Sure, it’s obvious that a basketball player benefits from an extended jump, and the hurdle sprint and long jump are built around it. Then, you’ve also got sports like volleyball and football, which have a really significant jumping component. Not to mention soccer goalkeepers and shot putters.

In fact, it’s hard to think of many sports, anywhere in the world, which don’t require a solid jumping skill, where being better at jumping wouldn’t be an advantage. Off the top of my head I’m getting golf and motorsport, which are the most physically contained sports out there. Even then, I can imagine jumping ability would be a good indication of fitness to perform.

The Jump Advantage

The height and power of a jump are regularly used, in all kinds of different sports, to measure the fitness of an athlete, and there are simple reasons for that. It measures a balance of power and control, which can be incredibly useful. To achieve a powerful jump, you need to be able to develop power and unleash it effectively.

Jumping higher requires that you develop significant physical explosiveness. There’s no use in having a lot of potential power stored, unless you can let it out in a quick, controlled burst. If you get too heavy with slow bulky muscle, you may get left standing by someone leaner and lighter, who’s developed their muscle in a very specific way, to maximize their jump skill.

Professional Jump Performance

With so many people needing to jump higher, it’s surprising that many of the fundamental jump improvement techniques remain unknown to most amateur athletes. If you want to know how to improve your jump, to professional standards, you need to train like a pro.

Take Plyometrics, for example. It’s a training methodology, used in lots of sporting fields. It focuses, simply, on improving your jump explosiveness, by working on the motions used to jump effectively. Many people haven’t heard of this field of sporting science, which can really improve almost anyone’s performance, even if they jump well right now.

Professional coaches know about it, but many people, looking to improve their jump, forget about the need to be explosive in their power. Many people focus on building muscle, without thinking about how they can keep this power ready to explode. Jumping higher means having that pop, for elevation and distance.

Of course, understanding this kind of thing requires knowledge, then putting that knowledge into practice, which is why I suggest checking out The Jump Manual Training Course, as well as keeping up to date with my site!

Watch The Pros

You can learn a lot from watching video of the top players in action, and this has never been easier. If you remember the days when internet video was grainy and slow, you’ll know we live in amazing times. There’s lots of footage out there, on the video sites, showing NBA star highlights, as well as professional dunkers and other great athletes.

Pay close attention to the moves they pull, the way they position themselves and the flow of play. Become a better analyst of the game, as it stands to reason that this will make you a better player. You might not be able to recreate exactly what the pros do, but you can find ways that you can develop your game, aiming to match it as a longer term goal, if you’re especially ambitious.

Watch Yourself

It’s so easy to record yourself in action right now. If you have a cell, that’s not totally ancient, you have the capacity to record video that’s good enough to learn from. If you need something high detail to get stuck into the tiny details, video cameras, these days, will blow your mind in the detail they pick up.

Use it to record your play, the way professional coaches record games, to analyse the performance afterwards. Working on a new dunk and it’s not coming off the way you’d hoped? Get it down on video and watch it later. Slow down the footage if you have to- try to catch the exact thing that’s not working. Then, try to correct it, next time you play.

Use The Internet

Finding this article means you know how to use it, right?! But there’s so many great resources out there, to help you to develop your basketball skills. There are people who’ve been through this themselves, happy to share their tips and tricks.

Maybe you should bookmark my site or sign up to the mailing list too. I regularly add articles to help people shape their dunk and their overall game. Plus there’s reviews and recommendations of the best training products.

Because, when it comes to training products, there are professional coaches out there, who’ve put together comprehensive programs, aimed at shaping up your dunk or your basketball skills. And whether you want to be a pro or you’re an after work baller, there’s so much to soak up.

It’s the kind of stuff that would fill huge books and videos when Michael Jordan was young- imagine if he’d had the internet and high def recording!

