Jump Manual Review 2026: Honest Assessment

The Jump Manual by Jacob Hiller has been one of the most respected vertical jump programs for over a decade. But longevity alone does not mean a program is still relevant. We took a close look at the Jump Manual in 2026 to determine whether it still holds up and who stands to benefit the most from this strength-based approach to jump training.

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What Is the Jump Manual?

The Jump Manual is a 12-week vertical jump training program created by Jacob Hiller, a vertical jump coach who has worked with professional athletes across multiple sports. Unlike purely plyometric programs, the Jump Manual takes a holistic approach, addressing what Hiller calls the “nine variables” that influence your vertical leap:

1. Strength
2. Quickness
3. Reactive ability
4. Fuel (nutrition)
5. Neurological recruitment
6. Flexibility
7. Form and technique
8. Stability and balance
9. Body composition

This framework is why the Jump Manual covers ground that most other programs ignore entirely.

For full program details and pricing, see our Jump Manual review page.

Program Structure and Training Approach

Weekly Layout

The Jump Manual typically involves 4 to 5 training days per week, with workouts lasting 60 to 90 minutes. Each session combines elements of:

• Heavy compound lifts (squats, deadlifts, lunges)
• Olympic lift variations (power cleans, hang cleans)
• Plyometric exercises (box jumps, depth jumps, bounding)
• Flexibility and mobility work

The program provides a detailed workout chart that tells you exactly what to do each day. Sets, reps, rest periods, and exercise order are all prescribed.

Progressive Overload

A key strength of the Jump Manual is its structured approach to progressive overload. Weights increase systematically across the 12 weeks, ensuring your body is always being challenged. This is fundamentally different from bodyweight-only programs where progression is harder to quantify.

Nutrition Component

The Jump Manual includes a full nutrition guide covering:

• Optimal macronutrient ratios for explosive power
• Pre-workout and post-workout nutrition timing
• Supplement recommendations (though these are optional)
• Hydration guidelines

This is a significant bonus that many competing programs lack entirely. Nutrition plays a vital role in building explosive power, and the Jump Manual takes this seriously. For more detailed strategies on fueling your training, check out our vertical jump nutrition guide.

One-on-One Coaching

Perhaps the most unique feature of the Jump Manual is access to personal coaching from Jacob Hiller. You can email him with questions about your training, form, or progress and receive individualized guidance. This is a genuinely rare offering in the digital fitness product space.

Expected Results

Based on user reports and our analysis:

• Beginners: 10 to 15 inches of improvement is realistic. The combination of strength gains and neurological adaptation produces dramatic changes for untrained athletes.
• Intermediate athletes: 6 to 12 inches. Athletes with some training background will still see significant results from the structured programming.
• Advanced athletes: 4 to 8 inches. The strength component gives advanced athletes a pathway to continued gains that plyometric-only programs often cannot provide.

One important advantage of the Jump Manual is that gains tend to be highly sustainable. Because a significant portion of improvement comes from actual strength and muscle development (not just neurological adaptation), you are less likely to lose your gains after completing the program.

The Pros

Thorough programming. By addressing strength, plyometrics, nutrition, and flexibility simultaneously, the Jump Manual leaves no stone unturned. This produces well-rounded athletic development, not just a higher vertical.

Sustainable gains. The strength foundation built during this program gives your plyometric ability a higher ceiling. Even after the program ends, you retain the structural adaptations.

Personal coaching. Having direct access to Jacob Hiller for questions and troubleshooting is invaluable. This alone can be worth the price of the program.

Suitable for advanced athletes. If you already have a 28-plus inch vertical, the weight training component gives you tools to keep progressing where bodyweight-only programs may stall.

Detailed exercise instruction. Every exercise is demonstrated with video, and form cues are clearly explained. This reduces the risk of injury from incorrect technique.

The Cons

Requires gym access. You need access to a squat rack, barbells, and a weight room. This is a non-negotiable requirement that eliminates the program for some athletes.

Longer time commitment. At 12 weeks, the Jump Manual requires a longer commitment than programs like Vert Shock (8 weeks). Individual workouts are also longer at 60 to 90 minutes.

Steeper learning curve. Olympic lifts and heavy compound movements require proper technique to perform safely. If you have never done a power clean, you may need additional guidance beyond the provided videos.

Results take longer to appear. Because much of the early training focuses on building a strength base, you may not see dramatic vertical improvements until weeks 6 through 8. This can be frustrating for impatient athletes.

Price point. The Jump Manual is priced higher than some competitors, though the inclusion of personal coaching partially justifies this.

Who Is the Jump Manual Best For?

The Jump Manual is an excellent choice for:

• Athletes with gym access who are comfortable with weight training
• Football, track, and field athletes who already incorporate strength training
• Advanced jumpers who have plateaued on bodyweight-only programs and want to understand how to increase vertical jump through strength development
• Athletes looking for long-term, sustainable development rather than quick fixes

It may not be ideal for:

• Athletes without gym access (consider Vert Shock instead)
• Those looking for the fastest possible results
• Complete beginners with no weight training experience (unless you are willing to invest extra time learning proper form)

How Does It Compare to Vert Shock?

This is the most common question we get. In short, the Jump Manual prioritizes long-term strength development while Vert Shock prioritizes fast plyometric gains. Both are excellent programs that approach the same goal from different angles.

We wrote a full Vert Shock vs Jump Manual comparison that covers every aspect of both programs side by side. We also ranked both programs in our best vertical jump programs of 2026 guide.

Is the Jump Manual Worth It in 2026?

Yes, particularly if you fit the target audience. The Jump Manual remains one of the most thorough and scientifically grounded vertical jump programs available. The combination of strength training, plyometrics, nutrition, and personal coaching creates a package that is hard to beat for serious athletes.

The program has been regularly updated over the years, and the core training principles are backed by exercise science. If you have gym access and are willing to commit to 12 weeks of disciplined training, the Jump Manual will deliver results.

Where it really shines is for athletes who have already tried plyometric-only approaches and hit a ceiling. The strength component opens up new avenues for vertical improvement that pure plyometrics cannot access.

Final Verdict

Rating: 9.0/10

The Jump Manual is a top-tier vertical jump program that earns its reputation through thorough programming and proven results. It loses a fraction of a point compared to our number one pick mainly because of the gym requirement and longer timeline, but for the right athlete, it may actually be the superior choice.

Visit our full Jump Manual review page for details and pricing, or get started with the Jump Manual now.