Expert: Bob Anagnostou - 8/30/2006

Question
HI,

I am 15 years old and I think about 5'4-5'6 and I can touch rim. I could touch rim few weeks ago and now when I try I cant even get close to touching it. I think I can only touch it is when my adrenaline is high or something or when there is people but when I try I cant do it anymore. Can you tell me why I can't exactly touch the rim anymore? Thank You

Answer
Hey thanks for your question.

Look, if you were able to touch the rim some weeks before and now you cannot, there are many logical explanations for it.

I see that you have already stated one. It's true that when adrenaline is at high levels, when you play in official games or with other people streetball, you jump a couple of inches more than when you are alone and try to touch the rim. Cause then you want to prove everybody that you can make it. This may also be a sign of fatigue. If you have been playing the days before and your legs are tired, you have muscle fibers broken down and you should try to rest your legs and keep off the hoops for a couple of days. 48 hours are needed for the muscle group to recover.

These are the reasons. Try the following to enchace your jumping ability. When you try to touch the rim, you would better focus on the upper line of the backboard, that is 6-7 inches over the rim. You will gain 1 or 2 inches at once. Try to work your ankles with Ankle raises. It is one of the most important workouts for you vertical leap. Hey, and don't worry. You are just 15. You should try to elevate other aspects of your game like dribbling and shooting and wait for your first dunk.

Hey thanks and i hope i've helped.
Let me know how it goes.
Yours, Bob