What is a slam dunk?
A slam dunk is a basketball shot in which a player jumps and forces the ball down through the hoop with one or both hands. It is worth two points, like any other shot inside the three-point line.
Dunking requires strength, timing and the ability to jump high enough to reach above the rim, which is 10 feet, or 3.05 meters, off the ground. Taller players can dunk more easily, but some shorter players with huge leaping ability, such as Spud Webb at 5 feet 7 inches, have become famous dunkers.
The dunk was banned in US college basketball from 1967 to 1976, partly because of the dominance of center Lew Alcindor, later known as Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. The term slam dunk was popularized by Los Angeles Lakers broadcaster Chick Hearn. Today, the phrase also means something certain to succeed.
Dunk contests
The NBA Slam Dunk Contest, held during All-Star Weekend, has featured legendary performances by Julius Erving, Michael Jordan, Vince Carter and Zach LaVine. Players compete with creative dunks, such as jumping from the free-throw line or leaping over people.
Did You Know?
Women can dunk too. Georgeann Wells of West Virginia University made the first recorded dunk in a women's college game in 1984.