Dunking a basketball on a 10-foot hoop depends on two key factors: standing reach and vertical jump. Standing reach is how high you can reach with one arm while standing, usually about 1.33 times a person’s height. Vertical jump measures how high you can leap, and unlike height, it can be improved through training.
For shorter players (5’7″ to 5’9″), dunking is extremely challenging, requiring a 35-inch vertical leap. Players like Nate Robinson, known for their high verticals, make this possible. Those between 5’10” and 6’0″ need a vertical jump of about 30 inches, and with training, dunking becomes more attainable.
At heights of 6’1″ to 6’3″, athletic individuals can dunk with little or no training, while others may still need to improve their jump. For those 6’4″ and taller, dunking is generally easier, as their height and reach offer a significant advantage. However, taller athletes might experience a decrease in agility, but their reach often compensates for this in dunking scenarios.
Ultimately, while height provides an advantage, training and improving vertical jump are essential for achieving the skill.