by Steve S.

Created on: August 05, 2009

Has this been on your mind lately? "I want to know how to improve my vertical." Performing exercises is a key element to learn how to jump higher, but it is not everything. This is the mistake that so many athletes make. If you really want to improve your vertical, you need to know that there are several aspects to meeting your full potential. These four keys will give you an idea of what it really takes to maximize your jump.

Strength - You probably already guessed this one. To be able to propel yourself into the air, you need strong muscles. Many do not realize that strength is measured by how rapidly the muscle strands react when used and how many muscle fibers are actually used during a muscle contraction. To react with the force your muscles need to jump higher, they need to be trained that way.

Quickness - To get major air, you need to be quick. Strength and quickness combined is what causes the explosiveness you need to force your body up. To fulfill your mission of how to improve my vertical, you have to have both. A great type of jumping exercise that uses both quickness and strength is plyometrics. Using plyometric exercises correctly will help increase vertical by training your muscles to use the built up elasticity to speed up and reinforce the muscle contraction.

Flexibility - Flexibility is a must if you want to jump higher. Flexibility allows greater muscle contraction by reducing resistance from opposing muscles. It also reduces the chance for injury which is very important. Flexibility allows for greater range of motion.

Energy - Your body needs fuel to perform. Jumping exercises are great at strengthening your muscles, but it takes energy to make them perform properly. Chances are you probably already eat OK if you are an athlete. You don't have to completely change your diet. Make sure you get plenty of protein and complex carbohydrates. Your muscles need protein to grow. As far as carbs are concerned, they are used by the body to create energy. If you don't have enough in your diet, your body will find other sources, such as muscle mass. You certainly don't want that.

These are only four aspects of several that can help you reach your full potential to jump higher. If you are telling yourself, "I still want to know more about how to increase my vertical," you can.

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