Slam Dunk Technique

Step 1: The Approach
Approach the net with four quick steps. (These pointers are for right-handed players, so lefties should reverse the technique.) Step first with your right foot, then left. Now plant your right foot, bend at the knees, crouch slightly and swing both arms back in preparation for the jump. Smack the ball with an open hand. The faster you swing at the ball, the faster it will travel. As you hit the ball, twist your trunk. The true power of spiking comes from rotating your trunk and snapping your hand through the ball.

Step 2: Mastering Directionals
You can control the direction of the ball by where your hand makes contact. For straight ahead, strike the ball at dead center. To send it left, hit it a little to the right of the ball’s centerline. For the right, hit it a little left of center. Be sure your follow-through is strong, no matter where you hit the ball. Watch the opposing team scurry and bruise.

For maximum power and accuracy in spiking, make sure the ball is 6 to 12 inches in front of you. Also, when you hit the ball, make sure it’s between your head and your hitting shoulder. This will keep you from hurting your shoulder and rotator-cuff muscles. Don’t let the ball end up over your head, or you’ll miss the looks of fear on the opponents’ side of the net.

Step 3: The Lift-Off
The last step (with your left foot) is the driving step, when you push off both feet and launch yourself in the air. Just before jumping, always face the left back corner of the opponents’ court. That gives you the most slam placement options. Push with your legs and swing both arms upward as fast as you can. Failing to lift both arms straight up is a common problem for many players. As you near the peak of your jump—where you’ll make contact with the ball—keep your legs relaxed and your trunk slightly arched. Once you’ve completed your spike, always land on the balls of both feet with your knees bent. That will cushion the landing.