Page 27 - Jim Stone Book Beginner

Jumping and Landing

There is a real focus in our sport on how to facilitate a higher vertical jump. Coaches develop
strength training routines and religiously measure incremental improvements. The most important
aspect of jumping high is jumping correctly. It is vital with beginning players that the focus is on how
to use proper technique. So often, coaches rush to teach players to spike, and the athlete will focus
on hitting the ball and lose jumping form. At the beginning stages, focus primarily on the proper form
and gradually pursue incorporating a ball.

Jumping is a very dynamic action that places a lot of stress on the muscular and skeletal systems.
The force applied to the body and skeletal system when jumping is approximately 1.5 times the body
weight. The process of landing creates about three times the body weight in force. That equates to
about 500 pounds of landing forces for a 150-pound athlete. That's for one jump! So, landing
mechanics are as important as jumping mechanics. I always tell my athletes to land as if there are
eggs under their feet!

There are two challenges for the young player. First, many young players have a hard time
coordinating the upper body and lower body in the jumping action. The second challenge is moving
the body in the air. Attackers must turn their upper body when attacking to direct the ball to various
areas of the court. The video links below will demonstrate some of the items I value when teaching
basic jump and landing skills.