Don’t Forget The Fundamentals

Make time for the core skills of basketball, even if you are working hard on your vertical jump. Your passing, dribbling and footwork are as important to your game as being able to make an awesome dunk.

Remember that every skill, in basketball, is interconnected. So, improving your dribble will improve your shooting. You’ll get more confident in your ball handling, which you give you a better feel for your shots. Focus on becoming the best all-rounder you can.

Practice Effectively

It’s no good just spending hours out on the court, without any particular aims. In fact, too much training could damage your body. So, you have to be training with a purpose and try to focus enough to get value out of each session.

It’s usually best to focus on the quality of your moves and try to get good repetitions of each motion you practice, whether it’s dribbling or 3 point shots. Try to make sure that the drills and sessions you perform relate to the game, as you would actually play it. In other words, make sure it simulates what you would do on the court, during a game.

Get Training Variety

As much as you’ll want to practice certain areas of your game, it’s important to get a certain amount of variety in your training regime. As well as practicing alone you could benefit from some one on one, or larger group training.

Try not to overdo any one particular training task, as you don’t want to cause yourself an injury. Many injuries are created, as a result of imbalanced training methods, so it’s vital you balance your body’s training loads.

Learn From Other People

Are there people out there that you can learn from? When you play, there’s probably other players with skills you could gain from. Maybe, there’s something you could teach them. Exchanging skills can be a good way to improve, but you’ve got to be open to the idea of learning.

Don’t be afraid to listen to feedback from other players, if they become open to giving it to you. Even if it seems like someone is criticizing you, you should listen, as long as what they say is reasonable and constructive. Don’t react negatively to an opportunity to tune and improve your game.

Practicing 3 Point Shots

I’ve always been pretty decent with a long shot, and I put this down to the time I spent practicing in my youth. What worked then can still work now, so I’ve gotten back into the classic 3 point drill.

I pick 5 spread out spots at intervals along the line and try to score a set number of baskets, before moving along to the next area. If I can practice hitting it, from all the angles, I can avoid developing any weak spots in my game.

I try to pick slightly different spots for each session, so that I don’t develop the ability to hit the long shot from 5 set areas, I’m working on my ability to score from all kinds of angles instead.

Using The Backboard

Hitting a shot that’s all net is crazy good, but at range the backboard’s your best friend. Unless you’re trying to hit a 3 from a 90 degree angle, you should aim to arc it off the backboard, as much as possible.

Let the backboard do its job- deadening the force of a long throw, so that it goes in the basket. If it catches the rim after going a decent distance, it’s likely to rocket out of a scoring opportunity, possibly into the hands of the defense.

That’s the main reason why practice is so important, when it comes to 3 point shots. It’s all about learning how the ball reacts to different forces and angles, so that you can better judge the situation.

Jumping Or Stationary?

Both shot types have their advantages. The classic stationary shot can be more accurate, for most people but the jump shot, which gets more and more common, has a higher chance of getting through guards. Weigh up each type, given different play situations. It would be a good idea to practice both, as much as you can.

Focus and Aim

Make sure you’re looking at the spot you want to hit, when you take the shot. It’s vital that you concentrate your energies on getting it to hit the right spot; in most cases the backboard. Being able to establish quick concentration is also instrumental to 3 point shot success. Visualization can help here.

Follow Through With The Shot

As with free throws, it’s important that you follow through, all the way, with your wrist. Getting the ball to accurately travel, over that kind of distance, requires the quick, precise release of the ball. Even pros can fail to give their wrists the fully travel required, especially when things are tight. It’s even more of an issue for everyone else.

Make sure the hand continues to bend downwards as the ball is released and just after. Try to make this as instinctive as possible, so that you don’t fall short if you are put under pressure.

Get In A Leaner, Fitter State

The massive guys of basketball may have a natural height advantage, but however fit he is, he’s going to weigh more than a smaller player. Think of how dense and muscle laden some of the classic super tall centers are, and remember that muscle weighs more than fat. They’ll need more of that muscle to elevate them, than a shorter player would.

