Slam Dunk

I had a belief that dunk can only be possible by tall players. Dunk (slamming the basketball inside the ring) is a common scene in NBA games. I heard about Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, Dominique Wilkins etc. as the best dunkers in the world.

But I came to know that in last years (2006) NBA slam dunk competition, the winner was Nate Robinson, who is only 5 feet 7 and half inch tall! I saw his video in YouTube. Amazing! Then I started research on this matter and came to know that, 'Spud Webb' was another player who was only 5 feet 5 inch tall, became winner of NBA slam dunk competition in 1986, beating Dominique Wilkins!! I had to see the video in YouTube to believe it.

So height is not the barrier! You can dunk if you are shorter than 6 feet. But you have to have a very good 'Vertical Leap' (ability to jump high). It requires tremendous muscle strength and quick movement of ankle and knee.

This year (2007), Nate Robinson could not win. He lost the contest. But he and Spud webb won my heart long ago. Bravo!