A couple of weeks ago I posted an updated version of a blog I wrote in 2008 about Vertical Jump Con Artists. For those that didn’t read it, you can check it out here:
http://blog.strongerteam.com/post/2009/07/14/Vertical-Jump-Con-Artists.aspx
Once again, I got a whirlwind of responses and comments, nearly every one of which was overwhelmingly positive and supportive. However, I did receive a small handful of comments from folks that disagreed with my position. I view that as a good thing! I never have had a problem with folks who take a different stance and have different opinions from my own. I welcome it and respect it. That is what makes life fun. I have always enjoyed a good debate, especially when it comes to proper training and performance enhancement, because I am so passionate about the topic.
I have numerous colleagues and friends in the industry, some in the private sector, some in the NCAA, and some in the NBA… and we all have slightly different philosophies and methodologies. I respect any strength & conditioning coach who is passionate, energetic, truly cares about the well being of their players, and can rationalize their training philosophy; regardless if it differs from mine. I know, and wholeheartedly believe, there are numerous programs that “work.”
With that being said, if you are going to initiate a debate with my philosophy or blog posts, please do so under the following two conditions:
1. Be respectful and professional. I had someone leave a comment that was not only factually incorrect (it was as if he didn’t even read my blog); it was full of grammatical errors, expletive words, and was more of a personal attack on me. If you want respect, you have to earn it. You only earn it by carrying yourself in a professional manner and sticking to the issue at hand. If you want to debate philosophies — awesome! If you want to talk smack — look elsewhere.
2. Have something legitimate to back up your point of view; either personal experience with the players you work with or unbiased research. Don’t come at me with hearsay and propaganda from folks who have an obvious financial interest. And please get your own facts straight before you try to argue against mine!
Now, there most certainly was real validity to the responses and comments that disagreed with my blog. They were comments and responses I have heard many times before, so I felt compelled to address them in this post. I am going to paraphrase some of the most common comments and give my two cents on each. Please note, these questions are an amalgam of the comments I routinely get – these are not from any particular individual per se but rather more of a summary.
Comment: Do you really believe genetics play a role in your vertical jump?
[Alan Stein] Absolutely; 100%. Genetics are the No. 1 determining factor in a person’s potential to jump. I challenge you to find ONE legitimate strength & conditioning coach, physical therapist, or athletic trainer who believes genetics do NOT play a significant role in one’s vertical jump potential. Now, this by no means implies that someone with a high vertical jump doesn’t work hard or train properly; it just means they were born with the genetic predisposition to achieve such results. It also doesn’t mean someone with less than ideal genetics can’t make progress; they most certainly can! Everyone can improve their vertical jump and maximize their potential; but not everyone can have a 40-inch vertical or dunk a basketball.
Comment: How do genetics have anything to do with it?
[Alan Stein] For one, your genetics determine your muscle-fiber type. This is a key factor. Someone born with predominantly fast-twitch muscle fibers in their lower body has the potential to jump higher than someone who was born with mostly slow-twitch fibers. While your central nervous system’s efficiency can be improved through proper training; your overall neurological efficiency is also somewhat pre-determined at birth. Some folks were just born with more control over their muscular system. Limb length and tendon insertion points are two other genetic factors you can’t control. The folks with the highest vertical jumps were born with favorable genetics and have trained hard and trained properly.
Comment: If you don’t think a 50-inch vertical is possible, how do you explain all of the guys on YouTube like Area 51 (he is only 5-foot-7) and the guys on Team Flight Brothers?
[Alan Stein] First and foremost, I never once said that it was impossible to have a 50-inch vertical. I am saying it is extremely rare; like “winning the lottery” rare. And for the record, you don’t know for a fact that these guys truly have 50-inch vertical jumps. They might, they might not. You have never seen them measured (neither have I). You are only going on what they are claiming. But that is not the point any way. I am not arguing these men have impressive leaping ability. I am also not arguing they work hard and train properly; they probably do. But if you believe for one second these particular individuals weren’t born with the favorable genetic predispositions (muscle fiber type, CNS efficiency, etc.) that gave them the potential to jump that high; then you need to re-read my previous answer regarding genetics. That is exactly why everyone who does a vertical jump training program can’t jump as high as these guys. Do you think if you followed their EXACT training program for an entire year you would have the same result? Do you think you would have a 50-inch vertical?
