Basketball, according to many, is one of the most interesting sports. What professional athletes of their fans do not please: matches are replete with spectacular slam dunks, spectacular block shots, interceptions, rebounds and many other delights of the game. What is dunk in basketball and how to learn how to do it? You will learn about this from this article.
Basketball. What is this sport like?
From English, basket is a basket, and ball is a ball. So, the goal of the game is to hit the opponent’s ring with the ball. Naturally, it is important to follow the rules: for example, you can play only with your hands. If a player runs with the ball, without hitting them on the floor, this is also a violation. Usually, ten people play basketball (two teams of five players each). There are also some features of the game: for example, an exact hit in the opponent’s ring at a distance of almost 7 meters from the basket is rewarded with three points, and not two (as with a normal throw). Such a hit is also called a long-range throw. And what is dunk in basketball?
Slam dunk. Designation and varieties
So, with the basics of basketball figured out. What is dunk in basketball? Slam dunk is a type of throw in which an athlete jumps above the basket and throws the ball into it from top to bottom.
For such an accurate hit, two points are awarded. By the way, the ring where you need to score the ball is located at a height of more than 3 meters from the floor. The National Basketball Association during the match of the stars (which is held every year) even has a separate competition for athletes who want to show the most spectacular shot from above. It is especially impressive when players of short stature jump above the ring and “hammer” the ball into the basket. There are many varieties of slam dunk. Among the main types of such a throw can be distinguished:
- The usual dunk is the simplest kind of throw from above. It is done with both one and two hands. Moreover, the athlete during the jump can be repelled from the site by both one and two legs.
- Tomahawk (performed with either one or two hands) is one of the most exciting throws. During the jump, the athlete kicks the ball behind his head, and then abruptly “pushes” it into the basket. In this case, the player, pushing his legs off the floor, bends them. This creates the effect of flight - an extraordinary sight. Such shots from above could often be seen by Kobe Bryant, Michael Jordan, LeBron James and other famous basketball players.
- Reverse dunk - in fact, similar to the usual, performed with two hands. The difference is that the player during the jump is with his back to the basket. Naturally, a successful throw is not easy.
- Between the legs (in the photo below) is one of the difficult shots. Only once was performed in an NBA game.
- Mill - an athlete during the jump carries the ball, as if around a circle, as if perpendicular to the floor of the basketball court. Perhaps this dunk is most valued. The one who performs it is called "an excellent dunker." At different times, such throws were performed by Dominic Wilkins, Kobe Bryant, Vince Carter and other athletes.
Well, in the eyes of the viewer, such throws look very spectacular. How to learn to hammer the ball into the ring from above yourself?
How to make dunk in basketball?
First you need to know exactly how to properly perform such a throw. You need to learn how to dribble: you should lead the ball with your hand (no more than two steps). Then jump from the leading leg (located opposite the beating hand), extend your hand towards the basketball basket and throw the ball into the ring.
As described above, to perform a slam dunk, you must jump above the basketball hoop, located at an altitude of almost three meters from the floor.
So, to successfully complete such jumps, it is necessary to strengthen the calf muscles. For this purpose, you can use the rope, jumping on both legs, and on one in turn. Also, for training the calf muscles, lifting on toes is required (approximately 45-60 approaches).
Another important exercise is toe squats. With raised heels and a straight back, jump upwards by 10-15 centimeters. Use the ball to improve balance during this exercise. But do not get carried away: such “jerks” in height exert a large load on the muscles.
Also, running up the stairs will give a positive effect. At the same time, do not forget that high-quality shoes and proper nutrition (eating an hour or two before classes, the presence of vegetables and fruits) will facilitate the training of slam dunk.
Well, maybe in the jump you almost get to the ring. What's next?
Further training
Of course, first you need to learn the usual dunk with one hand. A good tip for novice Dunkers is to use a smaller ball. It is easier to perform throws with it, it is easy to control. But do not get carried away - you should not get used to such a ball.
Try to practice throwing without a ball: just touch the rings with your hands and land on both legs. Thanks to this, you "feel" the desired range of motion.
Especially good if you have access to adjust the basketball hoop. First try lowering the basket: when you learn how to throw, gradually raise the ring to the desired height.
And most importantly: be patient. Do not give up after several unsuccessful attempts to perform slam dunk.
Persistence is important here: continuing to practice, you will achieve your goal and, possibly, will collect “full halls”, as well as professional basketball players.
Output
This article talked about how interesting and exciting is the sports basketball game. Dunk is a technically difficult exercise that requires good physical qualities. Remember: successful throws from above are performed not only by players with high growth. Even "shorties" can master this kind of art.
So what is dunk in basketball? This is a throw during which the player jumps above the ring and "pounds" the ball from above. This is an unforgettable sight. Moreover, you yourself can perform slam dunks using the tips from this article.