*This is the second installment of a several part series all about HOW TO JUMP HIGHER.*

In the first installment of How to Jump Higher, we talked about some myths associated with the vertical jump and I presented you with some proof as to why those myths are totally fallacious. Can you say DEBUNK!?!

Since the vertical jump is actually a pretty complex subject, we are going to cover it in its entirety over the course of several weeks and, by the end of it, you should be a vertical jump expert!

In this installment, we are going to be talking about possibly the most important thing when it comes to jumping higher: Strength.

I know a lot of people might be surprised by that, or were expecting me to say plyometrics or some other, lesser training tool, but nope, the big-boy in the “jumping higher” game is STRENGTH.

What is strength?

It’s how strong you are, duh!

Honestly, we all know what strength is. I’m not even going to bother with that.

But there are two different types of strength that I do want to go over really quickly:

• Absolute Strength- This is the total amount of force (strength) you can voluntarily apply, irrespective of time
• Relative Strength- This is your strength to body weight ratio. A guy who can deadlift 500 lbs. at a body weight of 200 lbs. is relatively stronger than a guy who can deadlift 600 lbs. at a bodyweight of 300 lbs.

Got it?

When we are talking about strength and it’s importance to jumping higher, we are focusing on relative strength. The vertical jump, whether it’s a standing vertical jump, running 2-legged jumped, 1-legged jump, etc., is all about being able to heave your body in the air. And your body is the resistance that you have to overcome. See why relative strength is so important?

Think about this. Which resistance is easier for you to overcome and project into the air as high as possible: A 10 lb. medicine ball or a softball?

The softball, right? Why do you think that is?

It’s because you are relatively stronger with the softball, compared to the medicine ball. And think about how much higher you would be able to throw that softball if it weighed even a little less (which would mean you got even stronger, relatively)!

So, yeah, trust this Maroko guy, relative strength is the key.

Now if you were to continue to get stronger (lower body specifically) without gaining any more body weight, you would undoubtedly see some gains in your vertical jump.

Unfortunately, getting stronger without gaining weight, especially when that weight gain is muscular, is a tricky thing in itself. There’s no question neurological factors can allow you to gain some strength without increasing the size of your muscle fibers, but really substantial strength gains are almost always accompanied by bigger muscles (I can’t believe we are talking about the problem of getting bigger muscles! What is this world coming to! Hah!).

But, don’t fret just yet. Weight gain in the form of bigger muscles is actually OK.

Sure, if you gained 100 lbs. on your deadlift without gaining an ounce, you’re relative strength would be better than if you did the same while gaining 10 lbs. of muscle. But one of those options is realistic, and the other just isn’t happening any time soon!

Kelly Baggett says that for every pound of weight you gain, you need to gain at least 3 lbs. of strength. I, too, have found this ratio to be solid, and a good rule of thumb.

So if you are staying within those limits as you get stronger, you’re relative strength will continue to improve, and in turn, so will your jumping.

That takes care of Part II of our How to Jump Higher series. So, to recap, GET RELATIVELY STRONGER!

Stay tuned. Part III to come soon.

How to Jump Higher Part I

How to Jump Higher Part II

How to Jump Higher Part III

How to Jump Higher Part IV

How to Jump Higher Part V

How to Jump Higher Part VI

How to Jump Higher Part VII