A law enforcement cadet wants to improve her vertical jump. A TSAC-F should recommend training exercises to increase which of the following?

To enhance vertical jump performance, it is crucial to focus on reactive strength, which refers to the ability to quickly and efficiently transition from an eccentric (lengthening) to a concentric (shortening) muscle action. Reactive strength is fundamental in jump training because it helps improve the power and explosiveness needed to propel the body upward.

Developing reactive strength involves incorporating plyometric exercises, such as box jumps or depth jumps, which train the nervous system to respond quickly and enhance muscle elasticity. This not only improves the jump itself but can also lead to improved overall athletic performance. Increased reactive strength contributes to the force exerted against the ground, ultimately leading to a higher vertical jump.

While quadriceps strength and core stability are important for overall movement efficiency and power generation, and calf strength contributes to ankle stability and propulsion, they alone do not encompass the rapid response and elastic energy storage that reactive strength training provides. Therefore, maximizing reactive strength is essential for optimal improvement in vertical jump performance.