How to Jump a Couple of Inches Higher

If your jump height isn't quite where you want it to be, following a few tips can help you improve by a few inches. Adding a couple of inches to your jump can mean the difference between catching a football during an important play or missing it. It can mean whether you make a basketball dunk or not. Improving your jump, even by just a couple of inches, can change your entire game.

Things You'll Need

  • Cone
  • Athletic shoes
  • Sturdy box
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Instructions

    • 1

      Do jump squats to strengthen your leg muscles and increase the height of your jumps. Don't hold weights when you do this exercise, because that will actually work against you. Start with your feet spaced shoulder-width apart. Quickly lower your body into a squat position, then jump as high as you can. Do three sets of two to five reps at a time, with a two-minute rest in between each set.

    • 2

      Perform depth jumps three times a week. Stand on top of a sturdy box, jump down in front of it and then quickly jump straight up, reaching as high as you can. When you jump up, swing your arms as high as you can for additional momentum. Gradually increase your box height. Be careful when you land, so you don't injure yourself. Do two sets of 10 reps during each workout.

    • 3

      Use your chin to add a little extra momentum to your jump and make it a bit higher. Tuck your chin in before you jump. As you jump and launch your body into the air, push your chin up along with your body.

    • 4

      Perform two sets of skip jumps, with 10 reps each, several times a week. Start out by sitting back on your heels and stretching your arms in front of you. Using only the muscles in your lower body, jump from side to side. Practice a heel-to-toe movement to gain momentum in your jumps. This will teach you momentum-building techniques while also strengthening your muscles to increase your jump height.

    • 5

      Practice jumping over a cone. Simply put a cone in front of you and jump over it, back and forth, as fast as you can. Do three sets of 20 reps each, several times a week, to build your leg muscles. This will help you develop balance too, which will also help your jumping abilities.