Jumping higher is a goal for many basketball players regardless of their skill level or age. This is a very condensed version of a guide to learning how to increase my vertical that worked well for me. The best chance for improving ones vertical jump is given to those that start early in their careers and apply the basic program steps that are required to achieve dunking status. Step one is to eat a balanced proper diet full of the vitamins and nutrients that the body requires for good overall health. Secondly, choose an exercise program that concentrates on the muscles in the legs. Lastly, obtain or retain a positive mental attitude in regards to not thinking you can jump higher but actually already knowing that you will. If all three of these basic vertical jump improvement prerequisites are gathered you will be slamming like a pro sooner than later. The best way to see roughly how far you have to go to be able to dunk a basketball is to head on over to the gym. Once there limber up and stretch and shoot around a bit to break a sweat. Once warmed up get a running start and see how close you are to touching or grabbing the rim. If you are able to touch it barely then you are in need of 6-8 inches added to the vertical in order to dunk. This is doable.