How to Improve My Vertical Jump With Elasitc Bands

Vertical jump, sometimes referred to as vertical leap, is an ability that's considered in many athletic circles, to be a measure of performance capability. For example, college and professional scouts in basketball and football use a vertical-jump test to help them assess an athlete's potential. A good vertical jump can be an indicator of athletic abilities in other sports, as well, including volleyball and track and field. Athletes also use vertical jump marks as a way to measure progress as they train for their respective sport. Elastic bands, or resistance bands, are one tool you can use to improve your vertical jump.

Instructions

    • 1

      Ride an exercise bike for 5 to 10 minutes, walk or jog lightly to get your muscles warmed up and your blood flowing before you begin exercising.

    • 2

      Stretch out your leg muscles --- calves, quadriceps and hamstrings --- after warming up, to help reduce the risk of injuring yourself during your workout.

    • 3

      Perform elastic band squats, which will strengthen your leg muscles, by standing on the band with your feet shoulder-width apart and one end of the band in each hand. Bend into a squat position, as though you're sitting down in a chair, keeping your back straight as you squat and raise back up. To increase the resistance, hold the band higher in each hand.

    • 4

      Attach one end of the band to your foot and loop the other end over your shoulder to create a resistance workout that will isolate the muscles you use for the vertical jump. Crouch down as though you're getting ready to jump, and explode back upward as though you're going to jump, but without leaving the floor. You'll feel the muscles working as you repeat this motion.