Whether you are able to touch or go above the rim as a basketball player, we always strive to jump higher to separate ourselves from the competition.
The formula for success:
JUMPING MECHANICS + ATHLETIC DEVELOPMENT= INCREASED VERTICAL JUMP
JUMPING MECHANICS
Jumping is a skill; like any other basketball skills (Shooting, Passing, Rebounding, etc.), you need to put in practice time to learn and refine your technique to jump at your full potential. Since there is a decent volume of jumping in your sport, you should see some improvement in a short time span.
There are 3 jumping techniques that are approached with different biomechanics:
- Standing Vertical Jump
- Running Jump with Double Leg
- Running Jump with Single Leg
To understand how to approach each jumping technique, look at NBA Players dunking during games and try to apply those techniques with the same coordination & rhythm.

ATHLETIC DEVELOPMENT
Performance training will contribute to your vertical jump increases by developing your capacity of generating power and speed. In addition to the power increases, the strength gained in the gym will help you become more resilient to lower body injuries.
In your athletic development program, there should be components of:
- Squat, Deadlift and their variations
- Plyometrics (Single Leg, Double Leg)
- Medicine Ball Throws
- Olympic Lifting
Whatever tool you are using, make sure you move with intention and generate power by extending through the ankles, knees, and hips! (#AllHipsAllDay)
In bringing it all together, applying these two variables from the above-mentioned formula with CONSISTENCY, you will see a dramatic increase in your vertical jump which will help you play above the rim and dominate the game.