How to Get More Hops for Football

Football players need to jump high. Both professional and college football teams measure vertical leaps when scouting their players. "Hops," as it is often called by the players, is the ability to jump, or "hop," very high. This skill is needed most on the football field by wide receivers and defensive backs. However, jumping ability also comes in handy at positions such as defensive end, tight end and linebacker. Players at each of those spots have to go get the ball, too.

Instructions

    • 1

      Train with weights. Increasing your strength will provide more power when you are jumping. Squats, power clean, leg press and calf raises are good exercises to build leg power. The more force you can generate from your thighs and calves, the better chance you have of increasing your vertical leap. Upper body exercises such as the bench press are also helpful since you rely on your shoulders and arms to swing your body upwards when jumping.

    • 2

      Stretch your muscles. Muscles are more effective when they can expand and contract at maximum capability. Jumping is an "explosive" muscle movement. It requires a range of flexibility in your joints that will be increased with stretching exercises.

    • 3

      Increase your skill proficiency. Plyometric exercises are good tools for achieving this proficiency. Plyometrics involve exercises that force you to jump and move in a way that is similar to your sport such as stepping, jumping, hopping and twisting. You want to train your body to jump. This requires building jumping technique.

    • 4

      Increase conditioning. Having a lean body mass is key to being able to jump. If your body has too much fat to carry it won't be able to lift as easily. Also, when the body gets tired, the muscles' ability to perform at their best is decreased. By being in top condition, you increase the chances of your body performing close to its maximum ability, even when tired.