Throughout the following guide, I break down a range of top vertical jump programs that can help you get a few extra inches when you’re flying through the air.
I am a basketball player with more than two decades of experience playing at many different levels. In that time, I went from barely being able to hit the net to be able to grab the rim. That personal experience and ample research allowed me to break down the below programs.
Vert Shock is my pick for the best jump program because its simple, results-oriented design appeals to everyone looking to add inches to their vertical.
Where many programs overwhelm players with information or a ton of convoluted workouts, Vert Shock keeps things simple. It’s a tough, high-intensity program that anyone can pick up right away. There’s no equipment needed and you’ll see high results over the short duration.
If you’re curious to learn more about Vert Shock, or if you want to take an in-depth look at similar programs, I break down the best of the best below.
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Who Should Get This?
If you’re looking to up your basketball game, increasing your vertical is one of the best ways to make that happen. It doesn’t matter what position you play, guard, wing, or big, you’ll be able to operate at a higher level if you can quickly and more easily get up off the ground.
On offense, you’ll be able to grab rebounds and shoot at a higher point, while on defense you can better contest or block shots that you wouldn’t normally be able to defend. Dunking is a perk too. If you want to improve your game in a general way, a good program is the way to go.
Top Vertical Jump Programs 2022
This section goes over each top vertical jump program and analyzes why they are so much better than other options on the market.
1. Vert Shock
Best for: Overall
Key Features: Simple workouts. All bodyweight with no equipment required. Short workout times. Fast results. Good for beginners.
Requires Gym: No
Duration: 8 weeks
Days Per Week: 4 to 6
If you’re just starting out on your jumping journey or are looking for an easy-to-get-into program that still delivers amazing results, Vert Shock is for you. The program comes with plenty of excellent short workouts that will lead to you seeing improvements quite quickly.
Unlike other programs, Vert Shock relies on “Shock Training” to give you rapid gains through the activation of your type-2 muscle fibers. The process may seem odd to those who haven’t used it, but it works well. Best of all, as every exercise is bodyweight based, you don’t need a gym.
The downside to Vert Shock is also its biggest pro, which is the intensity. You need to be able to push yourself for this to work. That means older jumpers or players recovering from an injury will not be able to take full advantage of the program. Everyone else, however, will see good results.
2. BoingVert
Best for: Longest Duration
Key Features: In-depth videos. Affordable price point. Slow, steady approach good for beginners and those recovering from injury. Go at your own pace.
Requires Gym: Yes
Duration: 7 months
Days Per Week: 3 to 4
Those who want a long, in-depth program that they can really sink their teeth into will enjoy everything BoingVert has to offer. The program takes place over 7 months. That’s a long time, but it means you get an in-depth approach in quality videos so you can go at your own pace.
This is the best program for players who want to properly structure their own training cycle. You can stick with it for the entire time, or you can cut out early once you start to see results. The affordable price and easy pace make this program perfect for any player at any level.
Of course, BoingVert’s extended time can also be a downside for some players. Being able to take your time is great, but some people may want something that’s faster. If you’re willing to put in the work, however, you’re going to see quite a bit of improvement with this system.
3. Jump Manual
Best for: Advanced Jumpers
Key Features: Incorporates strength training with plyometrics. Comprehensive approach. Both educational and in-depth. References vertical jump science.
Requires Gym: No
Duration: 12 weeks
Days Per Week: 4
If you’re a more advanced player who has experience with either plyometrics or strength training, you’ll get a lot from Jump Manual. This program is one of the most popular on the market due to how it bases its advice and trainings off of real vertical jump science.
There’s simply no better program for people who want to incorporate a little bit of everything into their workout routine. While some programs only focus on a single area, Jump Manual brings it a little bit of everything in order to get you those few precious extra inches on your vertical.
4. Most Versatile: Bounce Kit
Best for: Versatility
Key Features: Clean, easily navigated interface. In-depth videos and extensive knowledge. Overwhelming amount of information. Strong Facebook community.
Requires Gym: Yes
Duration: 12
Days Per Week: 4 to 5
As mentioned, a lot of vertical jump programs focus on one or a few select parts of jumping. If you want something that casts a wider net, Bounce Kit is for you. This program has tons of conveniently sorted exercise videos (grouped by type) that enable you to find the ones for you.
Though this won’t hold your hand like other programs, if you find a good routine and put in the work you’ll see some serious results. There’s a great mix of plyometric and lower body exercises. On top of that, the Facebook Group is active and an extra source of information.
The biggest issue some will find with Bounce Kit is that it isn’t as clear or as intuitive as similar vertical jump programs. There are tons of exercises and trainings, but it doesn’t clearly lay out how to navigate them. Despite that, it’s still a great tool for those who want good jump workouts.
Best for: Workouts
Key Features: In-depth knowledge and research. Plenty of quality videos. Fun design. Workout friendly. Quick results.
Requires Gym: Yes
Skill Level: Advanced
Days Per Week: 5
Vert Code Elite is a solid, well-rounded program aimed at players with ample weight room experience. You’re going to need quite a bit to use it (free-weights, resistance hands, equipment) but if you enjoy working out it simply brings in proven principles to help you jump.
