Basketball question: Improving vertical, calves or thighs?

[Hoeboy]

I'm 5'11 and I can barely touch a 8-9ft rim, let alone get the ball over to dunk it. I'm out of shape and want to improve my game, especially my vertical. Do you think calves or thigh muscles have a higher impact on hops?

BTW, if all you're interested in is playing NBA LIVE 2002 on your computer, you don't need to come here and talk smack

 

[pyonir]

both. squats is the best...but be sure to get a really good calf work out as well.

 

[oneye]

Calf training seemed the most benificial to me. And mostly explosive type movements using shoes like these rather than pure strength lifts with weights. This with a full cardio routine to cut down on excess weight got me to hang on the rim, yet not quite dunk.

but everyones different, as its hard to say where you are in your own physical condition. First thing I learned was to tailor my training to my own weaknesses, as the most significant/quick gains were to be made by training the areas with the least existing strength.

Good luck on getting "above the rim"

.-)

 

[Jgtdragon]

Gain some weight on the ass. Block out for reblock if you can't jump. I am 5'7 (weight 140lbs) and can touch 10 ft rimm. Well, thats a couple years ago. I haven't hoop it up in a while.

 

[NikPreviousAcct]

Run lines while jumping on one foot without letting your heel touch the ground. We had to do that in HS. Improved my vert by 6"

nik

 

[vi edit]

My thoughts - you can only increase your vertical a small amount. Jumpers are a lot like sprinters - they're born, not made.

By this I mean you'll either be born with the ability to jump really damn high, or you won't be. You can improve it a couple inches with a lot of strength training, but don't expect to increase 12". Not gonna happen.

Little guys like 6' Robert Stack dunking on a 12' rim are freaks of nature. They have some incredible amount of explosive fast twitch muscle. If you are like me, and cursed with a large proportion of slow twitch muscle, then you are forever doomed to piddly leaping abilities.

 

[Pennstate]

Sky's the limit

 

[Hoeboy]

i dont expect to leap like michael jordan. i just want to be able to dunk on an 8-9 foot court (with both hands).

oneye, that's some expensive shoes. i might as well go buy a pair of prowings and attach some wood block on the front or i can just walk tip toe

 

[Red Dawn]

Learn to shoot jump shots.

 

[Imdmn04]

Even a lot of 5' 11 guys who are fit cant dunk the ball. If you are not the athletic type, be a banger. Get strong upper body muscles and post up. You dont have to be tall to play inside and grab rebounds. Look at Barkley, he is only 6'4 and half and grab tons of rebounds. He is also a very strong force inside. Its all about positioning, footwork and coordination.

 

[Hoeboy]

imdm, well i'm not fit the last time i worked out was last summer but only upper body. i haven't ran since middle school during P.E. ahaha. so if i can touch rim on an 8-9 foot court, then i should be able to dunk if i work out my legs.