i did not read these yet just c and p
these may have been said
Secret #1: Sole Stifness
"Vertical jump height was significantly higher (average, 1.7 cm (1/3 Inches) for a group of 25 subjects) while wearing the stiff shoes. CONCLUSIONS: Increasing the bending stiffness of the metatarsophalangeal joint reduced the amount of energy lost at that joint and resulted in a corresponding improvement of performance."
The University of Calgary
When purchasing new kickz, pay attention to the stiffness of a shoe. The stiffer the shoe the less energy you lose each time you jump. The less energy you lose the higher you jump!
To test for "shoe stiffness" simply grab a pair of sneakers and try and bend the toe towards the back of the sole. The harder it is to bend the "stiffer" the shoe.
Secret #2: Remove Soft Insoles
With insoles the aim is to store energy and return this energy back to the athlete to use.
Most insoles are just a soft foam that actaully steals energy and decreases vertical jump. In many cases you'll find removing your insoles increases your vertical jump instantly.
Of course if you relie on your insoles to support you feet this may not be an option.
Secret #3: Insert High Energy Return Insoles
"The process was repeated 50 times with Speedsoles averaging an energy return of 81.5%. The average energy return for the 3 leading brands of athletic insoles were 23%, 27%, and 32% respectively" University Laboratories
As I said before. The aim of the game is energy return. This exactly what Spring Bak Insoles do. Spring Bak Insoles are a 1/8 of an inch insole made from the same material as super boucey balls. They have been shown to lead to instant improvements in vertical jump of up to 2 inches.
You can grab a pair of these insoles from
www.BionicPlyometrics.com
Secret #4:Try Low Cut Kickz
"Two prototype shoes with identical soles but different uppers were used. The first was designed to provide greater ankle support, with such features as a high top, heel counters and a rearfoot lacing system. The second prototype was a less supporting shoe, with low top and no heel counter or any other feature for support...We conclude that increased ankle support reduces ankle eversion range but increases shock transmission, and reduces both jumping and running performance." Institute of Biomechanics of Valencia
It appears that the extra ankle support can acutally lead to a less range of motion in the ankle joint, leading to a decrease in your vertical jump.
Of course if you requrie this extra support it is not recommended that you sacrifice it in order to jump a fraction higher.
Dirty Trick 1:
Anterior Chain Stretch
In order to have a great vertical jump you need an explosive Posterior Chain (hamstrings, glutes, back). Unfortunately the Posterior chain will only contract explosively if the opposing Anterior Chain (quads, abs) lengthens at the same time.
In order to get the most out of your posterior chain, stretch your Anterior Chain using firmly held static stretches just before undergoing a vertical jump test.
The basic quad stretch can add up to an inch (or maybe more) instantly.
Dirty Trick 2:
Chain Activation
Not only does the Posterior Chain need to be flexible so it can lengthen as your Anterior Chain contracts, it needs to be strong.
If your Posterior Chain Anterior chain is not strong enough relative to the Anterior Chain it will limit its explosiveness.
The body does this in order to prevent weaker opposing muscles to be torn when lengthening.
The good thing its it is possible to greatly increase the short term strength of the Posterior Chain by doing some 'maximal strength lifting".
So, just before your vertical jump test, crank out a deadlift of around 2- 3 RM.
Its best that you preform the Booster #1 after Booster #2 to prevent the muscles tightening (the very thing you want to avoid)