Agility, strength, and quick reflexes are not optional in basketball. Indeed, these skills are necessary for gameplay and must be developed and practiced regularly. Similarly, having a solid vertical jump is critical to improving a player’s overall skill.
Learning how to jump higher in basketball will involve specific training drills designed to target various muscles in the legs, core, and back. Jump squats, tuck knee jumps, and overhead reaching jumps are particularly effective for those who want to improve their vertical jump height. Single-leg cross jumps, wall touches, cone taps, and lateral plyometric box jumps can also be helpful.
Players that want to learn how to jump higher in basketball may also benefit from regular training with a skilled coach or seasoned basketball professional. Attending a basketball academy can also be beneficial. These types of sports academies allow players to immerse themselves in their chosen athletic pursuits with regular training and guided assistance around the clock. Below, we will cover three drills to help basketball players improve their vertical jump capacities.
- Jump Squats
Jump squats are essentially an upgraded version of traditional squats. In time, these intensified squats can help to skyrocket your vertical jump height. In addition to helping you jump higher, jump squats help players develop more explosive power on the court.
This intensified potency can come in handy in areas like speed and agility. Jump squats activate “fast twitch” fibers in many major muscle groups. This includes the hamstrings, quadriceps, glutes, calves, hip flexors, and other lower body areas. Therefore, if you want to improve your vertical jump height, jump squats are a must.
How to Increase Jump in Basketball Drill with Jump Squats
First, stand tall with your feet shoulder-width apart to perform a jump squat. Keep your chest facing forward and your chin level. Now, bend at the knees in a motion that lets you sit back as if you were about to sit in a chair. When your thighs are parallel with your knees, push upward through your heels in an explosive jump. The goal is to jump vertically into the air in an intentional upward direction. Land softly and immediately perform a second squat. Remember to focus on your explosive power and vertical height with each repetition.
- Tuck Knee Jumps
Tuck knee jumps are another fantastic way to improve your jump height and explosive power. These tucked jumps are not only helpful for leaping higher, but they also demand targeted lower-body control. This command over muscle control is required to bring the knees up and back down again. As such, tuck knee jumps can improve your vertical and horizontal agility.
These jumps can be added to drills to improve jump height, coordination, fast twitch responses, and overall power.
How to Increase Jump in Basketball Drill with Tuck Knee Jumps
Stand straight with your chest and feet shoulder-width apart to perform tuck knee jumps. Start by bending slightly at the knees, then drive your hips back slightly. From here, jump directly into the air in a straight, upward-reaching motion. As you jump, simultaneously flex your pelvis and bring the knees upwards to your chest. Reverse the motion to land softly. Pause, correct posture issues, and repeat the next tuck knee jump.
- Overhead Reaching Jumps
Overhead reaching jumps take your agility and explosive upward motion to the next level with a sweeping movement that improves muscular agility in the core, legs, and arms. This is a variation of the squat jump that enhances a player’s leap height, defensive capabilities, pass-catching power, and more. Reaching jumps also target the hamstrings, glutes, core, triceps, biceps, and many other key muscle groups.
How to Increase Jump in Basketball Drill with Overhead Reaching Jumps
Stand straight up to perform overhead reaching jumps as if about to perform a squat jump. Bend slightly at the knees and drive your hips back. Then, jump straight into the air. Simultaneously, launch your hands skyward to pull your body up even higher. When descending, bring your hands into a defensive position near the chest with fingers splayed out. Land softly, readjust your posture if needed, and repeat.
Other Tips for Improving Your Jump Height in Basketball
Having a powerful jump is indeed key to being able to play basketball skillfully. However, improving your playing performance in basketball involves many other factors as well. You will want to work on all of your skills equally, focusing on the aptitudes demanded by the specific team position you regularly play.
• Have a Skilled Professional Help You Work on Your Game
Developing your basketball playing skills can require a dedicated training routine that targets key play aspects, including drills, experienced coaching, health and wellness, mental focus, and overall muscle strength. For this reason, having a professional coach or experienced trainer work with you can be incredibly beneficial.
• Consider Attending a Basketball Academy
An immersive environment where you will be motivated to improve your performance with drills and a designated training schedule is also essential. After all, not only must you build muscles, but you’ve got to maintain your gains. Stamina, alertness, and coordination can all be long-term investments that take time and dedication to refine.
That’s where basketball training programs and academies come in. In many instances, skilled players will drill regularly and attend basketball academies in their area. Attending an academy like this lets you work on more than jump height. Not only will you be able to improve your explosive muscle power, but you can also work with other team members to enhance your gameplay. This adds to your arsenal of tools and improves your skills overall for optimal improvements in the long term.
Enroll Your Student in the Corvuss Basketball Academy
If you have a student-athlete that wants to learn how to jump higher in basketball, enrolling them in a top-rated basketball academy in your area may be helpful. If you are looking for a nearby basketball academy in India, consider Corvuss American Sports Academy.
As a top-rated NCAA academy, Corvuss is an excellent option for student-athletes who want to achieve next-level performance while improving their academic aptitudes. Corvuss American sports academy uses innovation and groundbreaking training methods with skilled coaches, coordinators, and professional athletes on-hand for an immersive experience designed to ensure that each young athlete thrives! Learn more about the Corvuss basketball academy by clicking here. Or, contact our skilled team of administrators online or over the phone for more information.
