Amanda Knapp
Basketball and guitar are two very different activities, but one teenage guitarist, Ben Lapps, has managed to combine the two. In a video titled How Ben Lapps Plays Basketball, Lapps can be seen tucking a basketball under his left arm before he starts playing the guitar. The video, which has been viewed over 1,000,000 times, showcases Lapps' unique ability to play the guitar while bouncing a basketball, using the sound of the ball as percussion. While Lapps may be the first person to play the guitar while bouncing a basketball, the idea of combining music and basketball has been explored by NBA players like Lance Stephenson, who has been known to celebrate a good play with a little air guitar.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Ben Lapps |
| Occupation | Guitarist |
| Age | Teenage |
| Video Title | How Ben Lapps Plays Basketball |
| Video Description | Ben Lapps plays a tune while bouncing a basketball, using the sound of the ball as percussion |
| Video Views | Over 1,000,000 |
| Video Release Date | June 21, 2013 |
| Basketball Invention | James Naismith, 1891 |
| Location | Springfield College, Massachusetts |
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What You'll Learn
- Guitarist Ben Lapps plays a tune while bouncing a basketball
- The game of basketball was invented by James Naismith in 1891
- Lou Williams strums an invisible guitar after a successful play
- Lance Stephenson celebrates with air guitar, a viral phenomenon
- The guitar can be both a friend and a rival, according to Artie Zaitz
Guitarist Ben Lapps plays a tune while bouncing a basketball
In a video titled "How Ben Lapps Plays Basketball," the teenage fingerstyle guitarist plays a tune while bouncing a basketball. The sound of the bouncing ball is used as percussion in the song. The video, which has garnered millions of views, showcases Lapps's unique ability to play the guitar and dribble a basketball simultaneously.
Lapps, a 19-year-old acoustic fingerstyle guitarist from Mason, Ohio, became an online sensation with his one-handed guitar playing and basketball dribbling skills. In the video, Lapps starts by tucking the basketball under his left arm and then strumming the guitar. Midway through the instrumental tune, he introduces a beat created by the bouncing ball, showcasing his creativity and musical talent.
The young guitarist has been making waves in the music world since 2008 when he became the youngest competitor in the International Fingerstyle Guitar Championships. Since then, he has released three full-length albums and played hundreds of shows. His YouTube channel has amassed a total of 10 million hits, with the basketball video alone attracting almost 2 million views.
Lapps's video not only showcases his musical prowess but also his passion for innovation and experimentation. By incorporating the sound of the bouncing basketball into his guitar playing, he creates a unique and captivating performance. This blend of sports and music has captivated audiences worldwide and expanded the boundaries of guitar playing, inspiring other guitarists to explore new ways of playing and engaging with their instruments.
Ben Lapps's performance is a testament to the endless possibilities that arise when different forms of art intersect. By combining guitar playing with basketball dribbling, he has created a unique and entertaining act that has captivated audiences worldwide. This fusion of sports and music challenges traditional notions of performance and opens up new avenues for artistic expression and innovation.
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The game of basketball was invented by James Naismith in 1891
The game of basketball was invented by James Naismith, a 30-year-old instructor in physical education at the International YMCA Training School in Springfield, Massachusetts, in the winter of 1891. The game was created to give students an activity to play indoors during the long New England winter between the football and baseball seasons.
Naismith wrote and developed the original 13 rules of basketball, which were tacked up on a bulletin board at Springfield College. The game quickly spread as students introduced it to their own YMCAs, and the rules were printed in a College magazine mailed to YMCAs across the country. The international student body at the College also helped to spread the game internationally.
By 1905, basketball had been officially recognized as a permanent winter sport, and while the rules have been tweaked, the game has not changed drastically since Naismith's original version. Naismith never sought publicity or engaged in self-promotion, and he died before seeing basketball become the global phenomenon it is today. However, his biggest thrill came when he was sponsored by the National Association of Basketball Coaches.
While my search did not reveal who started the trend of strumming a guitar in basketball, one source mentions NBA player Lance Stephenson, who is known for his idiosyncratic behavior, including playing a little air guitar after a particularly impressive play.
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Lou Williams strums an invisible guitar after a successful play
Lou Williams strumming an invisible guitar after sinking a late dagger over Lance Stephenson and then doing Stephenson’s patented air guitar celebration is a testament to Williams' cold nature. Stephenson is known for his idiosyncratic and oddball behaviour, and his air guitar celebration has gone viral, with no one else in the NBA doing this. However, Williams turned the tables on Stephenson, giving him a taste of his own medicine by strumming the invisible guitar right in front of him.
