For the past couple of years, there have been researches conducted and the results showed that most, if not all of those people who have a relatively high vertical leap are fast runners as well and vice versa. Their ability to jump and run faster has everything to do with the strength and explosive power of their legs, which they obtained with the aid of formal training. Although there are certain muscles in the body which are used primarily for jumping and there are those used predominantly for running, such muscles can overlap one another and in turn, help you in both actions.

The study also showed that those who have stronger calves and quads are usually high jumpers and those who have well developed glutes and hamstrings are fast runners. So, for instance you have developed the muscles of your quads and calves, then you for sure are reaping the benefits of being able to jump higher. However, since the game of basketball will also require you to run back and forth the entire basketball court, you must be able to improve the strength of your glutes and hamstrings as well, so you would be able to run faster.

Now, there are two fantastic exercises to jump higher that will enable you to tackle all of these said muscles, which in turn make you a well rounded athlete and they are depth jumps and squat jumps.

The squat jump is basically a plyometric routine that will help increase your explosive power. The execution of this routine is the same as that of your basic squat with only the addition of a jump. With this, you go for a squat and then simply explode upwards.

The depth jump is also a plyometric exercise which will require the use of a platform that you need to jump onto and step off from. This is an excellent routine for the development of your lower body. If you want to know more about plyometric exercises, go look for the Jump Manual. This eBook is packed with tons of plyometrics and other jump higher exercises.