Questions From Subscribers...

First, it’s good that you recognize the importance of spring power in basketball. Having the ability to jump high and jump strong is more valuable than many young players and coaches realize. However, when you have a firm, confident jump, you can not only grab rebounds and take shots about the heads of the competition, but you will also have greater leg power. That greater leg power will help you run faster, be more agile on the court and have a better game all around.

For now, take a gander through the following best practice tips:

Ankle Weights

Many coaches like using ankle weights for their players, though just as many believe that weights are bad on the joints, especially for young athletes. When your players strap weights, their leg muscles have to work harder to move. When performing jumping drills, the leg muscles will grow stronger as they react to the increased weight on the body. Plus, the increased weight around the ankles will help to build a variety of leg muscles, not just the quads and hamstrings.

Jump Rope
If you have a practice without a jump rope, then you’re simply not making the most of your basketball practice. Good coaches get their players in the habit of beginning every practice with at last 5 minutes of solid jump roping. The jump roping will not only develop the jumping muscles, but it will also increase cardiovascular stamina. Add a weighted jump rope for an extra kick.

Weighted Ball Wall Lay-Ups
Have your players grab either a weighted ball or a standard weight ball. Position the players facing the wall about one foot from the wall. Select a line on the wall that the players have to tap with the ball while holding the ball high above their heads. The players should have to jump to touch the mark on the wall. Count out the number of jumps starting with 20 and working backwards. The faster the jumps, the better. Watch your players closely on this drill in order to make sure that their feet actually leave the ground. This drill not only helps with the jumping muscles, but it also boosts the arm muscles, balance, and good jumping reflexes for your players.

Keep in mind that the jumping exercises should be done at every practice so that your players’ bodies form jumping instincts. When your players can jump high and strong for a rebound without even thinking about it, they will grab the ball every time!

Carrie Belt
Editor - BreakthroughBasketball.com

thanks 4 the drills that u sent me iam so grateful 2 u.iwould like 2 also get drills on how 2 train on becoming a good pointguard.ie how 2 hande the ball,maintain it,dribble it and how 2 be fast on court,thanx

hey... i really like that last one u put up with the ball, im a 17 year old young man that is trying to get dunking b4 i hit 19.. im 5'8 though, thats the problem.. even thought i can grab the rin and all, like my vert varies frum 22"-26", but i still need a good 6 inches to get that ball and wrist over that rim... any some intense jumping workouts.. any idea where i could find a Good/Reliable Jumping program over the internet. I figured if anyone knew it'd be you guys haha.

This stuff is really helpful because next yr. alot of our team leaders are leaving on 2 hs. and now everyone says that its all on me if we when or loose so im just trying to figure out as much stuff as i can to learn b4 season starts next yr. (Lol)