The slam dunk is one of the most exciting plays in basketball, but it wasn't used until the 1970s when NBA players such as Julius "Dr. J" Erving made it famous. Today, basketball players from almost all levels dunk. The ability to dunk a basketball is related to several factors, including height, body weight and jumping ability. However, you can improve your dunking ability by practicing the best way to dunk a basketball.
Approach
A dunk starts off with a proper approach to the basket and take-off. The best way to approach a dunk is to create space between you and the defender by accelerating toward the hoop so you can jump. After approaching the hoop, you can jump off of one or both feet depending on your ability. As a general rule, the best way to jump is off of one foot while reaching with one hand.
Holding the Ball
Holding the basketball is an essential component to dunking. For some players, they may have trouble gripping the ball with one hand, forcing them to use both hands for every dunk. Other players prefer to use one hand almost exclusively. However, grabbing the ball with both hands is the best way to dunk a basketball because it gives you control of the ball while dunking around defenders.
The Dunk
After a proper approach and jump to the basket, the best way to dunk is to aggressively throw the basketball through the basket. An aggressive dunk leaves less room for error that reduces the potential for losing control of the basketball while jumping or having the dunk blocked by a defender. After dunking the basketball, immediately release the rim so you don't risk getting injured or penalized from hanging on the rim.
Training
Learning the best way to dunk a basketball comes through specific training similar to making jump shots. You can use a lower rim for practicing the approach and dunk, but you can also use vertical jump training and strength training to increase your vertical and overall strength level. The best vertical jump training exercises include plyometrics such as squat jumps, box jumps and jump rope with the best strength training exercises being squats, lunges and deadlifts.
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