If you can develop your jump, without getting too weighed down with muscle, you’ll have the potential to out-jump and out-maneuver these towering players. Always find ways to turn what appears to be a disadvantage, into an advantage.

High Speed = High Jump

Explosive energy is king, when it comes to jumping high and outreaching your opponent. Work on getting your speed up and you’ll have more chance of out-jumping super tall players.

As well as developing the height you need, getting more speed up will help you to out-move them too. Getting the pop in your jump means you’ll have a greater chance of changing direction quickly, so you hit them from a different angle at the last second. Use this to stay one step ahead of your opponent, however high they stand.

The Persistence Advantage

It’s going to take time to get the ultimate results from your vertical jump, but developing that commitment and ultimate focus will pay off. It’s good for developing self-discipline, if you have to work hard at something. When you get the results you want you’ll already have that killer instinct, to go up against anyone.

If someone’s super tall, they won’t have worked as hard as you, in order to get up there. Remember this and visualize getting the dunk on anyone who gets in your way.

Exercise All Your Muscles

One big mistake that people often make is to exercise one or two groups of muscles, or to put too much focus on one area, at the expense of others. The key to unlocking your potential lies with making sure that all the boxes are ticked. Get a good balance, and you’ll make yourself unstoppable, even if your opponent has inches on your height.

At every turn, you’re going to want to be the best informed player, with the best understanding of how to improve your game. This is how you’ll beat guys with the height advantage, along with every other player you meet.

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So I’ve been trying out a number of different tips, tricks and techniques which I’ll share with you now.

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The Importance Of Stance

Getting a good position and stance is vital, when it comes to scoring from the free throw line. I’ve learnt that the best way to set yourself up is to place the leg, which matches your lead throwing arm, slightly forward. So, if you’re right handed, place your right leg slightly further ahead than your left.

Also, you need to make sure that the leg you are placing forward is lined up with the goal. This seems to really help with accuracy, as your arm is roughly in the same position that way.

Getting A Pre-Shot Routine

I’ve found that it really helps to get a consistent routine going, before I take a free throw. This is something which you use to get yourself mentally prepared and in the zone. Bouncing on your feet or doing a quick dribble, before taking your shot, becomes part of the process and it lets you center yourself for the shot.

Taking a moment to prepare yourself, mentally and physically, is totally fine. So, you should take advantage of this, to make sure you deliver your most accurate shot. Getting a good routine together, which you stick to, will help you to focus. If there’s noise or other distractions, these processes will take your mind off them.

Having Confidence

Getting that pre-shot routine together will help you to develop your confidence, but nothing causes more mistakes than a negative attitude. That’s why I think it’s important to practice free throws, the more you do it, the more you hit. This makes it easier to stay confident, in more difficult situations.

It’s harder to stay calm and confident when you’re right at the end of a game, or if the score’s really tight. All it takes is a moment’s lost confidence or concentration, to set off a chain reaction, for the rest of the game.

Following Through

I’ve seen it from professionals and I know I’ve done it myself many times. Whenever things are tough, and they haven’t gone my way, I’ve failed to follow through with my shot. If your arm stops short, during the shot, the chances of you making it are slim.

It’s usually a confidence thing, in my experience. If you start to doubt your judgment, you’re more likely to stop the throw short. So, make sure you complete your throwing motion, in full, every time.

Working On It

Unless you’ve got a free throw success rate of 100% in any circumstances, you can always improve your performance. This is one of the things I find quite satisfying. Knowing that I keep getting better is a powerful feeling.

Apart from the importance of improving accuracy and confidence, which go hand in hand, I didn’t want to have a million dollar dunk and a dollar store free throw- and now I don’t!

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Of the select few jump training products out there, worth anyone’s time and hard earned money, The Jump Manual has always been up there with the best. At least, that’s what I’ve always been told, by other dunk enthusiasts. Why does it have such a good reputation? Let’s take a look into the details.

