The Best Jump Trainers for Improving Your Vertical Leap

Improving Your Vertical Jump with a Jump Trainer

Having an explosive vertical jump can be a game-changer in many sports. Whether you play basketball, volleyball, or football, being able to jump higher than your opponent can give you a significant advantage. One of the best ways to increase your vertical leap is by using a jump trainer.

What is a Jump Trainer?

A jump trainer, sometimes called a vertical jump trainer, is a specialized piece of exercise equipment designed specifically to improve vertical leap. Jump trainers use resistance bands to provide additional resistance as you perform jumping movements. This extra resistance forces your muscles to exert more force, resulting in increased power and explosiveness.

Types of Jump Trainers

There are a few different types of jump trainers on the market:

Portable bands - These consist of a lightweight waist belt with durable resistance bands attached. The bands connect to ankle straps to provide resistance.
Weighted vests - Weighted vest jump trainers involve wearing a specialized vest loaded with small weights plates. The extra weight makes jumping more challenging.
Platform trainers - Platform-style trainers have a raised surface that you stand on, with heavy-duty resistance bands providing force against your jumps.

Benefits of Using a Jump Trainer

Using a jump trainer provides many benefits for improving vertical leap:

Build explosive power - The resistance trains your muscles to generate maximum force in short bursts.
Increase strength and speed - Jumping against resistance requires strength and quick muscle contractions.
Improve jumping technique - The added resistance encourages proper take-off and landing mechanics.
Monitor progress - Many jump trainers let you track gains in inches jumped or band tension levels.

Choosing the Best Jump Trainer for You

With different types of jump trainers available, it's important to select the right one for your needs and fitness level. Here are some factors to consider:

Your Sport

Certain jump trainer models are tailored towards specific sports:

For basketball, look for ankle bands to train quick multi-jump movements.
Volleyball players benefit from torso/waist bands provide full-body resistance.
Choose a heavier weighted vest for football vertical training.

Portability

If you want to easily take your trainer to the gym or practice field, compact portable designs with resistance bands offer the most versatility and transportation options.

Maximum Resistance Level

Make sure to choose a trainer that provides enough resistance for your ability level and offers potential for progressive overload as you get stronger. Many feature stacks of removable small weight plates that can be added gradually.

Available Training Space

Vertical platform-style trainers take up more room, so factor in if you have enough space to store and use one. The more compact waist/ankle band designs can be used in tighter spaces.

Price and Budget

Jump trainers range widely in cost from less than $50 for basic portable resistance band models to over $500+ for heavy-duty weighted platforms. Choose an option that fits your budget but isn't lacking in quality or durability.

Our Top Jump Trainer Recommendations

Based on key selection criteria like resistance range, durability, customizability, and value, here are our top picks:

Best Overall: The Jump99 Vert Shock

The Vert Shock system combines a high-quality weighted vest, mini hurdle barriers, an eBook system, and video coaching for a complete vertical leap package. The adjustable vest features up to 60 pounds of configurable weight plates.

Price - $297

Best for Basketball: SKLZ Weighted Strength and Conditioning Basketball Toolbelt

This innovative toolbelt-style trainer attaches weighted pouches around your waist and thighs to provide ideal resistance for jumping repeatedly in rapid succession like during basketball play.

Price - $39.99

Most Affordable: ProSource Multi-Function Jump Trainer

For budget shoppers, this basic adjustable ankle/knee strap jump trainer with five latex cord resistance bands provides an inexpensive but effective design focused on simplicity and portability.

Price - $25.99

Using Your Jump Trainer for Maximum Gains

Once you have your jump trainer selected, you'll want to integrate it properly into your workouts. Here is some guidance on effectively incorporating jump bands or weighted vests into your training:

Training Frequency and Volume

Plan to perform your jump training session 2 to 3 times per week, allowing at least 48 hours between sessions for adequate muscle recovery. Shoot for 100-150 jumps per session if using height boxes or platforms to track inches gained.

Program Structure

Structure your sessions with a thorough warm-up, followed by your working jump sets, and finish with cooldown stretches. Beginners should start with only bodyweight jumping before adding bands or weighted elements.

Progress Overload

Gradually increase resistance in small increments as you get stronger. Adding only 5-10% more resistance brings continued gains without risking injury or undue soreness that halts progress.

Rest and Recovery

Because the jumping movements are so explosive, full rest between sets is critical. Allow 60-90 seconds at minimum between each set of 10-15 repetitive jumps. Get plenty of sleep and nutritious food as well.

Safety

Maintaining proper form is crucial when jump training with heavy loads of added resistance to prevent ankle or knee injury. Land softly with bent hips and knees to cushion impact forces.

Combine With Other Vertical Leap Training

While a quality jump trainer can work wonders to add inches to your vertical jump, combining it with targeted strength training and plyometrics will maximize results.

Lower Body Strength Training

Squats, lunges, deadlifts, and calf raises using moderately heavy weight help strengthen the knee and hip extensors used to propel you upwards when jumping.

Plyometric Drills

Plyometric leaps, bounds, and box jumps train the rapid eccentric/concentric cycle vital for explosive leaping ability. They build power and treat your nervous system to quick bursts.

Core Strength

While jumping relies heavily on lower body power, dedicated core training creates essential torso stability and balance to translate force vertically and prevent injury.

An ankle or waist jump trainer combined with well-rounded strength work and correctly programmed plyometrics is a platform for continued vertical gains.

FAQs

What muscle groups does a jump trainer work?

Jump trainers primarily target the major muscles in your lower body that are involved in jumping vertically, including the quads, glutes, hamstrings, and calves. They also engage your core muscles for stability.

Can jump training improve my vertical instantly?

While you may see small immediate increases in inches jumped from initial muscle recruitment, most gains will come gradually over time. Be patient and consistent with several weeks of training before expecting major improvement.

Is a jump trainer really necessary or can I just do plyometrics?

While plyometric jumps alone can add height to your vertical over time, using a trainer provides extra targeted resistance to stimulate more strength and power adaptations faster.

How long until I see vertical leap increases from jump training?

Many athletes report measurable gains within 4-6 weeks of consistent jump training utilization. Stick to the regimen and gradually increase resistance for continued progress over several months.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.