Williams, known for his composure, did not even crack a smile during his celebration. This incident is not the first time Williams has shown his cold side. In a game against the Lakers, the Clippers' win also showcased Williams' unflappable demeanour.
Stephenson's air guitar celebration is a unique way to express himself, and it has gained attention, with many wondering why he does it. While Stephenson embraces the spotlight, Williams' stoic nature is evident in his ability to remain focused and unbothered by his opponent's antics. This trait can be advantageous in high-pressure situations, such as nailing a late dagger, as it allows him to stay calm and collected.
Williams' invisible guitar strumming celebrates his successful play while also serving as a form of psychological warfare against his opponent. It is a bold statement, and Williams' nonchalant attitude during the celebration further emphasises his confidence and composure under pressure. This incident showcases the competitive nature of the NBA and how players use unique celebrations to taunt their opponents.
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Lance Stephenson celebrates with air guitar, a viral phenomenon
Lance Stephenson, a player for the Los Angeles Lakers, received a technical foul for taunting after making a 3-pointer during a game against the Charlotte Hornets. Stephenson was celebrating by strumming an air guitar, a move he says he came up with while messing around in practice. While he was called for a technical foul, Stephenson's coach and teammates supported his celebration, with coach Luke Walton saying, "I mean, you can't take that away from Lance; it's part of who he is." Stephenson himself doubled down on the celebration, saying he would continue to do it, especially if he was "feelin' it."
Stephenson's air guitar celebration has become a viral phenomenon, with several members of the Lakers expressing their enjoyment of it. LeBron James, a fellow Lakers player, questioned why Stephenson received a technical foul, saying, "I don't know why he received a technical for that... That's what he does. It's part of his repertoire." Stephenson's air guitar celebration is an example of his playful personality and competitive spirit, which his coach and teammates clearly appreciate.
The origin of Stephenson's air guitar celebration is rooted in spontaneity and creativity. When asked about the genesis of his unique celebration, Stephenson revealed that it emerged organically during practice. He shared, "I was just in practice messing around... Just came out of nowhere. Stuck with it." This highlights the improvisational nature of sports celebrations, which often capture the joy and excitement of the moment.
Stephenson's air guitar celebration has become a memorable part of his repertoire, showcasing his playful competitiveness on the court. His willingness to embrace spontaneity and incorporate a lighthearted gesture into his gameplay adds to his appeal as an athlete. The viral phenomenon of his air guitar celebration demonstrates how a simple, imaginative act can capture the imagination of fans and peers alike, leaving a lasting impression that contributes to Stephenson's enduring legacy in the world of basketball.
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The guitar can be both a friend and a rival, according to Artie Zaitz
The guitar is a versatile instrument that can be a source of companionship and competition, according to Artie Zaitz, a jazz guitarist and Hammond organ player from London. Zaitz, who comes from a musical family, has established himself in the jazz scene and is known for his debut album, "The Regulator". He describes the guitar as his "main instrument," and his fluency and fluidity on it are evident in his playing.
Zaitz's relationship with the guitar is complex and multifaceted. He views the guitar as a friend, stating that it can be a source of comfort and companionship. The guitar's worldwide reach and versatility across genres resonate with Zaitz, who appreciates its ability to "sing" and connect with people from all walks of life. This sentiment is reflected in his music, which blends traditional organ-trio sounds with modern influences, creating a unique and captivating style.
However, Zaitz also acknowledges the guitar as a rival, keeping him on his toes and constantly challenging him. This perspective highlights the instrument's unpredictability and the endless possibilities it offers for exploration and improvement. The guitar's complex nature and the pursuit of mastering it create a sense of friendly competition, driving Zaitz to continue refining his craft.
Zaitz's setup includes a 1960 Gibson ES-330 as his primary guitar, along with a Fender Telecaster that he acquired at the age of 14. He utilizes a variety of amps, including a Fender Excelsior, a Fender Princeton Reverb, and a Fender Tweed Deluxe, to create his signature sound.
Artie Zaitz's perspective on the guitar as both a friend and a rival showcases the intricate relationship between a musician and their instrument. It highlights the guitar's ability to inspire, challenge, and accompany musicians on their creative journey, reflecting the dynamic nature of musical expression and the constant pursuit of excellence.
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Frequently asked questions
There is no known connection between basketball and strumming a guitar. However, there have been instances of basketball players like Lou Williams and Lance Stephenson celebrating on the court by strumming an invisible guitar.
Basketball was invented by James Naismith, a physical education instructor at Springfield College, Massachusetts, in 1891.
There is no direct connection between strumming and basketball. However, in a video by Guitar World, a teenage guitarist named Ben Lapps plays a tune while bouncing a basketball, using the sound of the ball as percussion.
