How do you teach a basketball player to improve their jump?
Answer
A lot of it is plyometric exercises. We have come to really like the SportsmetricsTM plyometric program. It has a two pronged approach. First, it is made to prevent ACL tears. There is a litany of research to support it. It is also made to improve performance. It is a great sell to coaches to say 'you know what? We are not only going to help you prevent injuries, but your basketball players will be able to jump higher, run faster and go farther.' It is a 6 week program done three times a week. We don't charge for it. We more or less have the athletic trainer administer the program in the high school. So, my answer is plyometric activities.
Casey Unverzagt, PT, DPT, DSc, OCS, SCS, CSCS
Casey Unverzagt is the director of the Slippery Rock office of Wise Physical Therapy and Sports Medicine. He received his B.S. from the University of Puget Sound in Tacoma, Washington and his Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania. He completed his Doctorate of Science in Orthopedic and Manual Physical Therapy from Andrews University in Michigan. Dr. Unverzagt completed a post-graduate sports residency in White Salmon, Washington, after which he became a board certified sports physical therapy specialist. Dr. Unverzagt is also board certified in orthopaedics, and is a certified manual physical therapist (CMPT) through NAIOMT. He currently teaches for Slippery Rock University, Scorebuilders, Evidence in Motion, and is the author of the popular EIM SCS Prep Course. He is also completing his fellowship in orthopaedic and manual therapy through Evidence in Motion. He lives in Grove City with his wife, Emily, and three boys: Josiah, Bereket, and Tamagn. With any free time, you'll find him running, cycling, or hiking.
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