Your vertical jump can be defined as your jump minus your standing reach. The standing reach is performed with both feet together and flat on the ground and with your arm extended as high as you can above your head.

A true vertical jump measurement test is always taken without taking any kind of step first. It is possible to increase vertical jump through stretch and power training like the methods I'm about to reveal below.

One of the best strength exercises to quickly and easily increase your vertical jump are step ups, lunges and squats. These are all compound movements that are very effective when performed correctly.

Step ups for increasing vertical jump are performed in an upright position and holding dumbbells and simply stepping up to a bench a step or a step up box which is ordinarily 16-18 inches in height. It is critical that you perform this step up exercise with your knee at a ninety degree angle.

Squats for increasing vertical jump can be downright dangerous is they are not performed correctly. However, they can do a lot to strengthen and increase your vertical jump if done with care and by following explicit instructions. If a squat is performed incorrectly it will lead to injury rather than any increase in vertical jump.

Low back injuries are caused by the athlete leaning too far forward in the upper body. Knee problems come about as a result of too much forward movement of the knees.

How to perform a squat correctly

The bar should be across your upper back and not your neck.Your chest should be out with only a very slight lean forward and your back tight.Your knees should be directly above your feet at all times with no exceptions.Keep your weight on your heels at all times. For best results I would suggest that you get a trained coach, athlete or gym staff member to analyze your squatting technique in order to avoid any injury.

Lunges to increase vertical jump can be done with or without dumbbells or, alternatively, with a bar across your upper back. In order to perform a lunge correctly stand in an upright position and step as far forward as you can until the front knee is at a 90 degree angle. Be sure not to lean forward at any stage. It's best to perform these lunges ten times with one leg and then ten times on the other leg.

There are also power exercises that will help you give explosive and fast movements upwards. These power exercises include plyometrics, power cleans and also weighted box jumps.

With consistent power training methods athletes can increase their vertical jump in a matter of weeks.