How would you like 3 simple exercises to help get you started on your way to increase your vertical jump? I am going to tell you exactly how I got started with these 3 simple exercises and how you can benefit from doing them correctly! When training to increase your vertical jump, there is an overload of information available (much like any topic these days) and if you take it all in you are spending far too much time reading and learning and not enough time applying the correct principles to increase your vertical jump.
Once you get out on the court no-one cares how much you know about vertical jump training, just jump over them and they will be amazed (and annoyed if they are on the other team).
You want to know how to perform these 3 simple exercises correctly for the most gains right? Well I will tell you exactly how I started training for my vertical jump.
That is what you want right? Well here are the 3 exercises that got me started:

1. Squats
2. Standing calf raises
3. Bounders

You must keep in mind that everyone is at a different fitness level when training.
Obviously this is not meant to be a 'one size fits all' solution and you will benefit greatly from a proven jumping program to show you exactly how to increase your vertical jump.
But this is exactly how I started and it will surely build a solid base for your vertical jump and overall fitness.
How to do the exercises: Squats (3 sets x 15 reps) Unlike the usual squats where you are focused on form and simply want to build strong muscle.
For exercises to increase vertical you want to focus on building strength and also training the muscles how to explode on demand (as required for jumping).
To do this, load up a bar on a squat rack with as much weight as you can handle and still complete your sets.
DON'T OVER DO IT.
The trick is to lower the weight slowly then explode upwards to the starting point.
Try to take 3 seconds to lower and 1 second to explode upwards.
Note: If you do not have access to a squat rack; dumbbells, a barbell or simply a backpack full of bricks will work fine.
Improvise; don't make it an excuse that gets in the way of training.
Standing Calf Raises (3 sets x 20 reps) If you have access to the gym, this exercise can be done with a machine.
If not, it can easily be done at home...
I do.
Follow the same principle as outlined above for the squat.
Take 3 seconds to lower and 1 second to explode up.
If doing it at home, simply stand with the balls of your feet on a step and your heels hanging over the edge.
Use your calves to lower the weight down, so that your heels hang below the step.
Explode back to the starting position with your calves.
This can be done with dumbbells or a backpack full of bricks.
Bounders (3 sets x 12 reps): This one is great because no equipment is required.
Start in a standing position with some open space in front of you.
Bound as high and as far forward as you can off your left foot, land on your right foot and immediately bound as far as you can again.
Each bound must be as explosive as possible with an exaggerated arm swing.
One repetition equals a bound with your left and right foot.
These exercises will give you a great starting point to work on your vertical jump.
To get a complete workout routine specifically designed to increase your vertical jump you should get your hands on a proven vertical leap program.
There are plenty of review sites around that will do the hard work for you and help you decide which is the most effective.