I've Gotta Disagree Here

"Vertical jump is a naked view into the workings of the neuromuscular system, and this is why it is regarded as such a reliable diagnostic tool for they identification of the ability to produce power. It too is limited in its ability to be improved through training. A kid with a 15" vertical will never have a 23", no matter what he does."

-Mark Rippetoe 

Let me preface my forthcoming rant with the notion that I am a big fan of Mark Rippetoe's, respect the hell out of him and have read everything he has out out there. That being said, I fully disagree with this quote, for two reasons.

First, I was a kid with a 14" vertical when I started training. I was almost 18 years old at the time and clearly, I was not "born" to be a basketball player, or an athlete in any power-related sport for that matter. Sure, I could run a 4:45 mile at that time, but that was never the type of athlete I wanted to be. I wanted to run fast and jump high. So, I went to work. And now, about a 19 months later, I have a 23" standing vertical (and a 30" running vertical). You can't just chalk that up to puberty, since I was already 18 when I started. This was a direct result of smart training and hard work.  

Second, the other thing I have a problem with is how Rippetoe states that a kid will never add 8" to his vertical, no matter what he does. That's dumb. I'm sorry, but it is. You can do almost anything you want to, given you are smart about it and have enough time. Going from a 15" vertical to a 23" vertical isn't even that hard to attain. To say it'll never happen is just pessimistic. 

If you want anything in this life, you have to believe in yourself that you can get it. You have to believe that you can do it. And if anyone out there thinks I'm BS'ing or not being realistic, e-mail me. I implore you to contact me. Heck, I'll train you online right now for free (something clients are currently paying for) and put 8" on your vertical. If I sound angry or over-passionate right now, I'm sorry, but it just burns me down deep to hear someone say that something is impossible. 

I'll have more to say on this later, but I feel it coming in an article sometime in the near future. I'll keep you posted on that (The easiest way for me to do that is for you to sign up for my free newsletter in the top right corner of your browser. Just put in your e-mail and once a week, you'll get updates, tips and other stuff that will directly and immediately impact you, your training and your life).