To get a better idea of what form really means, here is a simple definition: Form is the synchronization of movement aimed at upward propulsion. Getting your form to imitate that of the pros is going to take exercises that improve both your flexibility and your mental power. Here are three very important tips to improve your FORM when playing basketball, or really any other sport that requires getting some air. 1. Exaggerate the last step before jumping in order to lower the body enough to create enough propulsion to get into the air. 2. Practice throwing medicine balls in the air to learn to swing your arms, an easily forgotten part of your form to get you in the air. The swing of your arms is important to counterbalance the movement of your legs. 3. Watch the pros! There is no better way to learn to emulate the best way to shoot than to actually watch the way the best people shoot. You never know what you might learn. For example, shooting expert Paul Hoover watched hundreds of games and analyzed the best shooters. He discovered that each player always had the right forefinger touch the basketball last before letting go. Was this done consciously? It's hard to say, but doing some of your own observations couldn't hurt to see what makes professional players so effective. Hopefully, these three tips will get you started on the fast track to increasing your vertical jump. While many factors are important to improving your vertical jump, improving your form should not be forgotten.