that desire and dedication are not the same. Your dedication to improving how to jump higher is directly influenced by your level of desire.
See you above the rim!
