how can i improve my jumping ability?
88993
Do squats.  It should help with thigh muscles.\nWatch Michael Jordan clips.
493067
http://cheerleading.about.com/od/learningaboutjumps/\n\nThis site will help you with the jumps... ad far as the splits just go in them as far as you go and stay in them as you watch tv... you'll forget about the pain and get more flexible....sitting in the straddle will also help... you can also lay on your back and scoot you butt up to the wall and let gravity pull you legs down...make sure to run because it willl tone your entire body improving your tumbling,jumps,just cheerleading as a whole.......... for dancing just watch music videos and get up and dance... you will only get better with practice... you can also practice counting 8 counts of music an mmoving to it....have fun, relax and good luck!
651508
I am not a cheerleader, but just keep practicing and your jumps will get better
149021
For drops, Keep your weight back and your legs soft.  For jumps you need a little more timing, it can't really be taught.  You need to go out and hit a few.
428147
There are special shoes, with a raised platform on the toe area, that can help. They basically just keep your heels off the ground, so you have to walk around on the balls of your feet. If you can't afford them, find something about 2 inches thick, a little bigger around than your fist. Duct tape it to the bottom of your shoe, so that it is on the front part, making it so your heels will be off the ground. Walk around in these for about 6 weeks and your jump will increase dramatically.
519625
try doing squat excersises like standing up on the floor, bending your knees just far enough to reach the ground with your hands next to your feet and then go down another 3 inches and hold it for a minute... do this many times and for longer and longer periods. You can also try doing that same thing but instead of holding it jump up as far as you can and then as soon as you hit the ground jump again and agin for about 25 in a row. To better improve jumping power and your kick, jog bringing your knees as far up to your chest as you can , or do that jogging in place. One final excersise is more extreme and will produce amazing results, put your back against a wall and go down with your knees at 90 degrees. pretend your sitting in a chair. try to go as long as you can and push yourself past the pain limit...dont hurt yourself now :)    . Those exercises will greatly improve your Quadriceps (front of your thigh/leg area muscle) which are a must for kicking and jumping.
951539
In addition to what James said, I'd incorporate jump training.  Find (or build) something sturdy about 30" high.  Squat down, then jump on it.  Do 3 sets of 10-12 reps.  When it gets easy, increase the height.  \n\nThere is a corrolation between vertical leap and quickness.  High concentration of fast twith muscles and lower weight will result in quicker running and quicker moves, both forward/backward and laterally.
804477
First off, your landing is only as good as your take-off so be sure you have a good jump that you can launch from in a stable way. You always want to be centered, no leaning back, no shoulders forward. Stay centered on your board, always. \n\nIn the beginning, do not pop off the lip of the jump, that is something you'll want to work up to as you become more comfortable in the air. Pick a jump with a size you will be comfortable clearing and watch other people hitting this jump so you can better gauge the speed you'll need to clear it. When hitting a jump I've never hit before I'll often "shadow" someone who is hitting the jump so I can get a good feel for the speed required to clear it. \n\nAs you approach the lip of the jump, get in a "ready position" with your knees bent and your body loose. As you come off the lip bring your knees up a bit and try to stay small in the air. As you begin to come down, extend your legs to meet the landing and as you land absorb the impact by bending your knees. You always want to be centered on your board when doing this. Too much weight back and you'll wash out onto your butt and too much weight forward you could either tumble or catch an edge.\n\nAs you get more comfortable with this feeling, you'll want to start "popping" off the lip of the jump. This is an ollie-ing motion similar to an ollie on a skateboard. Basically, as you hit the lip you weight the tail of your board and then quickly unweight it and jump forward. This will greatly increase the height and distance you'll be jumping and is required as you hit bigger jumps. Be sure to start off small and work your way up and be sure to master the basics before trying something more advanced. And never forget that style is everything.\n\nAs far as your board being too small it could be a problem but if you practice it will actually help you in the long run. More advanced  Park Boards are generally a bit stiffer as this offers better pop off the lip and more stability on landing (think about it, a stiffer board will try and keep you centered if you do land too far back). That short board will offer less support but if you can learn to stomp your airs with that then you'll be ahead of the game when you pick up a stiffer board that is the correct size.
1000464
1. vertical jump\n2. bring your knees up and tuck
1001400
Drive more often. Work on your jumper... Drive more often.
39024
You might want a take a look  at the article on  http://www.ehow.com/how_5634_increase-vertical-leap.html
519890
stand on the balls of your feet and go up and down to build more muscle in your calves. and jumping will help jumping.\nIt would be easier with weights.
617574
try tying some light weights to your ankles & wear them when you exercise. you'll be jumping higher in no time flat!
928021
explosion exercises will help your vertical leap. I have heard of an exercise called boxes, the object is to find a stable elevated platform to jump up on such as the first row of bleacher seats from the floor. Be careful while doing this exercise because it is dangerous. Another option which is safer is to practice with ankle weights so your body gets used to the extra weight and then remove the weights for a game and see what happens. \nThe best way to gain hieght is to work witha trainer who can design a program to fit your body size and needs.
705858
Just work out alot go to a gym and work on the leg muscles and arm muscles then you can jump higher and hit harder
118907
Practice, practice, practice.\nJumping on a trampoline has improve vertical leaping.
815108
Strengthen your glutes and do jumping exercises.  Do 3 sets of 10 jumps where you try to reach something.  The next day try to target a few inches higher, so and so on.  Glutes, Glutes and more Glutes.  hip extensions, squats, leg press, lunges, the glute machine if your local gym has one.  There are tons.  Try to target the different glutes muscles as well.  Gluteus maximus, gluteus medius and minimus.  Ask a personal trainer.