Basketball: How-to guides
Browse SportsMonkie's how-to guides about basketball, organized in one crawlable topic hub.
18 articles in this topic.
How to Dunk a Basketball: The Jump, Approach & Training Plan
How to dunk a basketball comes down to one number: your standing reach plus your vertical leap has to clear the 10-foot rim. Here's the math, the approach mechanics, and a realistic training path to your first dunk.
Vertical Jump Strength Training: The Lifts That Actually Raise Your Jump
Vertical jump strength training builds the raw leg and hip force that plyometrics later convert into height — centered on the squat, trap-bar deadlift, hip thrust, RDL, and split squat, trained heavy 2-3 times a week.
Proper Basketball Shooting Form: A Step-by-Step Guide
Master proper basketball shooting form with clear cues for your feet, elbow alignment, guide hand, and wrist snap, plus how to build a repeatable one-motion shot.
How to Do a Crossover Dribble: Step-by-Step Guide
Learn how to do a crossover dribble that actually breaks defenders: the low hard bounce, the setup that sells, ball protection, and how to score off it.
Free Throw Technique: A Repeatable Pre-Shot Routine
Master free throw technique with a repeatable pre-shot routine, alignment to the nail, clean mechanics, and controlled breathing to raise your percentage fast.
How to Do a Layup: Footwork, Steps & Off-Hand Finish
Learn how to do a layup step by step: the one-two footwork, correct takeoff foot, off-hand finishes, and how to use the backboard box to score at the rim.
How to Dribble a Basketball: Control, Speed, Weak Hand
Learn how to dribble a basketball with fingertip control, a low hard bounce, and eyes up. Step-by-step cues plus weak-hand drills to build a real handle.
How to Shoot a Basketball Better: Fix Flat Shots Fast
Learn how to shoot a basketball better by fixing flat shots, tightening footwork off the catch, and building a practice routine that makes your jumper repeatable.
How to Shoot a Basketball: Perfect Form Step by Step
Learn how to shoot a basketball with perfect form: master BEEF, balanced stance, a straight-up release, 45-degree arc, and follow-through to make more shots.
Jump Shot Technique: Elevation, Set Point, Release
Master jump shot technique with real coaching cues for footwork, set point, elevation, and releasing at the peak—for both catch-and-shoot and off-the-dribble shots.
How to Shoot a Three-Pointer: Range, Power & Footwork
Learn how to shoot a three-pointer with a legs-driven stroke, clean footwork behind the line, and a range-building plan that keeps your form the same at 24 feet.
Box Jump Workout: How to Box Jump Safely and Program It Right
A box jump workout starts with a modest box height, a controlled landing in a soft quarter-squat, and stepping down (never jumping down) — done for low reps with full rest so every rep stays explosive.
How High Do You Have to Jump to Dunk? (By Height)
How high you have to jump to dunk depends on your standing reach: an average 6-foot player needs about a 24-inch vertical, while a 5-foot-10 player needs closer to 28-30 inches. Here's the exact math by height.
How to Increase Vertical for Basketball: A 12-Week Jump Program
To increase your vertical for basketball, combine heavy lower-body strength, explosive plyometrics, and hip mobility three days a week. Here is the exact program, cues, and mistakes to avoid.
How to Jump Higher: The Complete Vertical Jump Training Guide
How to jump higher comes down to three trainable factors: leg and hip strength, explosive power (plyometrics), and jump technique — trained together in a structured program over 6 to 12 weeks.
The Best Plyometric Exercises for Vertical Jump
The best plyometric exercises for vertical jump train your legs to produce force faster, not just harder. Here are 9 ranked plyos with form cues, sets, reps and a progression plan.
10 Vertical Jump Exercises at Home (No Equipment Needed)
The best vertical jump exercises at home need no equipment: squat jumps, split-squat jumps, calf raises, and broad jumps build strength and power in a small space. Here are 10 moves plus a weekly plan.
Vertical Jump Workout Plan: An 8-Week Program to Jump Higher
This vertical jump workout plan schedules strength, plyometrics, and technique across 8 weeks — three phases, exact sets and reps, and two jump days a week — to add real inches to your vertical.