To many, it is the carrot that dangles 10 feet off the ground, begging to be grabbed.
Dunking a basketball carries mystique among average-sized men. It's an inspiration for intense workout programs. It's the dream that just won't die.
But how exactly do you dunk a basketball?
Height and athleticism are the main factors, and all other wild cards bow down to the influence of these two. A 5-foot-6 guy probably doesn't have much of a shot with a 10-foot rim unless he's Spud Webb. At the same time, an average-sized guy--say, 5-11--won't have a chance without at least a little athletic ability.
Dunking isn't for everybody, but many men at least have a chance at pulling it off. Even so, it depends on a lot of variables for those on the fringe. Many guys have excess weight that keep them grounded. Some days your legs just aren't up to it. Other days, you don't have the right shoes on, or a certain basketball is hard to grip, or a past injury is hampering you. Little things like that can keep you from basketball glory when you're oh-so-close to throwing down.
If you're 5-5 and lacking great hops, nothing you read is going to pull a miracle. Sorry, Charlie. Don't sweat it, though--as many short shooters boast, "When dunks are worth three points, I'll start doing it."
Similarly, if you're the next Wilt Chamberlain and you can literally kiss the rim, you're too advanced for this course. Enjoy your Zeus-like ability.
If you're close but not quite over the hump, with decent height and decent hops, never forget: there is plenty of hope for you.
Let's get Dick Vitale screaming.
Building Your Strength
Being in great shape is the best way to start your quest toward a rim-rocking jam, and there are specific exercises you can keep in mind while improving your fitness.
LaRue Cook, a personal trainer and owner of LEC Fitness, recommends building your basic level of strength first. This can be done through common leg exercises like squats, lunges, hamstring curls and leg press.
Once that's established, Cook said that increasing your vertical is accomplished through boosting your power.
"Power can be defined as a combination of speed and strength," Cook said. "Dynamic exercises that combine speed and strength such as skips--low and high--and squat jumps and bounding are all ways to improve your leg power once a base of strength has been established."
The Jump
Generally, a player can get his highest when jumping off one foot and reaching up with one hand. For a right-hander, the most common way is approaching from the left and jumping off the left foot with the ball in the right hand. However, some people find jumping off two feet more comfortable, so experiment and find what's best for you.
Going up for a two-handed slam, while awesome, is a more advanced dunk and shouldn't be the goal just yet. To slip your hand over the rim and throw down a ball means to eliminate anything that might keep you from your vertical maximum. So your other hand should stay at your side to balance your body.
If you're not sure what your potential is, go up without a ball first. Get the hang of jumping this way, of (hopefully) touching the rim. Many of the newer rims are breakaway, and will snap down if you grab onto it. If you want to have a chance at dunking, you should be able to snap the rim down like this with some consistency.
Careful, though: If you grab the rim but can't get a grip, the momentum of your body could cause a violent spill. Be smart.
Progression
From there, work your way up. Jeff Haefner of Breakthrough Basketball suggests starting with smaller balls like a golf ball or tennis ball to practice timing and elevation. It's a little harder than just grabbing the rim, and a good step toward throwing down a big ball.
"You'll find it's much harder to dunk with a full-sized ball," Haefner said. "Your timing and vertical leap is the key."
Keep that in mind, and progress slowly. A mini basketball is a little more challenging than a tennis ball, but it's easy to palm and that helps. See if you can get high enough to get your hand over the rim--almost up to your wrist--so you can stuff the mini ball. If you can't throw it down with a little authority, a bigger basketball won't be any easier.
From there, you can try a four-square ball or a volleyball. Both are a pretty good size but soft enough to be able to grip.
Remember that fatigue is a factor, and you probably have only so many jumps in a session before your legs wear out. Once you're not 100 percent, you don't stand a chance at dunking for the first time. Don't get frustrated if your 15th attempt of the day isn't as good as your third or fourth try. That's normal.
With a Ball
If you're on the verge of dunking, being able to palm a normal basketball will help immensely. If your hands aren't big enough, you can go up holding the ball over your hand like a waiter holding a plate of food. Take care of it--the rock often gets away from players mid-jump, making the attempt worthless.
