How to Improve Jumping Explosiveness for Basketball

Would you like to explode to the basket like LeBron James or Vince Carter? This does not just come naturally to everyone--you must work at being an explosive jumper. In this article I will focus on an exercise that can improve your "hops"--so that you can be an explosive offensive player and rebounder.

Things You'll Need

  • Platform
  • Basketball hoop
  • Basketball shoes

Instructions

    • 1

      Get a platform that you can safely land on. It must be large enough to provide an adequate landing pad while also being able to support your weight. You should start at a height that is about half of your maximum vertical jump. Stacked aerobic steps are great for this, but a homemade box will work as well.

    • 2

      Place the box approximately 3 feet in front of the basket.

    • 3

      Position yourself on the ground with the platform between you and the basket. You should be about 12 inches from the platform.

    • 4

      Assume a jumping position by shifting your weight to the balls of your feet, bending at the knees and keeping your back straight with your chin up.

    • 5

      Jump (explode) to the top of the platform with arms extended. When you land, be sure to land softly by bending your knees and landing on the balls of your feet. When jumping you should focus your eyes on the rim to maintain proper body position.

    • 6

      Upon landing on the platform, quickly jump down to the ground and land like you did on the platform (bent knees, balls of feet).

    • 7

      Upon landing on the ground, quickly explode up to the basket with both arms extended. You want to challenge yourself by touching an item on the basket with both hands, for instance the second loop on the net or the rim.

    • 8

      Upon landing softly on the ground, go back around to the other side of the box and repeat the process.

    • 9

      Build a workout routine for this exercise. A good start would be three sets of five explosion jumps and you can build up from there.

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