How to Increase Your Vertical Jump: Simple Steps That Work

If you're an athlete looking to jump higher for basketball, volleyball, or football testing, you're not alone. Many athletes we work with in Evansville, Indiana, ask us the same question:

“How can I improve my vertical jump?”

In this post, we’ll break it down in a way that’s easy to understand and share the same steps we give to serious athletes committed to increasing their vertical leap.

Why Your Vertical Jump Matters

The vertical jump test is more than just a number—it’s a sign of your overall athletic ability. Whether you're trying to dunk, spike a volleyball, or impress scouts at a football combine, your vertical leap matters.

Two Main Types of Vertical Jump

To get better results, you need to understand the difference between two common jump tests:

1. Standing Vertical Jump

This test measures how high you can jump from a still position—no steps or run-up. It’s used in most NFL combine events and volleyball tryouts.

Fun Fact: The highest standing vertical jump ever recorded at the NFL Combine was 46 inches by Gerald Sensabaugh in 2010!

2. Maximum Vertical Jump (Run-Up)

This version includes a few steps before takeoff—used mostly in basketball. It's how athletes like Kadour Ziani have reached insane jump heights like 61 inches.

Best Exercises to Increase Your Vertical Jump

If you want to increase your vertical jump by 10 inches or more, you’ll need more than just playing your sport. You need a focused vertical jump workout plan.

Top Vertical Leap Exercises Include:

• Box jumps

• Depth jumps

• Squats and lunges

• Calf raises

• Core and stability training

• Plyometrics and explosive movement drills

When done consistently, these exercises build the leg strength, power, and coordination needed to jump higher.

How Long Does It Take to Jump Higher?

Most athletes who follow a custom vertical jump program for 10–12 weeks can see improvements of 6 to 10 inches in their vertical.

But it’s not just about working hard—it’s about working smart. That means training the right muscles, eating right, staying flexible, and avoiding injuries.

Need Help? We Offer Vertical Jump Training in Evansville

If you're near Evansville, Indiana, and want a customized plan to boost your vertical leap, we’re here to help.

What We Offer:

• Full evaluation of your strength, flexibility, and injury history

• Nutrition and recovery advice

• Break up Muscle Adhesions with Shockwave Therapy to access Loose Muscles

• Proven training protocols to increase vertical jump fast

Take the First Step Toward Jumping Higher

Whether you’re a serious athlete chasing a scholarship, or just want to jump higher in basketball or volleyball, we can help.

Contact us today to schedule a consultation and get started with a proven program that’s helped local athletes dominate in their sport.