Andrew Pace
Dunking in high school basketball has been a contentious issue for decades. From 1967 to 1976, dunking was banned in high school and college basketball, with players having to lay the ball up or drop it through the hoop. This ban, often called the Lew Alcindor Rule, was attributed to the dominance of players like Lew Alcindor (later Kareem Abdul-Jabbar) and was seen as taboo by purists. After the ban was lifted, dunking became a beloved highlight of the game, with players like Michael Jordan and Vince Carter showcasing their dunking skills. However, even today, there are still restrictions on dunking in high school basketball, particularly during pre-game warmups when referees are present, as it can lead to technical fouls and equipment damage.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Time period when dunking was banned in high school basketball | 1967 to 1976 |
| Organization that sets rules for high school basketball in all 50 states | National Federation of High Schools |
| Rule regarding dunking during pregame warmups | Players are prohibited from dunking during pregame warmups when referees are present on the court |
| Year the ban on dunking in high school basketball was lifted | 1976 |
| Year the term "slam dunk" was coined | N/A |
| Points awarded for a successful dunk | 2 points |
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What You'll Learn
- Dunking was banned in high school basketball from 1967 to 1976
- The ban was known as the Lew Alcindor rule, after the college basketball player
- Dunking during pre-game warmups is also banned in high school basketball
- The slam dunk is a type of basketball shot where a player shoves the ball through the basket
- The slam dunk is a crowd-pleaser and an effective way of scoring
Dunking was banned in high school basketball from 1967 to 1976
Dunking, a crowd-pleasing move in basketball, was banned in high school basketball for almost a decade, from 1967 to 1976. This ban, often referred to as the "Lew Alcindor Rule", was instituted due to concerns about player safety and the belief that dunking did not showcase basketball skill but only height advantage. However, many, including Lew Alcindor (later known as Kareem Abdul-Jabbar), attributed racial motives to the ban as most of the prominent dunkers in college basketball at the time were African-American.
The ban was instituted during a time when the game was rapidly evolving, and players like the 7-foot-2-inch Kareem Abdul-Jabbar were dominating the sport instead of shorter, more ground-bound players like Bob Cousy. During this period, high school and college basketball players had to adapt and develop different skill sets, focusing on power layups and finesse moves like the "skyhook" instead of slamming the ball through the rim.
The return of the dunk to high school and college basketball in 1976 was accompanied by the introduction of the breakaway rim, invented by Arthur Ehrat, which made dunking safer by reducing the risk of shattering backboards. The same year, the first-ever dunk contest was held during the NBA All-Star Weekend, showcasing the creative and eye-popping dunks of players like Michael Jordan, Dominique Wilkins, and Vince Carter.
The "Lew Alcindor Rule" stands as one of the most infamous decisions in sports history, and today, the dunk is a beloved and celebrated aspect of basketball, with slam dunk contests held annually to showcase the athletic abilities and creativity of players.
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The ban was known as the Lew Alcindor rule, after the college basketball player
The dunk, or slam dunk, is a iconic and powerful move in basketball, where a player thrusts the ball downwards through the basket with one or both hands. It is a high-percentage shot and can be an effective way to score. However, there was a time when this dynamic move was banned in high school basketball across the United States. From the 1960s to the late 1990s, dunking was illegal in American high school basketball games and practice sessions. This ban was known as the "Lew Alcindor Rule," named after the talented college basketball player who dominated the courts in the 1960s—Lew Alcindor, who later changed his name to Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. Standing at 7 feet 2 inches tall, Alcindor played for Power Memorial Academy in New York and led his team to three straight city championships and a 71-game winning streak. His dominant performances and frequent dunking drew national attention, and he was named the most outstanding high school player in the country.
Alcindor's skill and physical attributes caused concern among basketball officials, who worried that players of his stature and ability would gain a significant advantage over smaller players if they were allowed to dunk. There were also concerns about the potential for injury when players dunked, as well as the perception that dunking gave an unfair advantage to taller players. As a result, the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) introduced the rule change in 1967, banning dunking in high school basketball nationwide. The rule specifically stated that "dunking, or stuffing, a basketball in pre-game warmups, or during a game, will result in a technical foul call on the offending player."
The rule was enforced strictly, and players found to be in violation were penalized. The ban remained in place for over three decades, shaping the way high school basketball was played during that period. It wasn't until the late 1990s that the rule was re-evaluated and eventually lifted, allowing players to once again showcase their dunking abilities in high school competitions. The lifting of the ban brought high school basketball rules more in line with the college and professional games, where dunking had always been permitted. Today, dunking is an exciting and celebrated part of the game at all levels, and players like LeBron James and Zion Williamson have continued to push the boundaries of what is possible with their powerful and creative dunks.
The legacy of the Lew Alcindor Rule remains an interesting footnote in the history of basketball, reflecting a time when the sport's governing bodies attempted to curb the influence of exceptional players and maintain a level playing field. Despite the rule bearing his name, Lew Alcindor himself went on to have a hugely successful college and professional career, becoming one of the greatest players of all time and a pioneer of the skyhook shot. His impact on the game, both during and after the dunking ban, is undeniable, and he remains an iconic figure in the world of basketball.
