Calves are the only muscle group that really matters when trying to jump higher.
This is NOT TRUE, yet it is seen time and time again.
Many people neglect the other very important muscles involved in jumping.
Some do this because they do not know what other muscles are involved and some do it because they do not know exercises to strengthen these muscles specifically for jumping.
So what major muscles are used when you jump? Your quadriceps, hamstrings, hip muscles, gluteus maximus, abs, and of course your calves.
There are other muscles involved as well, but these are the ones that have the most affect on your ability to jump higher.
So now that we know the muscles involved we need to know some exercises that will help us with jumping.
A great exercise for your quads are one legged bench squats.
Place one foot on top of a bench and squat down.
The top of your foot should be on the top of the bench.
Alternate legs and do light weight.
A great hamstrings exercise are RDLs also known as Romanian Deal Lifts.
Hold two dumbbells in your hands.
Stand on one leg and lean forward at the hips.
Lean until the weights hit the ground.
Alternate legs and do light weight here as well.
Do box squats for both your glutes and hip muscles.
Squat down slowly until you reach the top of the box and explode up.
Focus on a spot on the wall and follow it with your eyes.
This will help you maintain great form.
Abs work is pretty self explanatory, but try and focus on reverse movements like reverse crunches.
For calves do calf raises at three different angles.
Your toes pointed straight, pointed in, and pointed out.