Why do some basketball player care about dunking?

Question

I've noticed alot of questions asking "How can I dunk?" and so forth. WHY!?!?!?

Maybe I'm just an old school type of player, but I really don't care for dunking. I can dunk easily if I want and sometimes I may during practice, but during a game I don't look to dunk simply because I can get 2pts with a layup so much easier without the risk of being blocked or hit hard causing a potential injury. I really don't find it necessary. Dunking during a game simply doesn't make sense because layups are so much easier, more accurate, and you can trick the opponent w/ a change layup. I don't see it as a key skill to learn in order to be a good basketball player. With that being said, what's the story behind all of those people looking to learn to dunk?

Also, does anyone else see things my way?

Answer 1

ppl want to dunk becase they seee it as a way to increase their reputation as a basketball player. To the outside world a dunk is the ultimate basketball "skill" and is the easiest way to get recognition from non-players. Think about it, if you do a lay-up on a break way during one of your schoool games for instance, are poeple going to be saying, "Did u see so and so do a lay up the other day? It was ill!"



No that would never happen. Dunking is a symbol of someones status, and as u said completley unnessesary.



Plus all these people who talk about dunks as if they are higher percentage than layups are somking crack and have probably never dunked on nething high than 8 feet before. Being 6'5 I am able to dunk, but it is not easy, footwork and timming all have to be right. So, unless ur 6'9 or a pro dunking is in general a lower percentage shot.

Answer 2

Dunking is most certainly not key to the game of basketball. Sure, dunking is fun, and if you get good at it, you can do it in a game with little problem. I don't think that anybody should focus on it until you've honed every other skill first. Fundamentals are essential to basketball no matter what level you're playing, and dunks are just a fancy extra, not necessary at all.



I think that these days, due largely to the NBA, people are viewing dunking as an essential part of basketball, when it's just not. Sure, dunks are fun and I'll cheer as hard as anybody when somebody on a team I'm rooting for makes a sweet dunk, but people really need to realize that working and perfecting your fundamental skills is much more important than learning to dunk. Plus, dunking is an advanced skill and it's not going to happen right away.

Answer 3

I hate you. Pretty much everything you said is wrong. Dunks are hardly ever blocked because there is no time when the ball is out of your hand until it is already through the basket. Remember in the playoffs a few years ago when reggie miller had a breakaway and he did a little sissy, little girl, WNBA, layup and got packed by Teyshaun Prince and they ended up losing the game because of it. Well if he had dunked they might have won that game. Also it is much easier to dunk after being fouled than converting a layup. I have so much more to say about how stupid you are but I don't have time.

Answer 4

So you are saying that lay ups have a better chance to make it than dunks? Lay ups can 1. Easily get blocked. 2. Have a tendency to miss. and 3. Are hard to come by (You cant just drive in.)

You think a dunk is easy to block? A 7 foot guy, 250 pounds comes at you with his testosterone running high and is sprinting right at you and you expect to even stand in his way. OK buddy i don't think you've ever played basketball. Hahaha and you said you can easily dunk if you wanted to. Hahahah

Answer 5

I do, but a dunk is a high percentage shot. Not to say a layup isn't, but you're practically ensuring the shot goes in. If a guy was gonna try to foul you going up for a shot, your layup's trajectory might be off because he hacked you on the arm or another body part. But getting fouled while slamming it home ensures the basket goes AND the foul. To me, its just a higher percentage shot than a layup, but not much.

Answer 6

dunking is a high percentage shot, also going to the hole to dunk puts the offensive player in position to get free throws if fouled...often times analysts will cringe when a player gets blocked or goes 'soft' to the basket...dunking also is a. a crowd pleaser and can put energy into a crowd at home or take it from a road crowd b. can also put energy in an offense and demoralize a defense The thing is...dunking takes a lot of energy and is hard on the knees over time, look at most high flying stars over time, they all learn to make that lil safe dunk...high enough, not too showy to be hard on the knees...and no risking injury...often early in the leapers careers they put arms in the rim, duck the bottom of the backboard and rim when on the way up, and that sort of thing...later in their career they get smart...a longer career (esp at today's pay levels) is much better than a bright career...

Answer 7

My created player Briaon Lovell can dunk better than both of them, and he's white. Brent Barry won the 1996 Dunk Contest, I believe.

Answer 8

It adds some style points to your game. Dunks are about showmanship and for the highlight reel. But even though a dunk may make you look good there is a risk of getting hurt involved.

Answer 9

put it this way... ur team is playing at home.. the game is tied suddenly the home team player steals the ball and runs to the basket of the opposite team and dunks it.. that will get the crowd pumped up anytime and the players will get a lot of confidence.. yes i know that a lay up will do it too but a dunk is like saying in ur face... !!!

Answer 10

i do think your way, but i can understand why people wants to dunk. dunk is the highlight. highlight not necessarily win the game though.

that being said, people wants to be entertained, therefore, they like to see dunks. and the more a player dunks during a game, the more famous he became to the fans...

and what you said about the potential danger in dunking during a game is damn right.

Answer 11

dunks are cooler,dunner, and better. layups are for short guys and all the cool guys that can reach the rim, dunk.its better than laying it in off the backboard with the chance of missing. if you slam it through with two hands, its going in

Answer 12

well, as me being a basketball player, it is easier, if u get good at it, ull pretty much make all of your dunks... and you can get it down and up there with little chance of interception of of them steeling it.