HELP - Vertical...????????????

Question

i'm 5' 5'' in 8th grade and im a middle blocker 4 vball - i can reach a bit more than 8 ft - is that good 4 my age/height - or do i need 2 jump higher - if u think so - then do u hav ne tips??

Answer 1

8ft, not good in volleyball if you're a guy. The net's 8 feet. I'm not sure how you're blocking.  Anyway, tips: 1. Grow. 2. Be patient.  You're too young to start plyometrics and cleans, but once you hit the second half of high school, I'd start plyo's and weight training. Plyo's are very hard on joints, and usually not recommended for early teenagers. When you get to that point, your coach will know about all that stuff though (hopefully), and teach you.  If not, there's always Google.  Tons of info about increasing vert. In the meantime, just concentrate on building solid ball control. Great ups are pointless if you can't pass or set the ball.  

Answer 2

Google "plyometric exercises."  These are exercises, developed by the East Germans in the 60's or 70's, that revolutionized sport.  They apply additional load at the point that the muscle is stretched, and that really builds up strength.  They have been used especially for basketball, volleyball, soccer (esp goalkeepers), high jump, etc. - sports that require good vertical.

Word of caution:  You are exactly at the age that Osgood Schlatter's disease hits kids.  It is caused by too much stress on the joints where the growth plates are not fully developed.  This will put you out of action for a year or more.  So, if you start the feel pain in your knees or develop a bump below your kneecap, stop immediately, and see your doctore.

Answer 3

i think thats good if your a girl  

Answer 4

You're going to want to jump higher when you get to the high school level. Since you already do a lot of jumping in volleyball and will proabably do plyometrics on your high school team, I would suggest some weight room work, squats mainly. If you increase your strength, all the jumping you do in practice and games will continue to grow your vertical. Read the info here http://verticalleaptraining.blogspot.com Plus, high school coaches will be impressed by someone who already knows how to lift coming out of middle school