Plyometric Depth Jumps

Depth jumps are an amazing plyometric exercise designed to help increase your vertical jump height.  They can be tailored for beginning athletes to very experienced athletes by increasing the height of the box.

To perform a depth jump, first you will need a box.  For beginners, find a box roughly 12" tall (30cm), if you are more experienced you can increase the box size up to a maximum height of 42" (107cm).  Do not use a 42" box until you are extremely experienced with depth jumps.

Start out by standing on your box with your toes relatively close to the edge of the box; your feet should be shoulder width apart.

Gently step off the edge of the box (don't jump), and land on both feet.  
As soon as your feet hit the floor jump as high as possible and reach up with both hands as high as you can.  Make sure you do not travel horizontally; focus on launching yourself straight up into the air.