Work at it, and focus. You'll probably get painfully close dozens of times before you break through and finally get a clean one. You're first "dunk" might be a little ugly and won't be with force. It doesn't mean it doesn't count.
The slam dunk is a beautiful play that only a small portion of the population can do, which adds to the allure of it. If you're right on the dunk's doorstep, don't give up. Work hard at it and keep your confidence high. When it finally does go down, it will be worth it in the end.
That's a promise.
Breakthrough Basketball - How to Dunk a Basketball
Our first advice is to forget about dunking and learn the fundamentals of basketball! Learn proper shooting form, footwork, moving without the ball, defense, and so on. This will help you become a better player.
Now that we've given you our honest opinion, you still probably want to know how to dunk....
Dunking is a dramatic, crowd-pleasing offensive move. Many times, a rousing
dunk can turn that mysterious factor, momentum, right around in your favor.
Clearly, dunking is easier if you're tall and can palm the ball with one hand,
but there have been relatively short players who couldn't palm the ball who
worked hard enough to be able to dunk. If you are considering adding the dunk
shot to your repertoire, follow these steps:
Step #1 - Practice dunking on a rim lowered to your current
jumping ability.
This will allow you to get used to the feel of dunking right away. To prepare
yourself for the real thing, the basket height should still require you to
jump your highest in order to dunk. If it's too low, then you won't be
building the muscles or the memory needed for dunking at the regulation-height
hoop.
Step #2 - Be able to touch the rim with your wrist.
You will need to get at least that high to be able to snap the ball into the
basket. If you're relatively short, then you have your work cut out for you.
Developing a one-handed dunk requires less vertical ability than a two-handed
dunk, and, for most players, jumping off of one foot from a running start
makes it easier to jump high enough to dunk. There are many things that you
can do to work on your vertical leap.
To increase your vertical leap, you should do a variety of exercises and follow a strategic work out plan. The workout should include plyometrics, strength training, and stretching.
Step #3 - Use small balls to begin with, and gradually
increase the size of ball that you use as you develop your technique and
coordination.
Start with a ping-pong ball, then a tennis ball, then a softball, then a
volleyball, then a youth-sized basketball, and on up until you can dunk with a
regulation size ball. If you can't palm the ball, then you will need to learn
how to control the ball with two hands until the last minute extension for the
dunk with one hand, or you will have to jump high enough to dunk two-handed.
Step #4 - Learn how to finish the dunk safely.
Dunking exposes you to some extra risk of injury. First of all, you can get
low-bridged or get your legs tangled up with defenders near the hoop, causing
you to fall awkwardly from a significant height. You can also throw yourself
off balance by trying to hang on the rim and slipping off, resulting in
awkward falls. If you are in heavy traffic on the dunk, then being able to
grab and hang on the rim until the clutter beneath you clears is a safety
technique. If you are in the clear on a dunk, then avoiding hanging on the rim
at all is the recommended safety technique (It's also a technical foul to hang
on the rim in that situation). Whatever the situation, you need to come down
with control and balance. Ankle, knee, neck, and head injuries await those who
fail to control their momentum after a dunk.
Remember, even though dunking is dramatic and exciting, it still counts only
two points. If you can't dunk, it's not the end of the world. You can be an
extremely effective scorer without ever dunking the ball. In fact, dunking has
very little to do with proper shooting technique.
How to Improve Your Vertical Jump
If you want to improve your vertical jump, we highly recommend you follow a program that utlizes the "Pryamid of Development" -- that you see at most of the top Div I college programs.
This allows you to develop overall athleticm, to not only help you dunk, but also improve your defense, speed, balance, and effectiveness on the basketball court. And more importantly (in our opinion), the Pryamid of Development gives you the foundation and balanced muscle growth that reduces the risk of injury.
We highly recommend the Cody Roberts Athletic Development Program to improve your vertical jump, explosiveness and agility. It's very effective program that is designed the right way.
