It is the most celebrated shot in the game of basketball. It is the dream of most averageplayers 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 most of us WISH we could do it. But how do you dunk a basketball?
Before We Start
Before an average player should start thinking about dunking, he should 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. We’re not saying it isn’t possible, but there are very few 5-6 players that will ever be able to jump high enough to dunk. In fact, an average sized person will have to have above-average abilities in order to be able to dunk. Be realistic in your goals. At the same time, don’t limit yourself before you even try. Many people have made spectacular increases in their jumping ability. It will take hard work, but you can reap the rewards.
Things that should be evaluated before you start:
1.) Is lack of height a problem? You can’t change this. You CAN improve your vertical jump, but you still may never be able to dunk. But, that is okay! Develop other areas of your game.
2.) Are you overweight? By being overweight, you are limiting your jumping ability.
3.) How athletic are you in general? Some players just have the “gift” of being able to jump. You can develop it as well, but understand where you are starting. Get a messurement of your vertical leap before you begin. This will show how you are progressing.
4.) What kind of shape are you in? Jumping utilizes muscles from the entire body. Just having strong legs alone is not the answer.
Let’s Get Started
Start by getting in the best overall shape you can be. This includes every area of your body as well as your legs. To ensure you can reach your ultimate jumping potential, you need to start in good overall shape. You use every part of your body while performing a jump, so it only makes sense that your entire body should be in shape. While this part of the process isn’t glamorous, it is necessary. A good foundation is needed in order to see the best results. Start here and you will be rewarded down the road.
For the remainder of the article on How To Dunk a Basketball, see our website on How To Increase Your Vertical Jump.