Okay, here’s my take on sharing my vertical jump training experience, focusing on trying to get some of that Ja Morant bounce.
My “Ja Morant Vertical” Experiment
Alright, so I’ve been watching Ja Morant highlights like everyone else, and that dude can FLY. I’m not gonna lie, I got a little obsessed and started wondering if I could squeeze out even a few more inches on my own vertical. I mean, 44 inches? That’s insane! I knew I wasn’t gonna get there, but hey, gotta try, right?
First things first: Assessment.
I needed to know where I was starting. I grabbed a piece of chalk, stood next to a wall, reached as high as I could and made a mark. Then, I jumped and made another mark at the peak of my jump. Measured the distance, and… yeah, my vertical was… not 44 inches. More like, uh, let’s just say significantly less. We’ll call it a starting point and not dwell on the details.
Hitting the Gym (and YouTube)
Next step was research. I dove deep into YouTube, watching a ton of vertical jump training videos. There’s so much conflicting info out there, it’s crazy. Some dudes are all about plyometrics, others swear by heavy lifting. I figured a mix was the way to go.
- Squats: Started hitting squats hard. Focused on good form, going as low as I could while keeping my back straight. I’m talking heavy squats, gradually increasing the weight each week. Did this like 2-3 times a week.
- Plyometrics: Box jumps became my new best friend (and sometimes my enemy, after I ate it a couple of times). Started with a low box and slowly increased the height. Also added in jump squats, lunges, and some other bouncy stuff.
- Calf Raises: Read that strong calves are key. So, I started doing calf raises until my calves were screaming. Both seated and standing variations.
The Process – Blood, Sweat and (Almost) Tears
So, I’m squatting, jumping, and calf-raising my way through the weeks. It’s tough. My legs are constantly sore. There were days I really didn’t feel like going to the gym, but I kept pushing. I focused on progressive overload, trying to add a little more weight or a few more reps each week.
Nutrition (Kinda)
I tried to eat better. More protein, more veggies, less junk. I say “tried” because I’m not gonna pretend I was perfect. I still had my fair share of pizza nights. But, I made an effort to get enough protein to help my muscles recover and grow.
Re-Testing and Results (Sort Of)
After about 8 weeks, I re-tested my vertical. Drumroll please… Did I suddenly gain 10 inches and start dunking like Ja? Nope. But, I did see some improvement. Maybe a couple of inches. Not a life-changing amount, but enough to feel like the effort wasn’t a total waste.
What I Learned
Look, I’m not about to quit my day job and try out for the NBA. But, this whole experience taught me a few things:
- Vertical jump training is HARD. It takes a lot of dedication and consistent effort.
- Genetics play a big role. Some people are just naturally more explosive than others. I am probably not one of those people.
- Even small improvements can be satisfying. Those extra couple of inches felt good, even if they weren’t Ja Morant-level.
Would I do it again?
Yeah, probably. I’m always looking for ways to improve my fitness. And who knows, maybe with more time and effort, I can squeeze out a few more inches. But I’m keeping expectations realistic, I’ll never be Ja.
Final Thoughts
Don’t expect overnight miracles. Be patient, be consistent, and listen to your body. And maybe, just maybe, you’ll be able to jump a little higher. Good luck!
