Kristian Ferrell
Dunking, 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, was banned in high school basketball games from 1967 to 1976. The ban, also known as the Lew Alcindor rule, was attributed to the dominance of college basketball player Lew Alcindor (later known as Kareem Abdul-Jabbar). However, after the ban was lifted in 1976, dunking was allowed in high school basketball under certain conditions, such as limiting the number of steps before dunking to avoid a traveling violation. While dunking is generally permitted in high school games today, some states have specific rules prohibiting players from dunking during pre-game warm-ups when referees are present on the court.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Dunking allowed during gameplay | Yes |
| Dunking allowed during warmups | No, if referees are present |
| Time period when dunking was banned | 1967 to 1976 |
| Reason for the ban | Dominance of Lew Alcindor (Kareem Abdul-Jabbar) and racial motivations |
| Notable high school dunkers | Breanna Stewart, Brittney Griner, Brittney Sykes, Alexis Prince |
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What You'll Learn
- Dunking in high school basketball was banned from 1967 to 1976
- The ban was due to the dominance of Lew Alcindor (Kareem Abdul-Jabbar)
- The no-dunking rule is sometimes called the Lew Alcindor rule
- Dunking during pre-game warmups is not allowed when referees are present
- Dunking is a high-percentage shot and a crowd-pleaser
Dunking in high school basketball was banned from 1967 to 1976
The ban was attributed to the dominance of Lew Alcindor, later known as Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, a 7-foot-2-inch college basketball player. The no-dunking rule is often referred to as the "Lew Alcindor rule." Many, including Alcindor himself, believed the ban had racial motivations. At the time, most prominent dunkers in college basketball were African-American, and the ban was implemented less than a year after an all-black team from Texas Western won the 1966 NCAA University Division basketball championship against an all-white Kentucky team.
The ban was lifted in 1976, and the same year, the NBA held its first-ever dunk contest. The return of the dunk in college basketball was made possible by Arthur Ehrat's invention of the breakaway rim with a spring, reducing the risk of shattering backboards.
The dunk is now a beloved and eye-popping highlight of basketball games, with players like Michael Jordan, Dominique Wilkins, and Vince Carter showcasing their dunking skills. The ban seems silly in retrospect, especially considering the evolution of the game and the dominance of taller players like Abdul-Jabbar.
During this time, high school and college players had to develop different skill sets, focusing on fundamentals like power layups and improving their defensive strategies. The ban on dunking in high school basketball from 1967 to 1976 had a significant impact on the sport, and its removal paved the way for the celebration of dunking as a creative and effective scoring technique.
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The ban was due to the dominance of Lew Alcindor (Kareem Abdul-Jabbar)
From 1967 to 1976, dunking was banned in high school and college basketball. Many people attribute this ban to the dominance of the college phenomenon Lew Alcindor, later known as Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. Abdul-Jabbar, standing at 7 feet 2 inches tall, was an unstoppable force on the court. His skill and dominance were such that basketball officials became concerned, and the ban on dunking soon followed. This rule, prohibiting players from slamming the ball through the rim, is sometimes referred to as the "Lew Alcindor Rule".
Abdul-Jabbar, even as a rookie, was an assertive and unapologetically Black athlete who challenged the racial expectations of the time. He was often vilified by the media and fans for his surliness and perceived as "mercenary, rude, [and] possibly anti-white". Despite this negative perception, Abdul-Jabbar became a household name and a cultural icon. His influence extended beyond the basketball court, as he took advantage of his media visibility to express new forms of Black masculine identity and weigh in on current affairs.
Abdul-Jabbar's dominance in the game was undeniable. He held the record for all-time scoring in the NBA for nearly 39 years, a testament to his incredible 20-year career. His signature skyhook shot and dunking ability made him a force to be reckoned with on the court.
The ban on dunking, implemented during Abdul-Jabbar's college years, may also have had racial motivations. At the time, most of the prominent dunkers in college basketball were African American. The ban took place less than a year after an all-black Texas Western team beat an all-white Kentucky team to win the 1966 NCAA University Division basketball championship.
The ban on dunking in high school and college basketball due to the dominance of Lew Alcindor (Kareem Abdul-Jabbar) is a fascinating chapter in the history of the sport. It showcases how a player's skill and influence can shape the game and how societal factors, such as race, have also played a role in shaping the rules and perceptions of the game.
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The no-dunking rule is sometimes called the Lew Alcindor rule
From 1967 to 1976, dunking was banned in high school and college basketball. During this time, players had to lay the ball up or drop it through the hoop as they jumped through the air. The no-dunking rule, sometimes called the Lew Alcindor rule, was instituted due to the dominance of the college basketball player Lew Alcindor, later known as Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. Alcindor played for the UCLA Bruins, leading them to three consecutive NCAA titles from 1967 to 1969. Standing at 6 ft 8 in by the eighth grade, Alcindor was already able to dunk a basketball. His skill and height made him a dominant force in college basketball, leading to the implementation of the no-dunking rule.
