Is it easy to dunk at 5‘11"?

No, throwing down jam after rim-rattling jam is not easy if you‘re around average male height. According to experts, dunking a basketball at 5‘11" requires a vertical leap of at least 30 inches. For perspective, the average vertical jump for a male basketball player is 28 inches (HoopsBEAST). We‘re talking elite hops here.

But hope isn‘t lost for us height-challenged ballers. While genetic potential plays a role, there are techniques and training strategies to help you gain inches quickly. Let‘s break down everything you need to rise up to dunker status at 5‘11".

Prerequisite #1: Vertical Leap

5‘11" ballers need to jump around 30 inches to dunk. For context, that‘s about 78 centimeters if you play hoops overseas.

To find your max vertical, stand flat-footed against a wall. Reach up with your dominant hand. Mark the highest point you can touch. Now jump as high as possible and slap the wall at the peak. Subtract your standing reach from the jump height: that‘s your vertical leap.

Based on my calculations, the average adult male has a 20-24 inch vertical. But we need more.

Luckily, vertical jump is one of the most rapidly-improvable athletic attributes. With a diligent plyometric routine and squat regimen, you can add inches quickly. Don‘t expect NBA bounce, but consistent training yields tangible results.

Prerequisite #2: Perfect Jumping Form

Jumping technique is vital for max lift-off. To initiate the jump, rapidly dip into a quarter squat. Explode up by triple extending your ankles, knees, and hips.

Land softly on the balls of your feet with bent knees to absorb impact. Poor landing mechanics leads to injury which hampers jumping ability long-term.

When driving to the rim, build momentum with an aggressive one-foot plant. Keep your core engaged and shoulders back throughout the leap. Send the ball ahead of you toward the hoop. Extend your arm and hand fully on the flush. Guide the ball in cleanly with your wrist and fingers.

Check out tutorials from channels like iLoveBasketballTV on perfecting jumping mechanics. Their step-by-step instructions help troubleshoot form flaws holding you back from big air.

Hit the Weight Room

Gym newbies eager to dunk often overlook strength training. They head straight for the jump programs.

But dunking demands an athletic base of muscle. Squats develop full-body power and balance. Deadlifts build lower body strength so you can explode off the hardwood. Olympic lifts like power cleans also train fast-twitch muscle crucial for jumping ability.

Crank out sets of calf raises until failure too. The calves provide essential spring action to help you get airborne.

According to JumpUSA, the average dunker can rep squat around 700 pounds. While novice lifters shouldn‘t approach such intense weight, the correlation between strength and hops is clear. Continue building your athletic base in the weight room even as plyometrics become more focused.

Level Up Your Hops

We‘ve covered strength training‘s importance. But dedicated plyometrics are key for inches off the floor.

Plyos build the quick, explosive power needed for leaping ability. They train your muscles and nervous system to apply force rapidly.

Entire programs dedicated to vertical explosion exist, but here is a basic weekly outline:

• Box jumps – 5 sets x 5 reps (focus on minimzing ground contact time).
• Depth jumps – 5 sets x 5 reps (start with a 12-inch box).
• Standing vertical jumps – 5 sets x 5 reps (emphasize fast eccentric phase).
• Lateral cone hops – 5 sets x 5 hops per side (challenge lateral stability).
• Sprint and vertical jump circuits – 10 reps.

Perform this routine 2-3 times per week alongside your usual basketball training. Monitor progress by retesting your max vertical monthly.

Advanced athletes can up intensity with higher boxes, added weight vests, and more sets/reps. But ensure proper landing mechanics first.

Continue Level Grinding

Unfortunately, dunking mastery doesn‘t happen overnight. With consistent plyometrics, intelligent weight training, and honed technique, you can chip away at inches and barriers between you and the rim.

While 5‘11" presents challenges for throwing down, surprises happen. Spud Webb won the ‘86 dunk contest at 5‘7". Three-time champ Nate Robinson stands just 5‘9".

Their legendary dunks required unrelenting work ethic. But they prove skywalking isn‘t just for skyscrapers.channel your inner Spud, stack your training buffs, and get grinding. 6+ months of hardcore commitment unlocks the High Flyer achievement.

Rise up!