Barbell Jump Squat

The barbell jump squat is an extremely dynamic power builder for the hips and thighs. Because form is so essential to prevent injury, I would not recommend this exercise to anyone who cannot proficiently barbell squat 1 and 1/2 times their bodyweight (loaded onto a bar) to below parallel. Start this exercise with 1/3 or less max squat weight loaded on a barbell. Form is the same as standard barbell squat. From bottom position of motion, lifter must explode vertically head first attempting to straighten legs, extend feet and leave the ground. The bar must stay pulled down onto upper back to avoid leaving the body during the jump and landing on the vertebrae of the neck upon dissent. When landing make sure to absorb with knees by immediately dropping into squat position with hips back, chest up and weight on heels. This motion can be done for single reps or repeated as a weighted plyometric.