How to Slam Dunk in Basketball

Learning how to slam dunk can be effective in basketball.  While some view it as flashy, it is one of the highest percentage shots in basketball.  Knowing how to slam dunk will allow yourself to finish powerfully at the basket.

1. Develop your ability to palm the ball.  You will need to be able to palm the ball if you want to dunk with one hand.  If you can only dunk with both hands, your dunking will be slower. Therefore, you should spend some time harnessing your ability to palm the ball (if only to begin with one hand).  Use drills and practice going up with one hand to be able perform a one-handed dunk better.
2. Work on your leaping ability.  Unless you're dunking on a basketball hoop that's less than ten feet high, you must have a good vertical jump to be able to dunk.  Work on your vertical jump so that you will be able to perform a dunk.  Improving your leaping ability is beneficial for your ability to get above the rim, in this and other applications in basketball.
3. Leap strongly toward the basket.  Approach the basket and jump strongly, from a running or still start.  Make sure you protect the ball as you go up for the dunk.
4. Finish the dunk with the ball securely in your hands.  The ball should be securely in your hands until it is within the cylinder of the basket.  Your hands should securely handle the ball until they reach the iron.