How to Dunk on Someone
The basketball dunk is one of the most exciting plays in all of sports. Being on the receiving end of a dunk is not so thrilling, but being the individual that dunks on someone is exhilarating and can be just the thing to help a team raise its level of play for the remainder of the contest. Whether you are tall enough and have the leaping ability to dunk on a regulation ten foot high basketball rim or play in a gym or at a playground where the rims have been lowered to a height that even "normal" basketball players can dunk on, there are certain things to know about dunking on an opponent.
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Instructions
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Keep your body under control. Whether you are going to dunk one-handed on a fast break over a competitor or use two hands to slam the ball through the hoop, you must exhibit control of your body. While trying to jump as high as you can, there is a tendency to make exaggerated movements with the upper body, which can result in the basketball being fumbled away or stolen.
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When coming down on a fast break it is imperative that you do not commit an offensive charge on the player you are attempting to dunk on. In organized leagues there is a special area right under the basket that is designated by lines where a charge will not be called if the defensive player is standing there. However, on the playground or in the gym, this line doesn't exist, and savvy defenders may try to draw a charge, although such a practice is frowned upon when no referees are present.
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Jump off your leg opposite your dominant hand, and use one hand to dunk on a fast break, but control the ball with your other hand as you leave your feet. Many dunks are flubbed when a potential dunker loses the ball while going up to slam it. Unless you have unusually large hands or are using a smaller basketball than what is regulation, then keeping the other hand on the ball as you rise up towards the rim will allow you to keep it from being stolen, knocked loose by a defender, or flying out of your hand.
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Concentrate on the rim when dunking over another player. Do not concern yourself with the other player's defensive tactics. Make sure that you achieve enough height to dunk the basketball and try to put it through the hoop with as much force as you can. Keep your eyes on the target.
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Use two hands to dunk after grabbing a rebound close to the basket or after receiving a pass when near the hoop. Go up off of both legs when dunking with two hands and hold the ball as tightly as possible. Defenders can slap down on the ball to try to knock it loose, but if your grip is two handed and tight it will be to no avail. Dunk the ball forcefully as defenders that have equal or greater leaping ability may have their hands in position to reject your attempt.
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Be ready to grab a rebound off of a missed shot and dunk it with one or both hands. Defenders will be paying attention in many cases to the shooter and be in poor rebounding position. This can allow you to time your leap and grab the basketball, dunking it in one motion over the helpless player.
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Only hang on the rim if you are off balance and need to do so to avoid a bad fall. After dunking the ball, your hands should be clear of the basket unless you need to grab it after being undercut by a defender. Hanging on the rim can damage it or bring it down, ending the contest and ruining a good game, in addition to possibly costing you money to have it repaired. Most leagues have rules that will give you a technical foul for hanging on the rim for too long after a dunk.
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