Anyone who greatly enjoys sports science will love the research, training, and workouts packed into Vert Code. It’s definitely not for the faint-hearted, with some workouts lasting 90 minutes, but it’s a grueling program for players who are extremely serious about jumping higher.
As great as this program can be, it definitely doesn’t come cheap. It sits at one of the higher price points, which will put some people off. You will see some solid results for the price, but there is a trade-off. Some people may be overwhelmed with the amount of information too.
Best for: In-Depth
Key Features: Premium video demos. Covers each jumping aspect independently. Based on scientific evidence. Simple to follow and use.
Requires Gym: Yes
Duration: 12 weeks
Days Per Week: 4
The Flight System is a vertical jump program that does an excellent job of blending high-end information with a simple, intuitive design. Where some programs deliver too much information or are much too convoluted, the Flight System goes in-depth without being confusing.
This comes with plenty of premium video demos and leans on the latest scientific jump training principles to help you really get some air. That enables you to develop all parts of your jump independently. The demonstrations are also excellent, ensuring you follow them by the book.
As with Vert Code Elite, this does run a bit more than similar programs. It’s also quite demanding, which can be hard on athletes not used to pushing themselves. If you have the budget and are careful with how fast you go, it’s a strong program that delivers real results.
Best for: Budget
Key Features: Focus on explosiveness. Unique plyometric workouts. Works to correct current form. Stretching guide. Affordable price point.
Requires Gym: No
Duration: 8 weeks
Days Per Week: 5
Where many premium jump programs cost quite a bit, Flight School is a cheaper option that still does a great job of helping your vertical. That’s because it delivers eight solid weeks of plyometric workouts that are specifically designed to help your general jumping ability.
Beyond that, the program can be downloaded straight onto your phone and is simple to use. You’ll see results quickly and add a few inches to your jump. It even comes with a full stretching guide and ways to correct your current form, both of which cut down on potential injuries.
As it does come on the cheaper side, you do lose a little bit when it comes to high-quality videos or truly in-depth research. However, those are small complaints and shouldn’t get in the way of a solid budget-friendly program that works.
Best Vertical Jump Programs: What to Look For in 2022
When choosing the best vertical jump program for you, always keep an eye out for the following aspects.
Complexity
Complexity is one of the most important factors to watch out for when looking at any vertical jump program. That’s because they won’t do you any good if you can’t grasp the concepts or properly understand what the program is trying to convey. You need to be able to get it right away.
Always make sure that you have the time, ability, and know-how to do a program. While it might be tempting, you never want to push ahead with something that’s above your level. Starters should go with more basic options, while advanced jumpers can use something complex.
Training Time
Always ask yourself how long or how hard you’re willing to work before getting a program. In most cases, it’s going to take some time to see results. While that may be worth it to some, there are many players who might not want to put in that much work.
On top of that, understand what type of training you need. Certain programs might have you slowly increase, while others might have you jumping higher in a week. Match the one you choose with the amount of work you’re willing to put in.
Media Type
The type of media, as well as the way a program is delivered, is also important. Some programs are text-only, some are through a DVD, while others give you a download video. Everyone absorbs information in a different way. You want to use the one that will best help you improve.
Each type of media has its pros and cons. No one option is good or bad. Rather, it’s all about your individual preferences and learning style.
Extra Materials
When picking out a program it’s very easy to get caught up in the different tips and tricks in it, but don’t be afraid to look for extra materials as well. Certain options are going to come with items like a logbook to keep track of your progress or cards to quickly reference exercises.
FAQs
Once you know the top programs, you next need to narrow down your search. The following questions will help you do that by providing you with key information.
How High Can an Average Person Jump?
The truth is that most people can’t jump that high. The average vertical for the regular person sits somewhere between 24 and 28 inches. Anything beyond that range is categorized at above average.
How to Measure Vertical Jump?
There are several ways to measure your vertical jump, but the easiest is to stand flat against a wall and jump straight up. Then, you or someone else can measure exactly where you were able to reach.
What Exercises Can Increase Vertical Jump?
Leg exercises are the best way to add a few inches to your vertical. Anything that strengthens your quads or calves, such as leg raises, squats, deadlifts, leg presses, or calf raises will give you extra power when you’re taking off.
How Fast Can I Increase My Vertical Jump?
This largely depends on your own experience and athletic level. However, with the right exercises, most people will see a significant vertical increase in roughly six months. Those who are just starting their journey might take a bit longer.
Useful Tips and Resources
Most of the vertical jump programs covered here will provide you with extra ways to improve your vertical. However, motivation plays a big part as well. Improving is a mental game, and seeing what other players can do with extra hops may spur you onto even bigger heights.
Following the above programs will lead to increase in no time at all, but if you need to see what you’re working for, or if you’re curious about what you’ll be able to do with the extra inches on your vertical, this video shows how much fun high jumping can be.
My Verdict
When it comes to premium jump programs, I believe that Vert Shock stands above the rest. It takes quite a bit of hard work, but the ease of the program, as well as the unique way of looking at jumping, makes it fun and rewarding. The shock method gives you impressively quick results.
All of the workouts are simple and there is no equipment required. Though more advanced users might want to go with something else, everyone else just starting on their jumping journey will absolutely love everything Vert Shock brings to the table.
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