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"We'll rebuild himhe'll run faster, jump higher, see farther". Okay, aside from getting bionic parts, there are a few ways to enhance your vertical.

Learn proper jumping technique - Yes, there are even rules for jumping. For the purpose of basketball you will want to learn how to bring yourself to your absolute highest point, from an absolute standstill. Sounds easy, right? Try it, over and over for 5 minutes, if you can. This is just for exercise, it really has nothing to do with jumping higher, other than to let you feel what muscle needs to be developed.

To jump vertically from a standing position is about physics as much as calf muscle development. It has to do with power and motion and speed, much like a baseball pitcher whipping his arm.

In one QUICK motion; bend to a sitting position, arms back, now roll to the balls of your feet and finally to your toes while WHIPPING your arms straight out in front of your body and over your head. Pushing off with your calf muscles as you roll your feet to your toes and achieve lift off. Now add running to a jump stop to come to your full potential. This involves nothing more than running to the basket, as fast as you can, planting both feet and using your momentum to take you up. The use of your arms cannot be stressed enough, you must whip your arms in an upward motion to achieve your highest jump.

To measure your progress, stand under a basketball net and practice until you can reach the bottom of the net. Then see how close to the rim you can reach. Now try touching the backboard. Setting goals and measuring progress is just as important in individual basic skills as it is in game play. You will be surprised at how fast your vertical jump will improve.

Leaping is easier and most natural, but to leap high still requires skill. Everyone knows how to leap; put one foot in front of the other and jump.

Now try adding a major push off, a forward "whipping" motion with your arms, and a REACH for the end. With practice, this should drastically increase your leaping ability. Again set goals and measure your progress, soon you will be practicing your Michael Jordan "tongue roll" on your way to the flying slam dunk!

Learn more about this author, Christine Cameron.
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