A Combined Approach

With The Jump Manual, you get a full set of materials, to support you on the way to developing your vertical jump. This includes videos, nutrition plans and wall chart templates, so that you can track the development of your vertical, over the weeks.

It’s also designed so that it can be used by almost anyone, to get the right results, whether you’re 12 or 42. Most people train incorrectly and rob themselves of the results they are looking for- this program is designed to help anyone avoid these common training mistakes. If you’re serious about increasing your vertical jump it’s important that you invest your efforts in an effective program.

There’s a real focus on developing explosive power, which is as I’ve learned, the key to dunking and there’s a lot of scientific basis to the techniques in The Jump Manual. You’re not just going to be hitting one of the training elements you need. This jump training product’s going to hit them all.

One On One Support

Now, this is one thing you don’t always see- a product where you can get answers to training questions you have, via email. This’ll help you to make sure you’re getting the most out of the program, every step of the way. You’ll get 30 days of this with the program, with an option to extend it further, if needed.

It’s in the author’s interest to support your success too, as he guarantees an increase of 10 inches in 12 weeks, if you follow the program correctly. As with any reputable product available online, it’s backed by a full 60 day, money back guarantee- so you know that there’s real confidence behind this.

What’s The Training Like?

The training emphasizes a multi-faceted approach, to make sure you’re hitting all the areas you need to get the vertical jump results you want.

John Hiller’s worked with a wide range of successful athletes, including NBA players. And, with over 10 years of experience as a quickness and verticality coach, you know he’s picked up, and taught, things that you won’t work out on your own!

Is It Safe?

It’s put together by an expert coach, not some writer or marketer, with a little research under their belt, so the program’s designed to be as safe as possible. It even has sections on injury prevention and proper rest and recovery, which you are urged to take very seriously. You won’t get the best results unless you train safely, after all.

Does It Work?

The stringent guarantee, along with the focus on scientific method, is a good indication as to the product’s effectiveness. The fact that John Hiller’s had considerable coaching experience should also instill your faith in the product.

John’s been able to get a lot of good, solid testimonials, from customers who are satisfied with the program. This should also be a good indication that The Jump Manual is a successful product. There seems to be a great pride taken in supporting users to achieve their dunking goals, which is always good to see.

All in all, The Jump Manual has a reputation as a premium ‘How to Dunk’ product and the reputation is deserved. It’s comprehensive and effective, with something to offer athletes of all levels and ages.

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Keep Trying

Michael Jordan once said “I can accept failure, but I can’t accept not trying”. Of the many Jordan quotes out there, this is one of my favorites, and one I like to keep in mind when things aren’t going so well, in any kind of training.

I’m not a professional athlete, so I have to dig deep within myself to keep training, if I want to be the best player I can be. There’s no money motivating my game, just passion and pride, so, I have to keep trying. Letting your pride down feels worse than letting a team down too, which makes it easier to keep going.

Visualize Success And Get It

Visualizing can be very important in helping you to reach your athletic goals, Visualize yourself jumping, with perfect form and height and it will give you that extra push to succeed. It can be used to improve all kinds of aspects to your game.

In tests involving free throws, athletes who could visualize succeeding, had a higher scoring percentage. When you can grasp visualization, you can add extra elements into the mix, like smells and sounds, to get your maximum performance.

Think Of the Other Performance Benefits

When you are training to dunk, you’re not just improving the vertical height of your jump. Everything about your game will improve, as your vertical jump improves.

Your confidence will improve, as you know you’re getting better, but that’s not all. Improving the performance of your leg muscles, though dunking and jump training, will improve your speed, agility and ability to change direction. So, you’re looking at changing all the fundamental aspects of the game. Keeping this in mind will help massively.

