Improve Your Vertical Jump for Basketball
Basketball season is here and here’s a way for your high school hoops star to increase his or her vertical jump and be a star for the Varsity squad.
Though not everyone is naturally gifted to slam dunk a basketball, increasing vertical jump aptitude can be undertaken quite simply. In essence, all it takes is a little dedication, exercise and taking a healthy approach to life and lifestyle. Here are a few key tips to get started and reaching for the skies.
Eating a healthy diet is vital to increasing vertical jump ability. Whilst necessary, over substantial levels of body mass are 
counterproductive, as is body fat. Increasing the intake of fresh fruit and vegetables will reap benefits, whilst cutting back on sugars and alcohol will also help.
Excess body fat can also be reduced through dedicated daily cardiovascular activities. Whilst building up muscles should be kept to a minimum; the burn up of calories will have a positive effect on body mass and tone appropriate to the results required.
The leg muscles should be directly worked on with heavy weights. Again, this should be conducted on a daily basis to increase the strength to give that explosive lift required. Exercises such as squats, leg curls, leg presses, and lunges are all worthy of attention.
It may sound a little too obvious perhaps; but it is surprising how often the next tip is neglected; practice. Practicing vertical jumps will not just allow improvement of technique, but will educate the muscles as to what they need to be doing. Quick successive sets of ten to fifteen jumps are always good right after a workout.
As mentioned at the start, increasing vertical jump requires dedication, and it is in the repetition of these exercises that success really lies. Leg muscles should be worked on until they can take no more; and then past this. It is important to be aware of twinges of course, but drive is the key and will reap huge rewards.