If you are an athlete in any sport, you should be looking to increase your vertical jump. Having a higher vertical can have so many benefits in most sports. You ability to jump higher is also a measurement of other athletic qualities such as explosive power. Many coaches understand this fact as it is part of many pre-draft tests such as the combine.

We all know the importance of having a big jump in basketball. In a sport where most athletes seem to be getting taller each year, you need to increase your vertical jump to remain competitive. There are many more benefits of a high vertical than dunking and appearing on the ESPN Top 10 Plays. Many fundamental aspects of the game depend on your ability to be explosive. If you are a front court player, you are expected to rebound. This skill requires anticipation, the ability to box out, and jump higher at the right time. If you can't rebound, you will likely end up on the bench. Back court players need to have explosive ability also. Not only due to their disadvantage in height, but they need to be able to use their jumping ability to defend and get by defenders.

Not many people think of football players needing to increase their vertical jump but it's an important athletic trait to have. At least, most coaches think it's important. We know that receivers and secondary players can benefit from a big jump to catch or defend high passes. But, the fact is that all positions can benefit from having great explosive power. There reason coaches covet this ability because it is measurement of your explosiveness. Being able lower that shoulder to burst through tackles or beat that offensive tackle at the off the line of scrimmage to get a sack will help your team immensely.