Jump higher by building lower-body strength and power

If you want to jump higher, simply put, you have to practice the skill.

The box jump is one valuable exercise to help you improve your vert while simultaneously protecting your joints.

What it is: Box Jump
Recommended by: Alan Stein, basketball strength coach for DeMatha (Hyattsville, Md.)
Why and how it helps: The box jump trains muscles to fire explosively. The resulting lower-body power and strength is what contributes to helping you jump higher.

The box jump is especially beneficial because the movement allows you to practice jumping and landing without intense impact on your ankles, knees and back.

How to perform
Box Jumps
Use a box of challenging height

•    Assume athletic stance behind sturdy box
•    Bend knees slightly and raise arms straight above head
•    Explosively jump onto box and land in athletic stance
•    Step down and reset

Form tip
Keep chest up and shoulders back when landing on box

Reps: Perform 6 jumps with 10-15 seconds rest between each one.

RELATED: More Advice for Improving Your Vertical Jump