I keep hearing about how Ming has lost 4 inches of vertical leap by working out too hard with the weights (squats). Is this true? If so, should we purchase some of those odd looking "jumping shoes" that have the platform on the toes? Seriously, how does he gain these 4 inches back? PLEASE no dirty "I know how he can gain 4 inches" replies...
Well adding muscle to the leg region could add weight to the body making it harder to jump or spring into action.
Well, since the dude is 7'5", and by what I've read can touch the rim flat-footed, i don't really see his vertical as a concern. Not many people are going to be able to block his shot, not many people are going to be able to get a shot over him, so I think his vertical jump is pretty negligible. I'm sure there are things he can do to recover those 4 inches, if they feel it's necessary. It's probably just a matter of getting his body acclimated to the new muscle mass.
How can you lose vert from squats? Squating is good for your jump, maybe they tested him when he was still sore.
Does anyone know if those "jump soles" really work? I bought some a while back. They are like rubber platforms that you strap onto the toes of your shoes and do jumping exercises with. I never used them enough to see if they made a difference. The ads say they can add six inches to your vertical.
Jumpsoles do work but you have to work with them a lot and it will hurt BAD. If you really want to improve your vert, you should do quick jumping drills over hurdles, any sort of calf lifts, quads, and also hips and lower abs.
Also work your lower back, I also find calf raises are a good, do them till your butt hurts. . . . no seriously
I have read about Yao losing his vert too. What I think it is is that it says he does high reps of 260lbs. but does them slow. I play high school football for Katy and I know that doing squats slowly makes you less explosive. He needs to do some things that help his explosion, like hang clean, hang snatch, or just jumping with a weighted vest or something. About the jump shoes, our coaches bought them and make us do weird exercises ( Im an offensive lineman so I hate all exercise ) like high knees, bounding, skips, running, and jumping. Let me tell you, they WORK. Your calfs feel like there on fire. They are designed to put ones whole body weight on your calf insted of your heal. You cant walk after 20 min. with those things. My personal vert went up 6 in. in 4 months of offseason. But thats with using them 3X a week along with a bunch of other exercises.
