Sunday, November 27, 2011

Let the Euphoria Begin!!

I'm not officially starting my jump training until after my half marathon (this coming Saturday).  However, every little bit will help in my efforts to dunk a basketball.  It's more than just having strong legs.  Two things that will help make my dunking efforts a little easier--being able to palm a basketball and better flexibility (particularly in my hammies).  Working on fingertip strength.  Tonight I was able to palm my basketball in my right hand for a couple of minutes straight.  Conventional wisdom indicates that not being able to palm a ball means you have to jump a couple inches higher.  Some might say "Well, just use a girl's ball or a youth ball".  That won't cut it here.  I won't be completely satisfied unless I can dunk a regulation men's basketball.

The other part I am working on is stretching.  Normally, if I try to touch my toes I can barely get past my knees.  OK, I can normally get a little better than that but touching my toes is typically a challenge of epic proportions.  The other night I was able to not just touch my toes, but actually touch the floor.  This evening I was able to touch the floor with all my fingers at the same time.  I'm getting close to being able to palm the floor.  Now THAT, children, was a moment of miraculous joy.  The euphoria was probably just a bit short of what it will be when I can actually dunk a basketball!

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