Dunking… It’s Not Just For Donuts!
Image via Pexels
Are you a basketball enthusiast that lacks technique? Have you always wanted to know what it felt like to dunk like your favorite athlete? You’ve come to the right place. Today, Lily Tamrick from www.parenthubspot.com and the Global Day Of Unplugging offer up tips that can help you channel your inner Kobe Bryant.
Make sure you have a place to play.
This might sound like a no-brainer, but you have to have a place to play and practice before you can perfect your slamdunk. If you don’t already have a court near your home and you plan to move in the near future, make sure that your address is near a park (or that you move into a community with a basketball court). Don’t overpay for your ability to play ball, but do make sure that you check an affordability calculator based on current interest rates and how much you can put down. It might make more sense to buy a home further away from the city and invest in a larger, basketball-goal-worthy driveway later.
Be realistic.
Although nobody wants to put a damper on your dunking endeavors, you do have to be realistic in your goals. If you plan on using a standard 10-foot basketball goal, you’re going to need to be at least 5’7” to make it happen. This doesn’t mean that you can’t dunk, just that you’ll need to invest in an adjustable goal if you’re short in stature. If you’ve ever wondered how tall your favorite ballplayer is, you are in luck. The digital age means there are websites that can answer that question for you. Check How Tall Height to see how you stack up against NBA greats, such as the 6’3” Memphis Grizzly point guard Ja Morant.
Watch basketball.
One of the best things you can do when you’re trying to learn how to play basketball, especially when you want to learn how to dunk, is to watch games at different levels. Visit local high school games or tune in online (the Frugal Rules blog notes that you don’t have to have an expensive cable subscription).
Go slowly.
As with any athletic goal, you have to condition yourself first. Field Insider recommends stretching and looking for ways to increase your vertical jump height. You’ll also need to master the short sprint and learn to manage your posture as you are running, jumping, and avoiding other players.
Prioritize your physical health.
Playing basketball is a highly physical activity which means you have to be in top shape. Prioritize eating well, keeping your muscles strong and pliable, in increasing your stamina and endurance, which the HealthLine blog asserts are two different things. You also want to get enough sleep each night, avoid fast food, and improve your mental concentration skills so that you can focus better on the court.
Get the entire family involved.
Having your family involved in your game is a great way to bond while also improving your performance. Talk to your family members about having a game night. You should also buy an adjustable hoop so that even the youngest family members can join in at least sometimes. Watch basketball together, and do other activities, such as walking and swimming, that help improve your physical fitness levels so that you can all play through an entire game.
The best thing you can do for yourself and your family today is to put your phone down and spend some time together face-to-face. After all, relationships are built by people, not devices. Today’s tips can help you enjoy physical fitness and fun using basketball (and the goal of hitting a slam dunk) as your muse. Before you get started, make sure you have a place to play, which means looking for the right home if you’re moving and getting your physical health ready for the challenge. You can also find inspiration by looking at the height of your favorite player and watching them on the court so that you can master their form.
