How to Spin a Basketball on Your Finger
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How to Spin a Basketball on Your Finger
The Harlem Globe Trotters make it look easy. Even your little cousin can do it. Now it's your turn to wow onlookers. Follow these steps and you'll be spinning that basketball in no time.
Step 1: Preparations
Prepare by slightly deflating the ball. This increases the surface area and creates a "give" allowing your fingers to comfortably balance the ball, thus granting you effective control over it.
Step 2: Spin Set Up
Hold the ball with the seams in a vertical direction. Place your dominant hand on the far side while placing your other hand on the side facing you. Bend your elbows and keep them tucked close to your body. Hold the ball about four inches from your chin.
Step 3: Action time
Spin the ball by snapping both of your wrists. Start slowly. The goal is to ensure that the seams rotate without wobbling. While it's spinning, quickly get hold of the ball with the pad of your index finger. Repeat this until you are able to count to five without dropping it. You will improve as time goes by.
Step 4: Keep it rolling
On the pad of your finger, the ball tends to slow down in about eight seconds. To lengthen the spin time you'll have to move it to the tip of your nail in order to reduce friction. While the ball is spinning, bend your fingers slightly in your direction. Now slowly and steadily, move the ball to your fingernail.
For extra showmanship points, try moving the ball onto your free fingers as well.
If you're having a hard time mastering these steps, keep at it. Persistance pays off.
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| Ray Lokar |