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Dunking during pre-game warmups is also banned in high school basketball
Dunking is an iconic move in basketball, with players like Michael Jordan becoming legendary for their dunks. However, in high school basketball, dunking during pre-game warmups is banned. This rule is enforced by the National Federation of High Schools, which sets the rules for all 50 states. The rule states that once the referees are on the court, if any player dunks during warmups, it is considered a technical foul. This results in penalties for the player's team, such as the opposing team gaining possession and receiving free throws.
The main reason cited for this rule is to minimize damage to the rims and backboards. Replacing a rim can be costly and time-consuming, and it could result in canceled games. High schools often lack the resources to quickly fix damaged equipment, and the responsibility often falls on coaches and referees to enforce the rule and prevent damage.
Some people disagree with the rule, arguing that it doesn't make sense to allow dunking during games but not during warmups. They also question the fairness of canceling games for younger students when equipment is damaged by older students. Additionally, some players feel that dunking is an essential part of their warm-up routine and helps them get ready for the game.
While the rule may be unpopular with some players and fans, it is still enforced in high school basketball to protect equipment and ensure fair play. It's important to note that the rule has evolved over time, with dunking even being banned in high school and college basketball from 1967 to 1976 due to the dominance of players like Lew Alcindor (Kareem Abdul-Jabbar).
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The slam dunk is a type of basketball shot where a player shoves the ball through the basket
The slam dunk is a type of basketball shot where a player jumps in the air, controls the ball above the horizontal plane of the rim, and shoves the ball directly through the basket with one or both hands. It is a type of field goal that is worth two points and is usually the highest-percentage shot. The term "slam dunk" was coined by former Los Angeles Lakers announcer Chick Hearn, although the shot was previously known as a "dunk shot".
Slam dunks are a very effective way of scoring in basketball and are a crowd-pleaser. They can also be used to intimidate the opposing team and impress teammates. The first woman to dunk in a WNBA game was Lisa Leslie in 2002. She was also the first player to score over 3,000 total career points.
Slam dunks were banned in NCAA and high school basketball games from 1967 to 1976, largely due to the dominance of Lew Alcindor (later known as Kareem Abdul-Jabbar). During this time, players had to lay the ball up or drop it through the hoop instead. The ban was also attributed to racial motivations, as the prominent college basketball dunkers at the time were African-American.
In 1976, the dunk was brought back to high school and collegiate basketball, and the first-ever dunk contest was held. Since then, the slam dunk has become a beloved part of the game, with players like Michael Jordan and Brittney Griner becoming famous for their dunks.
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The slam dunk is a crowd-pleaser and an effective way of scoring
The slam dunk is a basketball shot that involves a player jumping in the air, controlling the ball above the horizontal plane of the rim, and pushing the ball directly through the basket with one or both hands. It is a crowd-pleaser and one of the most effective ways of scoring in basketball, with a high percentage of success.
The slam dunk has become an iconic part of the sport, with the NBA Slam Dunk Contest showcasing the very best of these athletic and skilful shots. The contest has featured some of the game's greats, including Michael Jordan, Vince Carter, and Kobe Bryant. The move has a rich history, with the first recorded dunk taking place in 1936 by Joe Fortenberry, who dunked the ball while playing for the McPherson Globe Refiners at Madison Square Garden.
Despite its popularity, the slam dunk was once outlawed in high school and college basketball games. From 1967 to 1976, players were banned from performing this move and had to rely on layups or simply dropping the ball through the hoop. The ban, often referred to as the "Lew Alcindor Rule," was attributed to the dominance of players like Lew Alcindor (later known as Kareem Abdul-Jabbar). Some, including Alcindor himself, believed the ban had racial motives as most of the prominent dunkers at the time were African-American.
Today, dunking is allowed in high school basketball games, but there are specific rules that govern its use. For example, players are allowed to take two steps before dunking the ball, and they must gain control of the ball with one step, using the next two steps to manoeuvre and gain momentum. Dunking is also prohibited during dead ball situations like timeouts or when the ball is out of bounds.
While dunking is allowed during games, it is not permitted during pre-game warmups when referees are on the court. This rule is in place to minimise damage to rims and backboards, as well as to prevent showboating and psychological intimidation of opposing teams. Despite this restriction, the slam dunk remains a popular and effective scoring move in high school basketball.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, dunking has been allowed in high school basketball games since 1976.
The ban, which lasted from 1967 to 1976, was attributed to the dominance of Lew Alcindor (now Kareem Abdul-Jabbar) and other tall players. Many also believe that the ban had racial motivations as most of the prominent dunkers at the time were African-American.
Yes, dunking is only allowed during live gameplay. Players are not allowed to dunk during dead-ball situations like timeouts or when the ball is out of bounds.
No, dunking during warm-ups is prohibited by the National Federation of High Schools (NFHS) when referees are present on the court.
Dunking during warm-ups is prohibited to minimize damage to rims and backboards, prevent injuries, and avoid psychological intimidation of opposing teams.
