Don't look lost when it comes to writing a "Better Vertical Jump" program.

Start with what you know about the athlete's movement ratings.

Here’s a brief version of the article I wrote in 2017 “Regional Interdependence and Limiting Factors to Performance”:

Is It Really Just About Jumping Higher?

When it comes to improving sports performance—especially programming for a better vertical jump—it’s tempting to dive straight into power programs. But four athletes with the same goal may need very different approaches. Why? Because what limits their performance may not be performance itself.

✅ One had pain.

✅ Another lacked mobility.

✅ A third had a motor control issue.

✅ Only one had a true performance deficiency.

The lesson? The limiting factor isn’t always obvious.

✅ One had pain. Pain—even if not directly provoked during a jump—can disrupt feedback loops.

✅ Another lacked mobility. Limited ankle mobility can ripple upward, sapping power.

✅ A third had a motor control issue. Motor control deficits can leak energy, even with solid strength.

✅ Only one had a true performance deficiency. And sometimes, yes, it's simply a matter of needing more power.

Using tools like FMS, SFMA, and FCS, we can move beyond assumptions to pinpoint weak links—whether pain, mobility, control, or true capacity. These assessments help distinguish functional amplifiers from isolated deficiencies.

The smartest coaches and clinicians don’t just train the jump. They clear the runway.

Bottom line? Test. Don't guess. Clear dysfunctions. Target capacity. Respect the person, not just the performance.