Mighty Nimble
Mighty Nimble
Download App

Intermediate Vertical Jump Routine

A jump-focused session to build power and takeoff mechanics with controlled plyometrics.

Warm-Up

Raise temperature, prep ankles/hips, and groove landing mechanics. Prep & elasticity focus.

Jump Rope
Jump Rope45 sec
Ankle Hops
Ankle Hops30 sec
Leg Swings
Leg Swings20 sec each side
Glute Bridge
Glute Bridge10x
Bodyweight Squat
Bodyweight Squat8x
2 rounds · 10 sec rest

Set A — Elastic Jumps

Explode up, land softly, reset between reps as needed.

Countermovement Jump
Countermovement Jump5x
Squat Jump
Squat Jump5x
3 rounds · 30 sec rest
1 min rest

Set B — Unilateral Power

Stay tall; keep knee tracking over toes; step down instead of jumping down. — Landing control focus.

Split Squat Jump
Split Squat Jump6x each side
Box Drop (Step Down)
Box Drop (Step Down)5x
3 rounds · 30 sec rest
1 min rest

Set C — Single-Leg Reactivity

Small, quick hops. Stop if you feel Achilles discomfort.

Single-Leg Hop
Single-Leg Hop8x each side
2 rounds · 30 sec rest

Cool-Down

Bring heart rate down and restore lower-leg/quad length. Calves, quads, ankles focus.

Calf Raise
Calf Raise15x
Standing Quad Stretch
Standing Quad Stretch30 sec each side
Standing Calf Stretch
Standing Calf Stretch30 sec each side
Elastic Energy From Ankle to Hip

Elastic Energy From Ankle to Hip

Ankle Hops and Jump Rope prime the stretch-shortening cycle in your soleus and Achilles tendon before heavier loading begins. Squat Jumps and Countermovement Jumps then recruit the glutes and quads through rapid eccentric-concentric transitions — the exact mechanism that determines peak takeoff velocity.

Vertical Jump Is a Tendon Sport

Vertical Jump Is a Tendon Sport

Elite jumpers store and release elastic energy through stiff, conditioned tendons — not just strong muscles. The progression from Ankle Hops to Single-Leg Hops mirrors how your Achilles and patellar tendons must absorb ground reaction forces and rebound explosively, a demand that separates good jumpers from great ones.

Plyometric Sequencing for Peak Output

Plyometric Sequencing for Peak Output

Box Drop into ground contact trains reactive strength index — your ability to minimize contact time while maximizing force output. Start each jump set fully recovered (90–120s rest) to train the neuromuscular system at true peak intensity. If Single-Leg Hops feel asymmetrical, prioritize that weaker side before adding volume.

Intermediate Vertical Jump Routine | Mighty Nimble | Mighty Nimble