How can I jump higher?

Nick Nurse, head coach and general manager of the Brighton Bears, replies: If you want to increase your jumping ability it is important to use a variety of exercises to work your lower half. Squats, leg extensions and leg curls for the quads and hamstrings, toe rises for the calves and Achilles. Non-weight room activities should include plyometrics and skipping.
Don't forget to work your abs and also include some reverse sit-ups to strengthen your lower back. Happy slam-dunking!

Calves
Place your feet shoulder-width apart on the floor and rest your upper back, shoulders and head on a bench or sturdy chair. Distribute your weight evenly throughout your body. Your shins should be at a right angle to the floor and your body parallel to the floor from your knees to your neck.
Contract your calf muscles and raise your heels off the floor as high as possible. Pause for one second, then return to the starting position and repeat.

Quads

Rest your right foot on a bench or chair placed two or three feet behind you. For resistance, hold either dumb-bells at your sides, a barbell on your upper back or a medicine ball against your chest.
Squat down as far as you can without feeling unstable or straining your left knee, keeping your spine neutral and your hips even. Don't let the unsupported hip dip towards the floor. Pause briefly at the bottom of the movement and then press back to an upright position. After doing 10-12 reps, switch legs.

Hamstrings

Stand 12 to 18 inches in front of a bench or chair and rest your right foot on it. Use both hands to brace your choice of resistance - a barbell, a pair of dumb-bells or a medicine ball - against your upper thighs with your arms fully extended.
Keeping a slight bend in your weight-bearing leg, slowly lower the weights towards the floor by bending forwards at the waist and sliding the weights down your leg. Lower the weights as far as you can without over-stretching your hamstrings, pause briefly and return to the starting position. Avoid rounding your back.