Alcindor was born in Harlem, New York City, in 1947, and grew up in the Inwood neighbourhood of Upper Manhattan. He attended Power Memorial, a private Catholic high school, where he led the basketball team to 71 consecutive wins. After his outstanding performance in high school, he went on to play college basketball for the UCLA Bruins. During his college career, Alcindor was a three-time most outstanding player of the NCAA tournament and led his team to three consecutive national championships.
Following his successful college career, Alcindor was drafted by the Milwaukee Bucks in 1969. He played for the Bucks for six seasons before being traded to the Los Angeles Lakers in 1975. With the Lakers, he played the final 14 seasons of his 20-season professional career. Alcindor was a highly decorated player, winning a record six NBA Most Valuable Player (MVP) awards and being named to 19 NBA All-Star teams. He was also a leading scorer, breaking the NBA's career scoring record in 1984.
The no-dunking rule was instituted to curb Alcindor's dominance in college basketball. His skill and height allowed him to easily dunk the ball, and the rule was put in place to prevent him from utilizing this ability. The rule banning dunking in high school and college basketball lasted for nine years, only ending in 1976. During this time, players had to adapt their playing style and find alternative ways to score, such as laying the ball up or dropping it through the hoop. Despite the no-dunking rule, Alcindor still managed to excel in college basketball, showcasing his all-around talent and skill.
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Dunking during pre-game warmups is not allowed when referees are present
Dunking, 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 either one or both hands, was banned in high school basketball games from 1967 to 1976. The ban, also known as the "Lew Alcindor rule", was attributed to the dominance of the college phenomenon Lew Alcindor (now known as Kareem Abdul-Jabbar).
Although dunks are now allowed in high school basketball games, there are still some restrictions on when they can be performed. Specifically, dunking during pre-game warmups is not allowed when referees are present. This rule is set by the National Federation of High Schools, which establishes the rules for all 50 states. If a player dunks during pre-game warmups when referees are on the court, they will receive a technical foul.
The rule against dunking during pre-game warmups has been met with mixed reactions. Some people believe it is a bad rule, especially those who feel that dunking is necessary for players to properly warm up. However, others have pointed out that dunking can damage rims, and that it is a selfish and entitled act that can show superiority over an opponent. In a Twitter poll, 87% of respondents did not like the rule.
Despite the controversy, the rule is rarely enforced. One referee from West Michigan, Bob Wojcik, stated that he hadn't called a pre-game technical for dunking in years. This may be because the rule is difficult to enforce, as referees are not always present for the entire warm-up period.
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Dunking is a high-percentage shot and a crowd-pleaser
Dunking, or 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 usually a high-percentage shot and a crowd-pleaser.
The effectiveness of the slam dunk as a scoring technique has been demonstrated across various levels of basketball, with the NBA boasting the highest dunk percentage in one study. The slam dunk is so effective that it earned Michael Jordan legendary status and contributed to the success of players like Lew Alcindor (later Kareem Abdul-Jabbar) in the 1960s, Brittney Griner, and Breanna Stewart.
The impact of the slam dunk extends beyond the tangible points it earns. It carries psychological value, signalling superiority over an opponent and energising the crowd. This intangible effect is so significant that the term "slam dunk" has transcended basketball, becoming a colloquialism for an assured outcome or guaranteed success.
Despite the advantages of the slam dunk, it has not always been permitted in high school basketball. From 1967 to 1976, high school and college players were banned from dunking, with the introduction of what was known as the "Lew Alcindor rule" or the "Alcindor Rule". This ban was attributed to the dominance of players like Alcindor, and possibly to racial motivations, as prominent dunkers at the time were predominantly African-American.
Today, dunking is allowed in high school basketball, but there are still some restrictions. In the United States, players are prohibited from dunking during pre-game warm-ups once referees are on the court, a rule that is not universally popular. Nevertheless, the slam dunk remains a powerful tool in a player's arsenal, combining high-percentage scoring with crowd-pleasing flair.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, dunking is allowed in high school basketball games. Dunking was banned in high school basketball from 1967 to 1976, but the rule was overturned and dunking has been allowed since.
Yes, there are rules in place that vary depending on the league and location. For example, in West Michigan, players are allowed to dunk before the referees enter the court, but dunking during pre-game warmups once the referees are on the court is considered a technical foul.
Rules against dunking in warmups are in place to minimize the risk of damaging rims and backboards, which can be costly and time-consuming to replace.
The ban, known as the "Lew Alcindor Rule", was implemented due to concerns about safety and the belief that dunking did not "display basketball skill – only height advantage". However, some people, including Lew Alcindor (later Kareem Abdul-Jabbar), believed that the ban had racial motives as most of the prominent dunkers at the time were African-American.
