Every volleyball player knows — your vertical jump changes everything. It’s the difference between smashing the ball through the block or getting stuffed, between winning or losing the rally. But here’s the truth: if you keep doing the same jump exercises over and over, your body adapts — and your progress stalls. That’s why today, I’m sharing 3 unconventional drills that challenge your muscles in new ways and give your vertical a serious boost. And no — you won’t need barbells or risky stunts. These are safe, explosive, and super effective, especially for improving your eccentric strength (your ability to absorb force before reapplying it). Let’s dive in 👇
🧠 Exercise 1: Ball Behind the Head, Long Jump
Hold a volleyball firmly behind your head and perform 5 forward squat jumps — like frog jumps. Because your arms can’t help, your legs and core do all the work. 💡 Tip: Do 5 sets of 5 jumps. Land softly, absorb the impact, and explode forward. 👉 Want more than a few drills? Inside my Next Gen Hitter program, you’ll find complete jump training plans — designed to systematically increase your vertical while keeping you healthy and powerful.
⚡ Exercise 2: 5 Squats into Box Jump
Do 5 slow, controlled squats — then immediately explode into a box jump. This combo teaches your muscles to convert strength into power fast. 💡 Tip: 3 sets of 5 jumps, maximum effort each time.
🚀 Exercise 3: Depth Jumps into Hurdle Jumps
Start on a box. Step off, land in a controlled squat, and hold for 2–3 seconds. Repeat this 3 times, and after the third drop, perform 3 hurdle jumps. 💡 Tip: Do 3 rounds total. This builds elite-level control and explosiveness.
🔥 Final Thoughts
Your body thrives on new challenges. These three drills train both eccentric control and explosive power, helping you jump higher than ever. Mix them into your regular training — and keep your body guessing. If you’re ready to go all-in and follow a pro-level roadmap to becoming a dominant hitter, check out Next Gen Hitter. You’ll find advanced attack techniques and full jump programs proven to add real inches to your vertical. 📍 Link’s in the description — start turning your vertical into your secret weapon!
