Basketball

I don’t know what it is, but I’m big on fitness now. Maybe it’s a phase. Hopefully, it’s a permanent one. Anyway, I started working out my lower body because I want to build stronger legs.

This is because I play basketball often. And if I could just jump higher for shots and rebounds, that would be awesome. I don’t want to sound like I’m bragging or conceited but I’m one of the better basketball players among the people I usually play with. Specifically, I contribute a decent portion of points in games. Keep in mind, I said the people I usually play with.

Overall, I’m really not that good - I’m weak with ball handling (dribbling) and my shot is inconsistent (form isn’t quite right). But with the guys I play with, I’m usually if not the tallest, then one of the taller people so that helps. I usually play the inside game, occasionally taking some outside shots if I get good looks. So if I could jump higher to grab those rebounds, gain more airtime on layups, or jump higher for those jump shots and blocking, I could improve my game tremendously.

In terms of my game right now, I really need to practice my jump shot to keep my form more consistent. Other than that, my weakness is ball handling. I don’t really have any “moves” to speak of. But since I’m usually in the paint, not that much dribbling is required before I make a shot attempt.

I know it’s a ambitious goal, and I might not accomplish it this semester but I want to be able to dunk. I’m 5′11″ and there were/are NBA players shorter than me who could dunk. So that means I can too, if I work hard enough. Right now, I come within millimeters of touching regulation-height rims. So I figure another foot added to my vertical jump could conceivably allow me to dunk.