How to Dunk a Basketball

No play in sports rivals the slam-dunk for sheer athleticism and crowd-pleasing action. You got game to spring high enough and jam the ball through the hoop?

Difficulty: Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Athletic Socks
• Basketball Uniforms
• Basketball Hoops
• Basketball Shoes
• Basketballs
• Basketballs

1. Have big hands, or stick to the two-handed dunk - dunking is much easier if you can palm the ball.

2. Be a good jumper. Even if you're 6-foot-6, you need to be able to jump.

3. Dribble toward the basket with speed.

4. Pick up the ball from your dribble 10 to 12 feet from the basket.

5. Take your allowed two steps.

6. Palm the ball with your dunking hand, or grasp it firmly with both hands.

7. Push up from your second step, toward the rim, jumping as high as you can.

8. Extend your arm with the ball toward the rim, or if you're using two hands, bring the ball back behind your head for additional style points.

9. Slam the ball through the basket. Do not hang from the rim unless there's a danger of landing on somebody.

10. Celebrate your dunk in a cool way as you run back to play defense - make it clear that this wasn't your first or, certainly, your last dunk.

Tips & Warnings

• Approach the basket in a manner similar to a layup.
• You need to be able to touch the rim easily before having any realistic expectation of dunking the ball.
• Many baskets are now installed with a device that allows you to adjust the height. Lower the rim temporarily to get an idea of how it feels to dunk.
• You may get up pretty high and can injure yourself if you lose control.
• If you have any conditions that would impair or limit your ability to engage in physical activity, please consult a physician before attempting this activity. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment.

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[kkevink]

on 11/1/2009 when you dunk are you allowed to hit the rim with the ball.
example.if i dunk and it goes in but it spins in the rim then falls to the ground

[geoffrt]

on 1/18/2009 sorry Dr. Danny but the calf muscles have next to nothing to do with increasing your vertical. Practicing penultimates, box jumps, core work, and explosive squats target the muscles required to increase your vertical. Items like Jump soles for instance place strain on your calf muscles and cause injuries. I would recommend checking out www.vertfreak101.com's forum for in depth discussions surrounding the subject.

[DrDanny]

on 7/23/2007 To dunk a basketball one handed you must be able to reach at least 6 inches above the rim of the hoop. To do a two handed dunk you must be able to reach at least 8 inches above the rim.

[GalileoSmith]

on 7/18/2007 I recently quit playing golf. I quit mostly because I could not hit a golf ball far enough. I could not reach 400+ yard par 4s in 2, which is standard. There are some games some people can't play. I can't dunk therefore I can never be in a dunk contest. I can't hit a baseball 300 feet. Therefore I can't play Homerun Derby. I can't hit a golf ball 200 yards. Yes I can still golf, but I have no chance of being good.

[DrDanny]

on 3/3/2007 Try not to hang onto the rim while dunking because it may break and you can get injured.