The Upper Body Advantage

Performance & Power

“Your legs might lift you—but your arms launch you.”

Want to Jump Higher? Don’t Skip This.

Think jumping is all about legs?
Think again.

Your upper body plays a massive role in your ability to create force and move explosively.
Your arms act like a coil, helping your body generate torque and store energy—like pulling back a slingshot before launch.

The Proof Is Simple

Try this quick test:

• Jump like you normally would—using your arms.

• Then, put your hands behind your head and jump again.

Feel the difference?

That’s not just upper-body strength—it’s coordination and timing.
The same principle applies to jump shots, agility work, and sprinting.

Ever try to sprint without moving your arms?
Exactly.

How to Train It

There are plenty of ways to train the upper body for performance, but one of our go-to movements is the Double Arm Alt Banded Front Raise.

Programming Example:

• 2–3 sets

• 10–15 reps

• Focus on control and range—not momentum

This simple drill builds shoulder strength, stability, and upper-body rhythm—all essential for transferring power through the entire body.

Final Thought

It’s not magic by itself—but when you combine it with core training, lower-body power work, and mobility, it becomes a key piece of the performance puzzle.

So if you want to jump higher, move faster, and perform better—

Start treating your upper body like the weapon it is.

— Coach Shelby and The Shelby Trained Team