How to Jump Higher in Basketball

Discover how to take flight By: Nick “Jumpman” Carter

Hello I’m Nicholas, I was raised in Chicago and ever since

the Jordan era I always wanted to float from the free-
throw line. Well, since I’m only 5’9” I’m still working on
that, but I’m not complaining. Over the years I have
learned a lot of great exercises that has helped to shoot
my vertical to over 41 inches. I went through a lot of
bogus information until I finally learned how to jump
higher in basketball to dunk. I really just want cut through
all the bologna out here, and share some great exercises
that I know will help improve just about anyone’s jumping
ability as long as they’re willing to do what it takes.

These are some great exercises if you want to know how

to dunk. These tips should help to add at least an extra 6
inches to your vertical.

First, you want to make sure you stretch, because by

stretching, you improve muscle flexibility. This helps you
move your muscles over a greater range of motion.
Consequently, your muscles are less likely to tear as you
move through these plyometric exercises. Additionally,
stretching relaxes your muscles, making them less tight
and preventing post-workout stiffness. Tight muscles
waste energy and can fatigue more quickly than relaxed
muscles. Plus, relaxed muscles are less susceptible to
stress and will heal a lot quicker after a hard workout.

Great Stretches before Workout

 Side Stretch
 Lunge Stretch
 Seated Leg Stretch

Next, you want to train using these exact simple yet very effective exercises to improve your vertical. I
found the best to be plyometric exercises. They are perfect for improving your vertical, because they are
specialized, high intensity training techniques used to develop athletic power (strength and speed).
Great Exercises for Learning How to Dunk

 Five-Five-Five Squats - specifically developed to put all three aspects of a vertical jump into one
exercise. You're going to hold dumbbells or kettle bells in your hands on your sides. Next, you're
going to start first with five regular squats, slow pace. Followed by five fast paced repetitions.
Followed by five jump squats as high as you can. You never stop moving during these five-
fivefive squats. Give yourself about thirty seconds. Get right back into it. Do about four to six
sets 2 times a week.
 Jumping Knee Tucks - stand and jump straight up, momentarily clutching your knees as close to
your chest as possible. Land softly in the same spot and immediately take off again. Do three
sets of 20 jumps, resting one minute between sets and two minutes after the last.
 Forward and Backward Line Hop - facing a line or athletic tape. Proceed to jump forward and
backward as fast as possible paying close attention to landing over the line. At completion of the
exercise stick and hold the last contact. Do three sets of 20 seconds.

That’s pretty much it. These are just a couple of jump higher basketball exercises that I use. Adding
these simple exercises into your training can make a huge impact on your vertical. I hope you really use
these techniques, because they will save you a lot of time and headache. After implementing these into
your jump routine you should start to see results within a couple weeks to a month. Just make sure you
give it your all. Now, if you’re looking for even faster results or really want to turn heads when it comes
to your vertical, checkout: How to jump higher in basketball. Knowing exactly what to do and how to do
it is the hard part.