Does flexibility play a major role in vertical leap?

Question

I am about 6'5" and I cant dunk! Just last week I started doing some of those work outs to work on the calves and thigh muscles, apart from that I was just wondering how much of a role flexibility plays in my vertical leap. I need just another inch or two to be able to dunk nicely.

As of right now standing and bending over I can get a little over half way on my shins, its actually some improvement. I added into a basketball class at my college a month ago, and we play two days a week. So I think that has got me stretching a little bit.

But should I be even more flexible? Like touching my toes or the ground? And if so are there any particular stretches besides bending over and regular stuff?

Answer 1

Flexibility plays a role and it definitely does help your verticle if you are flexible. But on the other hand I have seen guys who can't touch their toes who can dunk pretty well. You said you were working on your calves and thighs. But the major jumping muscles are your hamstrings and glutes (butt muscles). You need to do squats and lunges my friend, along with other explosive type jumping type exercises if you want to dunk, like hopping up and down bleachers one leg at a time. Work on your flexibility too. I can't hurt.

Answer 2

I'm 6'5 as well and pretty flexible and able to dunk with ease. Something that put me over the edge making me able to dunk was jumping rope, a lot. About 15-20 minutes a day 5 times a week.(If you can't do it that long go till you can't jump anymore) Do this and stretch twice a day and you should be able to dunk with in a few weeks, if you only need a few more inches.
So to answer the question, flexibility is half you problem, the other half is you need just a bit more leg strength. Being flexible is one of the most important things to athletes.

Answer 3

Yes, flexibility helps. And some weight training along with your flexibility exercises would accelerate your gains in your jumping ability.

Answer 4

Its all in the Quick twitch muscles. Jumping rope is a good way to train these types of muscles. Quick short explosions is how you will increase your vert...