Jump Training

I am looking for a jump training program for my son. He loves basketball and wants to improve his vertical jump. I think the best option is detailed plyometric training from what I’ve heard.

I wonder how many inches he can add to his vertical- six inches? ten? a full foot? That would be great. But how do the great athletes improve their jumping? That’s the real question. From what I have been told, increasing your vertical will also help quickness and speed. Guards and forwards always can use a faster first step.

Now some old school methods like working out with ankle weights give minimal results, in fact may slow down foot speed. A trainer also told me it does not train the correct muscles. He also said people focus too much on the calves as they play little role in vertical jumping.

I also have read online that strengthening the toes will help. Well my feet and toes are messed up! I barely can wiggle them…lol. Perhaps my son is better off in that department.

A friend that is a coach told me the other day that there are three types of strength training programs to increase vertical jump performance. One choice is good old traditional weight lifting or training like squats; with heavy loads with low reps. Then there is dynamic weight training, which is light loads done faster with speed against the resistance. The final is of course plyometrics training that combines strength and speed.

I remember when I was in track and field in high school (God that was a long time ago) , we had basic or elementary methods of training. Nowadays amateur athletes have access to modern training techniques that really gets them ahead of the curve. I hope I can make a wise choice and my boy benefit from it.