The Physics and Anatomy of Palming a Basketball
Palming a basketball refers to the ability to hold the ball securely with one hand, using friction and hand spread to prevent the ball from dropping. For dunking, palming is a massive advantage because it allows you to carry the ball in one hand during approach, extending your reach to the rim.
Measuring Hand Dimensions
Two measurements dictate your capacity to palm a basketball:
- Hand Length: The distance from the crease of your wrist to the tip of your middle finger. Average adult male hand length is roughly 7.6 inches.
- Hand Span: The distance from the tip of your thumb to the tip of your pinky when your hand is fully spread. Average adult male hand span is roughly 8.5 inches.
A standard Size 7 basketball has a diameter of 9.5 inches and a circumference of 29.5 inches. To palm this ball, your hand span must cover enough surface area to create opposing friction points. A hand length over 8.25 inches and a hand span over 9 inches generally guarantees the ability to palm the ball easily.