How to Dunk in Basketball
How to Dunk
Jumping higher is often a goal of basketball players. Not only can it help them be more effective players in the all-around game, it can also help them get up above the rim and learn how to dunk a basketball. Dunking a basketball gives a player a certain confidence that allows him to know that under the right circumstances he can put the ball in the basket any time he wants.
Conditioning
To dunk a basketball, you have to get in excellent cardiovascular condition. Doing interval training will help you improve your overall conditioning and build leg strength. Go to the local high school or college track and run sprints of 90, 80, 70 and 60 metres in succession. Don't take more than 15 seconds between sprints. When you finish all four, take a two-minute break and repeat the set. Do one more double-set before you leave the track. (do 4 times)
Lower Leg Strength
The ability to get height on your jump comes largely from the muscles in your lower legs, your calf muscles and your feet. Do calf raises to build strength in these muscles to help you get up in the air and sustain your leap long enough to dunk the ball. Get in the middle of the room -- where you can't touch any walls -- and raise up on your tip toes. Hold that for a count of at least two, then return to your original position. Do this 25 times, take a one-minute break and repeat the set. Add intensity by holding a barbell across the back of your shoulders.
Jump Soles
Jump soles are attachments that go on the front of your athletic shoes that will help you build running speed and jumping height while you practice. One of the best exercises to do with your jump soles is to alternate sprints with walking. Go to the track and sprint 20 metres followed by a 10 metre walk. Do this five times, take a one-minute break and repeat the set. Do this four times a week to build explosive jumping ability.
Considerations
Taking steps to improve your leaping ability will help you jump higher. However,
Jumping higher is often a goal of basketball players. Not only can it help them be more effective players in the all-around game, it can also help them get up above the rim and learn how to dunk a basketball. Dunking a basketball gives a player a certain confidence that allows him to know that under the right circumstances he can put the ball in the basket any time he wants.
Conditioning
To dunk a basketball, you have to get in excellent cardiovascular condition. Doing interval training will help you improve your overall conditioning and build leg strength. Go to the local high school or college track and run sprints of 90, 80, 70 and 60 metres in succession. Don't take more than 15 seconds between sprints. When you finish all four, take a two-minute break and repeat the set. Do one more double-set before you leave the track. (do 4 times)
Lower Leg Strength
The ability to get height on your jump comes largely from the muscles in your lower legs, your calf muscles and your feet. Do calf raises to build strength in these muscles to help you get up in the air and sustain your leap long enough to dunk the ball. Get in the middle of the room -- where you can't touch any walls -- and raise up on your tip toes. Hold that for a count of at least two, then return to your original position. Do this 25 times, take a one-minute break and repeat the set. Add intensity by holding a barbell across the back of your shoulders.
Jump Soles
Jump soles are attachments that go on the front of your athletic shoes that will help you build running speed and jumping height while you practice. One of the best exercises to do with your jump soles is to alternate sprints with walking. Go to the track and sprint 20 metres followed by a 10 metre walk. Do this five times, take a one-minute break and repeat the set. Do this four times a week to build explosive jumping ability.
Considerations
Taking steps to improve your leaping ability will help you jump higher. However,