Jump Training

I want to share my son’s story on how he increase his jumping ability. Click here to see the jump training he used to improve his vertical game.

What’s going on? My name is Carl Williams  and my son’s name is John Carl Williams IV (guess where that name came from…..) His name is C4, which I think is one of the coolest nicknames for an athlete. He is 14 years old and a pretty good basketball player.

My son was very excited to play his second season in basketball this year. In fact he was so excited that he started training early- really early. He was practicing in July everyday. From watching him play last season, the kid had great passion for the game. I also noticed that he needed a little something to get him over the top- maybe a quicker step or more of a jump.  He had runs of inconsistent play. A few times  he missed some key rebounds he was in position to get and a couple of times a taller kid was able to make some embarrassing blocks when he was driving in for a layup.  I knew something had to be done to improve for this season.

So we went and got some personal trainers to improve his jumping. The results were minimal at best. I know not all trainers are greedy, but the couple that we used seemed all about getting additional training sessions and more money.

I turned to the internet hoping to find the proper techniques, but found 1) too much information and 2) too much conflicting information. Although I was overwhelmed with the online sources, I still had a gut feeling something key and crucial was missing.  We needed information that included principle, techniques, or maybe  nutrition.

Then one Monday, I saw this crazy video on youtube.

It was this young guy from Hawaii that was average height dunking like he was at All-Star Weekend. This caught my attention in a big way and he used a training program called The Jump Manual to develop his great abilities.

My son has been involved in the training for about five months now and has had noticeable improvement. He has really reaped the benefits of The Jump Manual. He has learned correct principles and practices. The manual also explained the proper nutrition, which is very neglected. There are nine variables to improving jumping and using all nine has made a difference.  It appears that C4 has gained about 10 inches on his vertical. It has also improved his quickness. Click here to see the product I’m talking about.

I think he was able to train the right way, from multiple angles, from the online videos in a comprehensive approach. We have enjoyed the one-on-one training via email, although I wish it was over the phone. Jacob Miller is the creator of the manual and he has trained college players, NBA players, and other athletes.

This is a really great e-book manual.  It shoes your workouts by daily workout charts. The exercises were easy to learn through videos. Something that surprised me was the emphasis on form and flexibility. C4 has learned from the Jumpers Forum online and we also got a lot from the bonus interviews. We just needed access to a gym. With discipline and determination, I’m sure he can get much more out of the jump manual.

So far, this basketball season he has improved his points per game from 8.2 to 12.5 and his rebounds from 4.1 to 6.0. My wife and I can see a difference in his swagger too.  His play is more consistent, he is playing more minutes,  and his team is winning more games this season. I think I might start jump training to keep the kid from one day dunking on me! Click here to read more on the jump manual’s website.

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.