March 16, 2001, Newsletter Issue #22: Plyometrics for Hitting

Tip of the Week

Jumping Higher With Plyometrics


OK, we know you`re probably not going to grow 6" over the summer, so you`d better be jumping higher, if you want to crack the line up in the front row, come next indoor season. But how? Plyometrics can help you, there, sometimes dramatically.

First, always keep the jump rope as part of your routine. There`s a good reason why prize fighters do hours and hours of jump rope work. It helps with endurance and quickness, and although they don`t have to jump like volleyballers, it`s important for fighters to have a strong base from which to work, meaning strong legs.

In that way, volleyballers and prize fighters have much in common. You have to have strong legs and quick feet to be an effective volleyball player.

In addition to the jump rope, this next week, add a series of hops and skips into your routine. Again, there`s no real cost involved, and these moves can be very effective in improving your jump.

First, stand with feet about shoulder width apart. Then, swing your arms back and then throw them forward, leaping as far as you can, landing on two feet. Do this all the way from one end of the gym to the other. Repeat going the other way, and then turn around and do it again.

Next, try "bounding," which is similar to skipping, except that you`re taking off on one foot, leaping as high and as far as you can, and landing with two feet, which is how you will normally land on the court. Do at least two trips back and forth in your gym.

There are many plyometric exercises to do, and there`s no way for us to explore them all. Use those two for this week, and visit the volleyball-tips web site for many more.

Till next time, play on.

About LifeTips

Now one of the top on-line publishers in the world, LifeTips offers tips to millions of monthly visitors. Our mission mission is to make your life smarter, better, faster and wiser. Expert writers earn dough for what they know. And exclusive sponsors in each niche topic help us make-it-all happen.

Not finding the advice and tips you need on this Volleyball Tip Site? Request a Tip Now!


Guru Spotlight
Sherril Steele-Carlin