Each athlete wants to be able to add inches to their vertical leap and be able to leap over other athletes on their way to the rim. But it requires dedication and following all the proper vertical leap exercises.

In many sports it is the athlete’s vertical jumping ability that determines his or her success in the game. Besides sports, even ballet is a perfect example of vertical jump that uses the leaping ability of dancers to measure their explosiveness.

Toe Raises
This simple exercise also greatly helps in increasing the height of your leap, but at the same time making sure that you maintain a right tempo. Stand straight, and slowly rise up on your tip toes, maintaining a straight back. Hold the posture for 2 seconds steadily and then come back to your normal position. Repeat 30 times, and add 5 pounds light weight as you get better stamina.

Plyometric Exercises
Plyometric exercises are those exercises that are used to strengthen the leg muscles and increase the responsiveness of the body. These exercises involve shortening or contraction of muscles and then relaxing them by performing an explosive movement.

A jump squat is a good example of plyometric exercises and can be done using some weights (if possible). In a jump squat, bend down in a squat and then explode by jumping in the air.