It is the most celebrated shot in basketball. It is the dream of the average player and it is an in-your-face "statement" that a good player makes to a defender. It is the slam dunk. We all know WHAT it is, and we all WISH we could do it. But
how do you dunk a basketball?
Before We Start
Before an average player should even think about dunking, he needs to take an inventory and be realistic. How tall a person is and his athletic abilities are the two main factors that determine from the beginning if he will ever be able to dunk. Not to say it isn't possible, but there are very few 5-6 players that will ever be able to dunk. In fact, even a six foot player will have to have above-average jumping ability in order to be able to dunk. Be realistic with yourself. At the same time, don't limit yourself before you even get started. Many people have made amazing increases in their jumping ability. It will take hard work, but it will be worth it.
Things that should be evaluated before starting:
1.) Is your height a problem? This won't change. You CAN increase your vertical jump, but you still may never be able to dunk a ball. But, that is alright! Develop other areas of your game.
2.) Are you overweight? By carrying more weight than you should, you are limiting yourself right from the start.
3.) What are your athletic abilities? Some players are just gifted at being able to jump. It can be developed as well, but know where you are starting. Measure your vertical leap before you begin. This will show how you are progressing.
4.) Are you in good physical shape? Jumping involves muscle groups from the entire body. Having just strong legs alone is not the answer.
Let's Get Started
Begin by getting in the best overall shape you can be. This includes waist, chest, shoulders, and arms as well as your legs. In order to reach your ultimate jumping potential, you need to start in good overall shape. You use your entire body while jumping, so it stands to reason that your entire body should be in shape. While this is not the most glamorous part of the process, it needs to be done. A strong foundation is needed to achieve the best results. Begin here and you will be rewarded down the road.
For the rest of our instructions on
How To Dunk a Basketball, see our website.
Tom Beagle is writer for EInfoHound. He does extensive research in many areas to "sniff out" and report the information you are looking for on the internet.
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