Approach Jump Training
Strength & Power
Legend
- player
- cones
- movement path
How it works
Build explosive vertical power through approach-jump reps at the basket.
What you need
- cones
Your focus
The approach jump mimics the exact movement pattern used for layups, dunks, and high-percentage shots at the rim. Repetition builds both the explosive power and the timing needed to finish in traffic.
Mark a spot 8 feet from the basket with a cone.
Take two approach steps from the cone.
Plant both feet at the arc and explode vertically.
Land softly, walk back, and repeat.
12 reps. Final 4: add a ball and attempt to lay up.
Goal
You've got it when your jump feels explosive and consistent on all 12 reps, with no sloppy plant steps.
Helpful cues
- Two-foot plant: right-left-together, don't single-foot the jump
- Swing your arms up explosively, they add 15-20% to your vertical
- Land balanced with bent knees, protect your joints
Adjust the challenge
Make it easier
Strip it back
Walk the two-step approach without jumping, just feel the plant step.
UpLVL it
Add the next challenge
Add a ball and actually shoot the layup or floater at the top of the jump.No account needed
Build a practice plan
Add drills, keep the plan in this browser, then share a link with your staff or parents.This library helps you find the right drill. Inside UpLVL the right drill finds the player.
This library helps you find the right drill. Inside UpLVL the right drill finds the player.After every practice, UpLVL automatically surfaces the drills each player needs to work on most. See it for yourself.