Friday, May 22, 2009

Improving Vertical Jump Workouts

Basketball players are always looking to increase their vertical jump. The reason for this could be because we turn on our televisions, and we see high flyers in the NBA throwing down dunk after dunk, and making it seem effortless. The only way that most of us would ever be able to dunk is to Improve Vertical Jump.

To increase our vertical, we know that there are exercises that we must do in order to get stronger. Here are a few workouts that I know of that will have us jumping higher in no time.

Warm Ups

Before working out, the most important thing to do is to is warm up. We need to have the muscles loose and ready to handle what we are about to do with them. Start off by stretching for a few minutes. If you can jog for a few minutes, that would be a great idea to get the blood moving. Another great idea would be to use a jump rope. Just be sure not to tire yourself out with these workouts.

Jumping Exercises

Deep Knee Bends - This is the next step in Improving Vertical basketball This is workout is performed by standing up with your back straight, and lowering your self while bending your knees. Bend down as far as you can go and slowly rise back up to the starting position. Perform this workout 15 times.

Toe Raises - Stand straight up with your back straight. Slowly rise up on the tips of your toes, and the lower yourself back down to a starting position. Perform this workout 100 times. If you really want to add a challenge, try this workout on the edge of a set of steps.

Stomach Crunches - I've heard that sit-ups are bad for your back so a variation sounds like a better idea. Abdominal strength is very important to improving vertical jump. To do this exercise, lie straight down with your knees bent. Slowly raise your head and shoulders up a few inches off of the floor and slowly return to the starting position. basketball his workout for 10 minutes in the morning and the night.

Is it really possible to add 6 inches to your vertical jump in the next 60 days? Check out my reviews of the top Vertical Jump Programs on the market.

The Joy of Sports and Basketball

Basketball and other physical sports have the possibility of transforming us. It all depends on how you play the game, of course! A couple years ago I attended basketball pre-season game in the town of Los Gatos, near where I live in northern California. As usual at these games, half time was a crazy time when kids are welcome to go out on the court and shoot around. Kids of all sizes show up and shoot and share the balls. If you make a shot, you are rewarded by getting the ball back for another shot until you miss. If you miss and dont get the rebound, you have to wait your turn for the next shot.

There is a kind of democracy going on, where each kid has a basketball to retrieve a missed shot and then go out and create his or her own shot ... until s/he misses. I imagine these little kids dream of being bigger kids and performing well in games. The basket is a tremendous possibility of success. A long swish shot is a valued thing.

What was most memorable this particular evening was a small, slender and very pretty girl of 7 or 8 who came humbly out to have her chance to shoot some shots. She was sweet and patient. It appeared no one was noticing her, except me from my vantage point under the basket. When she did get a ball, she cradled it in her arms and carefully approached the basket to about 3-4 feet away where she would have a chance to get the big ball (regulation size) up to 10 feet. She did so beautifully, swishing most of her shots. If she made it, she was right there to claim the prize, back out carefully so as not to get hit by other players or balls, and then move in again for another shot. If she missed, she was alert to get another chance.

In that little montage of moments I saw the beauty of the game. Anyone can participate in the half time shoot-around. There is sharing, usually, and once players have a ball, the others let them shoot. They get their chance to go for the brass ring, to go for a Swish. And the reward of a made shot is instantaneous. Make it and you get another chance. Miss it and you have to fight for the ball (or wait for a lucky bounce). Everyone understands those rules. I can only imagine what these young kids were thinking, but Ill bet it was much like my own dreams of success when I was their age.

Tom Nordland is a shooting expert and coach from California via Minnesota. His videos, coaching and writings are inspiring a Renaissance (a rebirth, a revival) in shooting around the world as players and coaches are taught the things that really matter in shooting. A great shooter as a youth, Tom was given a gift of seeing shooting like few have ever seen it. He sees the essence of great shooting and how to get there. The good news is that its very simple. The few great shooters of today and yesterday mastered simple things, not complicated motions. Improved shooting is now possible for everybody in the game, and mastery is available to those who sincerely dedicate themselves to it. Visit Toms website (http://www.swish22.com) to read of his background and his articles and newsletters, and to view the remarkable endorsements and amazing testimonials for this approach to shooting.

Magical Prayer to Improve Your Basketball Skills - Use Prayer to Become an NBA Star!

Prayer is a very important aspect basketball everyone's lives. Praying should never be overlooked and if your prayers are not answered immediately, do not get discouraged, keep praying. Pray to improve your basketball skills to the college or professional level and you shall see yourself begin to become a more accurate shot, dribble better, and most importantly jump higher!

Do not take praying lightly. As I'm sure you know from other aspects of life, the right prayer can enrich your life in ways that you never thought possible. Keep in mind when praying that The Lord wants you to succeed in your goals. Pray often and you will see proof of this.

Remember that The lord cannot force you to put in the effort to become the basketball star that you wish to be. It is your responsibility to work basketball to achieve your goals. Let The Lord show you the path that you should take to improve your basketball skills. Use The Lords advice and work hard to take advantage of every opportunity that The Lord gives you.

You may find that the path that The Lord sends you along is difficult, time consuming, or might even cost you money. But this is something that you need to accept and embrace completely. The Lord's advice is not advice that should be ignored.

Keep your eyes open. Keep your mind, body and spirit pure. Listen to The Lord. Above all, Pray. I wish you the best in your basketball goals. Hopefully The Lord helps you in the same ways that I have been helped. God Bless.

To begin your path to success, check out The Jump Manual. Let this manual answer your prayers and become the first step in your basketball goals.

Sebastian Telfair NBA Or How to Dunk a Basketball

You may know Sebastian Telfair from the documentary "Through the Fire". Then you know the 23-year old guard can play. You know he's got some mad handles. But did you know the 5'11'' guy can dunk? I can't remember him dunking basketball the NBA, but there is a video on YouTube showing him dunking in high school.

Actually, you don't need to be tall to dunk! Former NBA player Spud Webb, standing at 5'9'', won the NBA Slam Dunk Contest in 1986. And what about "KryptoNate" Robinson (5'9''), the 2-time NBA Slam Dunk Champion? His dunk over the 6'11'' Dwight Howard in the 2009 NBA Slam Dunk Contest was simply amazing! So, it can be done - you can dunk even if you are under 6 feet!

But how can you improve your vertical jump?

1) Work on your overall fitness. Lose the extra pounds (or, if you are already in a good shape, try to reduce your body fat).

2) Use the Jumping Rope. It gives you explosiveness and calf strength.

3) Try calf raises and squats, as they train the most important muscle groups in the jumping process. (max. 1 set of 8 reps 2 times/ week).

After 4 weeks your legs should be prepared for a concrete vertical program.

But jumping is not only about strength, but quickness! Here is what you can do to improve in this area:

1) Sprints
2) basketball Jumps (for example rim jumps)
3) Plyometric exercises

P.S. Don't forget to stretch before and after your workout. It not only prevents injuries but also keeps your muscles flexible - a huge point in the vertical jump!

personal trainer

http://www.howtodunk.org