What Was Spud Webb's Exact Standing Reach, Hand Size, and Vertical?

In 1986, 5-foot-7 guard Anthony "Spud" Webb shocked the basketball world by defeating teammate Dominique Wilkins to win the NBA Slam Dunk Contest. Standing nearly a foot shorter than his competitors, Spud remains the gold standard for short athletes dreaming of dunking. What were Spud Webb's exact physical measurements, standing reach, hand size, and vertical leap?

Spud Webb's Official Measurement Breakdown

The Physics of Spud Webb's 1986 Dunk Contest

Let's run the exact height addition math for Spud Webb's peak vertical leap on a standard 10-foot rim (120 inches):

With a peak touch height of 134 inches, Spud Webb reached 14 inches above the rim! This generous 14-inch clearance buffer allowed him to execute 360-degree dunks, off-the-bounce alley-oops, and double-pump reverse slams without needing to palm the basketball.

Did Spud Webb Palm the Basketball?

No, Spud Webb could not easily palm a standard Size 7 NBA basketball. With an average hand span of roughly 8.5 inches, he possessed typical hand dimensions for a 5'7" male.

To overcome this, Spud relied on a high-velocity one-foot takeoff approach, gathering momentum to cradle the ball with two hands or pin it firmly against his wrist before snapping it downward through the rim at his peak height.

3 Key Lessons from Spud Webb's Mechanics

1. Capitalize on a Positive Ape Index: Spud's +4" wingspan raised his standing reach from 85 inches to 88 inches, saving him 3 inches of required jump height.
2. Master 1-Foot Takeoff Momentum: Sprinting into a 1-foot plant takeoff allowed Spud to convert horizontal speed into vertical propulsion.
3. High Achilles Tendon Elasticity: Spud possessed exceptionally long Achilles tendons, providing massive elastic energy storage during plant step deceleration.