Does mixing heavy squats with plyometrics bad when increasing my vertical jump?

Need Help With Jump Squats!!!?

• I'm trying to do jump squats on the squating machine. I was wondering if I was supposed to actually jump my highest and get my foot completely off the ground, and if so when I land do I land with my legs straight or is it one motion so that my legs are bent and I jump back up.

• Answer:

  If this is your first time to do jump squats I would not use weights. Start out in a athletic position (legs spread shoulder width apart, knees slightly bent). You can put your hands on the back of your head like you're getting arrested. Just jump up as high as you can and when you land bend legs to absorb force. As soon as you land jump as high as you can quickly. Do 8-15 depending on your fitness level. Like I said I wouldn't use weights until you get used to the motion. For a good workout do 10 jump squats and immediately do 10 push-ups. Do that 3 times and see how you feel. Hope this helps.