ABOUT
THE VERTICAL ATHLETE
The Vertical Athlete was created to solve a problem many athletes face: they work hard, they train consistently, but they don’t see the improvement they know they’re capable of.
Jumping higher, moving explosively, and performing at a high level isn’t just about effort. It requires the right training, the right structure, and the right guidance.
Vertical Athlete was built to provide exactly that.
Our program combines proven strength training, explosive power development, mobility work, and mechanics coaching into a structured system designed to help athletes increase their vertical jump and improve overall athletic performance.
This isn’t random workouts or generic programming. Every part of the system is intentional and built to deliver real, measurable progress.
Our Training Philosophy
We believe that real athletic performance is built on a complete foundation.
Many programs focus on only one piece of the puzzle, like strength or plyometrics.
But vertical jump and explosive performance depend on multiple factors working together.
Free Vertical Test
That’s why The Vertical Athlete focuses on:
Building full-body strength that transfers to sport
Developing explosive power and reaction speed
Improving mobility and movement efficiency
Refining mechanics to eliminate wasted movement
Reducing injury risk while improving durability
A Program Designed for Long-Term Development
Athletes in program follow a structured training plan that prioritizes long-term progress over quick fixes.
Each phase of training builds on the last, helping athletes:
Our goal isn’t just short-term results. It’s helping athletes build a physical foundation that supports their performance for years to come.
Free Vertical Test
coaching that bridges the gap
The Vertical Athlete is guided by professionals who understand both sides of athletic development: performance and injury prevention.
Erik Schmaedeke
Erik brings over 15 years of coaching experience and has helped develop athletes who have advanced to the Division I level. His background in strength and performance training ensures athletes build real, transferable power that carries over to the court or field.
Erik’s coaching focuses on developing strong, efficient, and confident athletes who understand how to train with purpose.
Dr. Tyler Niemack
Dr. Tyler Niemack brings over 12 years of physical therapy experience working with athletes from high school to professional levels. His expertise in movement quality, injury prevention, and recovery helps athletes train safely while maximizing performance.
Our mission is simple
Help athletes unlock their potential, move better, and perform at a higher level than they thought possible.
With the right training, the right coaching, and the right consistency, improvement isn’t a matter of luck. It’s a matter of following a system that works.
That’s what The Vertical Athlete is built to provide.
