Did you know the Slam Dunk was originally called a Dunk Shot?
The actual term Slam Dunk was created by the LA Lakers announcer - Chick Hearn.
For the record the definition of a Slam Dunk is a Basketball shot where the Basketball player jumps with 2 feet off the ground and slams the basketball in a downward motion through the ring.
It’s hard to tell which Basketball player was the first to do a Slam Dunk but there have been a few stand out names over the years. Bob Kurland in the 1940 and 50’s and several over the past few decades. Spud Webb was a standout in the 1986 NBA Slam Dunk Contest. There are also many other amazing feats and styles that have come into creation during the annual NBA Slam Dunk Contest. One notable Dunk was performed by Michael Jordan which he named the "The Leaner." The amazing thing with The Leaner was that Jordan’s body was nearly at right angles to the ground at certain stages of completing his style of Slam Dunk.
Another truly amazing Slam Dunk was performed by Taurian Fontenette during a Streetball Game. He performed a 720 degree Dunk. Yes that’s right – 2 full rotations while in the air! It’s easy to understand why he was given the Nick Name "Air Up There"!
Other interesting points regarding the Slam Dunk include:
* In 1984 the NBA recommenced the Slam Dunk Contest. This contest was won by Phoenix’s Larry Nance.
* Professional Leagues of basketball now have reinforced backboards to prevent the Glass Backboard from Shattering when players attempt Slam Dunks.
* Shattering the Backboard in the NBA now results in a technical foul.
* In the WNBA there have only ever been 6 Slam Dunks. The first completed Slam Dunk was by Lisa Leslie from the Los Angeles Sparks in 2002.
* Apart from being one of the greatest types of basketball shots to watch, the Slam Dunk is also one of the highest conversion shots that a Basketball player can attempt.
* Performing a Slam Dunk was banned in the NCAA between 67 and 69.
The Physical feat of performing a Slam Dunk really is amazing. No wonder all us Basketball Fans are still in ore of amazing Slam Dunks!
basketball clothingMore Information:The writer of this article is an established company of
basketball uniform and jersey. Being a great fan of basketball himself, he closely follows and enjoys all aspects of the game.
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