Amanda Watkins - By DJRogers
With only a couple weeks left in the high school volleyball season and some club/travel teams already starting tryouts, I have had a chance to talk to a hand full of coaches and parents about Sports Performance Training and how it will help improve their athletes vertical. I mean what volleyball hitter doesn't want a higher vert?!?
At a recent game, I ended up talking to a parent about the benefits of training with a sports performance coach. Specifically, I talked about the ability to helps increase volleyball players vertical jump height. She informed me that her "daughter is already doing jump training every day in practice and that how she is working on jumping higher".
Her daughter probably had a 12-15 inch vert max
I wanted to say "So how's that working for her?" But for those that don't know me, I took the PC way out.
Back to her statement; granted, she does make a valid point. Her daughter does jump multiple times in practice and games; if she gets playing time. But, like most volleyball players that don't have a Division I scholarship, her daughter hasn't learned to generate force into the ground. Sooooo basically, she is getting really good at jumping really low.
Not favorable for a hitter in volleyball.
I also had to ask if her daughter ever complains of knee pain, and she said "only after long practices".
Yet another sign she needs to get stronger!
So I tried to explain to her that with proper strength training, her daughter will be able to increase her force production into the ground. Now when you combine the greater force production (more strength) with the added benefit of us teaching her daughter how to use her hips and hamstring when she jumps, she could EASILY jump 2 inches higher.
Honestly, a 2-inch increase with a young volleyball player that has never done any strength training was a conservative guess. with my experience.
Side note: Her daughter kept her torso vertical during her approach and used mostly quads (thighs) to jump. It's no wonder her knees bug her and she doesn't jump very high.
I then asked her if she watched volleyball during the Olympics?
Yes
How would you describe their movement, besides the obvious things, like they can jump higher?
She thought about it for a few seconds and said: "they look so bouncy!"
BINGO!
That is because they are so strong that they can stop and start their bodies so fast that they look "bouncy".
You see, strength training is one thing you can work on during the in-season, off-season, and pre-season. In fact, most volleyball players see greater overall performance increases; quicker reaction time, faster agility, and the already mention increase vertical because of the increased in strength. The important thing is that you have an experienced, certified professional writing and preferably supervising the strength training sessions.
How do you work on your vertical?
Comment below to tell us what you are doing to increase your vertical.
Work with a Certified Strength & Conditioning Coach that has over 12 years experience improving the performance of volleyball players from the age of 13 years all the way up to AVP. Specializing in preparing athletes for the rigors of being a Division I player, come see how we can not only get you ready for the next level but give you the best chance to compete.
Contact us to see how our Performance Programs can help you reach your goals. We would be happy to explain how our training systems will increase your overall performance.