Basketball Games 2K22 PRO
on the App Store
Description
Ever dreamed of becoming a world famous basketball player and playing real-time matches? This game will make your dreams come true. Download now and be part of a real basketball game. This is a close eye simulation of real sports matches.
Prepare yourself for the team against team matches, and get this cup. This mobile game has the ability to choose one of your favorite nations, select the team of your choice and get set & play. Dodge opponent players in a match and pass the ball to a partner to hit the target.
Take a shot at the net with a flip of your fingers and practice your athletic skills as hard as you can if you want a chance to stand against the best basketball players in the world. Get an on-screen display of your scores and compare them with the scores of opponent teams. Pass the ball to a friendly player during a match. The two nation game will be presented at the top of the screen. Score as many goals as you can before time runs out.
Jump as far as possible to dunk the ball into the basketball net and let the world see your professional sports moves. This game has multiple camera angle shots to give a clear view of the stadium. Amazing and exciting background music will keep you engaged. Intuitive touch controls and HD graphics will keep you stunned. It is not like any other game that you have played before. If you are a real basketball fan, start this game and get the chance to be part of your favorite team.
This game is fast paced and quite authentic. It offers a match-1v1 sports experience. Realistic crowd cheering after the goal will make you feel like a winner in real life. The referee will blow whistles in the background to keep his win in check. Pick up and run, flip the ball, jump to the other side, and finally make a jump to dunk the basketball in the correct hoop so you can win. Choose your team and start playing.
Basketball Games 2K22 PRO Features: -HD graphics and intuitive touch controls -Interesting and unique gameplay -High background environment -Addictive camera angle shots to get a complete view of the stadium -Score display screen keeps scores in check -Engaging background music that help you fit into the gameplay -It's easy to play and fun -Able for teams to play
Version 2.4
Hey player! The latest iOS update is available in the lobby now!
Thank you for playing 2K22 Pro basketball games, this version contains the following changes:
1. Attractive gameplay 2. Improved player experience 3. Bug fixes.
Ratings and reviews
ratings: 25
Developer hamza khalid has indicated that, in accordance with the app's privacy policy, data may be processed as described below. Detailed information is available in the developer's privacy policy.
Data used for tracking information
The following data may be used to track user information on apps and websites owned by other companies:
Unrelated with user data
The following data may be collected, which is not related to the user's identity:
Sensitive data may be used differently depending on your age, features involved, or other factors. Read more
Basketball coaching hacks: how to score goals for beginners
Even if you are a novice basketball player, we will not give you a training plan, but we will tell you why the ball flies anywhere but into the ring and into your hands. It's all about technique: even with regular training and perseverance, novice adults and children often make simple mistakes. It's a shame, let's fix it. Below are 11 life hacks on how to hone your technique to increase the likelihood of a goal for your team.
Basketball Shot Rules for Beginners
1. Hands up
In pursuit of the attacker, raise your hands, even if you are standing with your back to the pass, and even more so if the ring is in front of you. Your raised hands will increase the chance of intercepting the ball from the opponent by 2 times. Don't overlook this little thing!
2. Make shield rolls
Even Tim Duncan did not neglect them! A square is drawn on the basketball backboard. If you are standing opposite the ring, then aim at the middle of the upper part of the square, if you are standing on the side, then at the corner. If you hit this square, then the ball is at 90% of cases will fall into the ring. The law of physics and no cheating!
3.
Look at the ring, not at the ball
Practice driving the ball with your hand, not your eyes, develop tactile control. Your eyes should be on the hoop while dribbling and be aware of the position of your body in relation to the hoop. Then you will be able to take the correct posture, and the throw will be effective.
4. Dribble with the balls of your fingers only
The palm should not touch the ball, only the pads of the fingers. Dribbling should become familiar to you, like an extension of your hand. Then you can change its trajectory at any time and you will have more chances to score goals. Practice with the ball constantly.
5. Throw with one hand
If you throw the ball with two hands, you reduce the chance of hitting the basket. All the efforts of the throw are in one hand (in the right for right-handers, in the left for left-handers). The other hand only holds the ball, the leading one holds it with the fingers, not the palm.
