Importance of Vertical LeapVertical leap is not just a measurement of how high one can jump. It has for long been seen as a direct assesment of ones athletic capabilities. So much so that the NFL initial athletic assesments have been cut down to a single measurement, the vertical leap. Vertical leap is a power movement, with an extremely fast execution time. Having strong muscles will help to an extent, but more importantly how fast can you get those muscle contracting is the key. This is where you'll see the term plyometrics being thrown around. Plyometrics simply mean when you have an exercise involving an eccentric muscle contraction (muscle lengthening) followed quickly by a concentric muscle contraction (muscle shortens). This process of contraction lengthening and contract shortening is know as the Stretch Shortening Cycle. The quicker you can get this cycle firing, while exerting the maximum amount of force on the ground, the higher you will fly. The fact that olympic lifters have the incredibly high vertical leaps is no suprise. Its all about power output, and even though their power to weight may not be great for there verts, check out a few of these guys profiles... | Mark Henry, 1996 Olympic Team Member, now known as "Sexual Chocolate" on the WWF scene, had quite a vertical jump. At 6'3" tall he could dunk a basketball, not to mention that he could squat over 1000 lbs and deadlift over 900 lbs. Now dunking a basketball at 6'3" doesn't sound that hard, but take in to account that he weighed at that time 175 kg (385 lbs). Now that's impressive for a big guy. (Snatch 180 kg, Clean and Jerk 220 kg) |
| Nicu Vlad of Romania, World Record holder and Two time Olympic Medallist, came to the United States back in 1990, with now current U.S. National and Olympic Team Coach Dragomir Cioroslan, for a training camp. It was here at the U.S. Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, that this 100-kg (220 lbs) weightlifter recorded a 42" vertical jump. Not to mention he was in weightlifting shoes, which weighs a lot more than tennis shoes and no formal warm-up. (Snatch 200 kg, Clean and Jerk 232.5 kg) | 
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Compare your stats with the NBA Players Vertical Leaps
Ok theres a quick insight into vertical leap. To begin learning about the fine art of increasing your vertical leap, check out our articles, especially this one which will help choose a jumping program. Or begin browsing straight away vertical leap program.
Note:
Plyometrics can be damaging if done incorrectly. As with all physical training make sure you consult your doctor & physician before beginning any type of program.
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