Imagine Owning the Game and Beating Your Opponents

When I had to work hard to add the extra jump height to dunk, it was the thought of beating my co-workers that got me through the training. If you can think of the satisfaction of dropping a massive dunk and silencing the trash talk, then that should get you though a tough day’s training.

And when it all pays off, and you’re actually completing that goal, it’s all the more satisfying. And it continues to satisfy, each and every time I do it. And remember, it’s easier to maintain a high grade dunk, than it is to get there. So, dunk training is the gift that keeps giving, if you think about it.

While both types of jumping use the same muscle groups, the distinction can have a pretty significant impact on the best forms of training. Knowing which form of jumping you excel at can help you to get the best possible results, so it’s worth taking time to work out how to dunk in a way that fits your individual style.

One Foot Jumpers

Long jumpers and high jumpers tend to fit into this category. It also used to be the dominant form of jumping seen in dunk contests. One foot jumpers tend to be best at jumping from a run up.

One foot jumpers are known for being fluid movers and often have good body structures for jumping (long legs being a crucial component). This strong, natural performance means that one legged jumpers often perform better than their other measurements of strength would suggest.

Two Foot Jumpers

Due to an increase in fitness science and strength training, jumpers who perform better off of two legged launches have become more common. This has been particularly noticeable in more recent dunk contests. Olympic weight lifters and shot putters usually fall in to this category too.

Successful 2 foot jumpers tend to have thicker muscles than their one foot preferring counterparts. They also tend to bend their knees more to get the elevation. They also tend to be better at jumping from a standstill.

While people tend to think of this jumping style as being more about power than smooth graceful motion, it’s totally possible to get a smooth, stylish dunk with a two foot jumping preference.

Is It Possible To Change Jump Styles?

With the right training it can be possible to overcome the body’s preference towards one form of jumping. Michael Jordan, for example, became known for developing his style, from that of a one foot style to a more balanced approach to jumping, equally skilled off of a two foot launch.

In most cases though, it would be best to work on your natural preference first, adding in greater skills in your weaker area at a later date, if required.

Those who want to jump higher off one foot jumping will need to work incredibly hard at developing high speed energy transmission.

If you are looking to improve a two foot jumping technique, then it’s all about getting that explosive strength to jump higher.

Remember, some sports have a leaning towards a certain type of jump, but either style can be effective for dunking purposes. In the case of basketball, it’s just a matter of working to individual strengths to get the best results.

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Don’t Forget the Other Skills

Jump Training and Dunking will do a lot for your overall game, giving you plenty of explosive power to pull out at anytime. But, don’t forget, you’ll need more than a good dunk to be at your best. Utilize what you’ve learned. Let it power you forward, don’t let your skills flatline.

There’s a lot more to legends like Michael Jordan or Vince Carter than a dunk- you want a legacy, even if it’s just amongst friends and co-workers, then you need it all covered.

Forgetting to hit every aspect of your game can halt your progress; it’s no good being able to dunk if you can’t get anywhere near the net. Basketball’s a complex sport, with lots of skills- every one of which needs to be on point if you want to maximize your result.

The Importance of Ball Handling

Whether it’s passing, dribbling or free throws, how you handle the ball is key. Any weakness you have can be exploited by other players, to stop you getting that shot. If you’re dribbling isn’t tight, how can you get anywhere near a dunk? Nobody’s going to give you an alley-oop if they think you’re a liability, with clumsy skills.

Getting your ball handling down allows you to become a much less predictable player. If you can change direction and speed with less effort, it’ll be harder for another player to read you. Which, of course, means you’ve got more chance to break away, for the dunk, right?

And if you know that other players are trying to work out your moves, to try and keep you locked down, how important is it that you can do the same? The more elements of ball handling you master, the higher your basketball intelligence becomes.

The more you lock down other players, the more chance you’ll have to do your thing, whether that’s a dunk or the amazing 3 point opportunity that comes from bringing the ball handling skills. Understand the ball, Improve your game and the higher knowledge follows.

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