The vertical jump is a plyometric move used primarily to strengthen the lower body. Plyometric exercises incorporate fast, powerful movements and are often used to improve athletic performance.
(a) Hip extension: It is the action performed at the beginning of the jumping phase, before your feet leave the ground. Muscles involved in hip extension are: Gluteus maximus, semitendinosus, semimembranosus, the long head of the biceps femoris and the adductor magnus. Act these muscles are located in the upper leg or gluteal area.
(b) Knee extension: It is the movement of straightening the leg at the knee joint. Knee extension occurs almost simultaneously with hip extension in a vertical jump. One muscle is involved in knee extension, the quadriceps femoris. This muscle can be broken down into four separate muscles of the anterior thigh - rectus femoris, vastus lateralis, vastus linter medius, and vastus medialis.
(c) Ankle planterflexion: It means pointing your toes. The primary muscles involved are, gastrocremius, and soleus or the large muscles of the calf.
(d) Shoulder Abduction and Flexion: If arm movement is used, its typically performed as a final upward reach while in the air. This movement involves abduction and flexion muscle of shoulder.