6.
Do not jump when protecting the ring
Jumping is the main mistake of rookie defenders. To intercept the ball and block the shot, simply stick out your hands. When you are in a jump, the attacker will easily bypass you.
7. Don't look back
When you dribble, don't look back, but dribble and aim for the ring, focus on shooting (or passing to another player on your team).
8. Bring the throw to automatism
Incorporate the most basic basketball techniques into your training plan and bring the shot to automatism. Throw first from a distance of half a meter from the ring, gradually increasing it. Learn to throw the ball so that it hits the hoop without touching the edge.
Throw the ball with all fives and jump
Throwing Rules:
Head in the center of the body - if tilted, accuracy is lost.
Look at the ring: mentally build a trajectory. If you are far away, the ball flies in a curved curve with a maximum height of 2 meters above the hoop.
A strong hand is in front and throws, a weak hand is on the side and directs, only holding the ball. The elbow of the throwing hand must be in line with the ring.
The ball must rest on the fingers without touching the palm. The fingers are as far apart as possible and grab the ball.
Throwing arm bent 90 degrees, forearm perpendicular to the floor. If you bend less, then you get not a throw, but a throwing of the ball horizontally.
The main thing in the throw is the position of the body and its balance. Place your feet apart and parallel to each other: it is important to orient them in the middle of the basket. Then the direction of the body during the jump will coincide with the direction of the throw, and the ball will fly straight into the ring. When the feet are uneven, the ball flies in the wrong direction or does not reach (although the throw was normal).
Take a deep breath and release as you exhale.
How to hold the ball and shoot in basketball
How to throw correctly: straighten your arm, point your wrist up, and with your hand set the ball to rotate in the opposite direction from the flight. The ball should seem to "roll" off your fingers.
9. Copy masters and play as a team
Watch professional basketball games and try to copy the movements of your favorite players in training. And be sure to conduct game sparring - this will allow you to develop more techniques.
10. Do not throw in a straight line
The higher the arc of the ball, the greater the chance of a goal and the less chance of blocking by the opponent.
11. Do not throw the ball from a full height stand
This is the biggest newbie mistake!
Before the throw, bend your knees slightly and at the moment of the throw, straighten your body, making a jump. You need to straighten up and push off the ground at the same time. When squatting, keep the elbow of the throwing arm close to the body and towards the ring.
See if you can get high enough to get your hand over the rim--almost up to your wrist--so you can stuff the mini ball. If you can't throw it down with a little authority, a bigger basketball won't be any easier. 
You'll probably get painfully close dozens of times before you break through and finally get a clean one. You're first "dunk" might be a little ugly and won't be with force. It doesn't mean it doesn't count. 
Many times, a rousing
dunk can turn that mysterious factor, momentum, right around in your favor.
Clearly, dunking is easier if you're tall and can palm the ball with one hand,
but there have been relatively short players who couldn't palm the ball who
worked hard enough to be able to dunk. If you are considering adding the dunk
shot to your repertoire, follow these steps: 
If you're relatively short, then you have your work cut out for you.
Developing a one-handed dunk requires less vertical ability than a two-handed
dunk, and, for most players, jumping off of one foot from a running start
makes it easier to jump high enough to dunk. There are many things that you
can do to work on your vertical leap. 
If you can't dunk, it's not the end of the world. You can be an
extremely effective scorer without ever dunking the ball. In fact, dunking has
very little to do with proper shooting technique.
Download now and be part of a real basketball game. This is a close eye simulation of real sports matches. 
Amazing and exciting background music will keep you engaged. Intuitive touch controls and HD graphics will keep you stunned. It is not like any other game that you have played before. If you are a real basketball fan, start this game and get the chance to be part of your favorite team. 
Read more 
It's all about technique: even with regular training and perseverance, novice adults and children often make simple mistakes. It's a shame, let's fix it. Below are 11 life hacks on how to hone your technique to increase the likelihood of a goal for your team. 
Look at the ring, not at the ball 
Do not jump when protecting the ring 
