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Q&A for How to Spin a Basketball on Your Finger

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Question

What is the trick to spinning a basketball?

Ryan Tremblay
Basketball Coach
Ryan Tremblay is a Basketball Coach and the Owner of National Sports ID and STACK Basketball. With over 30 years of experience, Ryan specializes in basketball coaching, social media marketing, and website design. Ryan created the National Sports ID as a platform to verify the age/grade of youth athletes and STACK Basketball to inspire young athletes to grow into mature individuals and basketball players. Ryan was a First Team All-Decade basketball player in Bergen County and finished in the top 20 all-time leading scorers in the county’s history with 1,730 points. He went on to Caldwell University on a basketball scholarship where he was part of three championship teams. Ryan was a two-time All-Metropolitan, All-State, and All-Conference point guard and the all-time three-point leader in the school’s history, landing him in the Caldwell University Athletic Hall of Fame.

Ryan Tremblay

Basketball Coach

Expert Answer

Just like anything else in basketball, the best way to learn to spinning a ball is to watch someone do it and try to copy them. Just keep trying to do what they do, over and over.

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Question

Can this be done with any kind of ball?

Community Answer

No. Not all balls. Some balls are slippery, others stick too much or are very light. A basketball is the best ball to try it with; however, soccer balls are also useable.

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Question

Can I spin it on the opposite side?

Community Answer

Whatever you are comfortable with. If you try spinning it on the other side and it gets more momentum, then go for it. But if it isn't that great, then try spinning it the other way.

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Question

How do I balance the ball to keep it from falling?

Community Answer

Just focus and try not to wiggle your arm.

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Question

Can I spin a slice of pizza?

Community Answer

You could try, but as it isn't well-balanced, you'll probably end up with your pizza on the floor.

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Question

Can I do this with a volleyball?

Community Answer

You can do it with any ball that is spherical, and light enough for you to balance on your finger without too much stress.

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Question

What if the ball hurts my finger?

Community Answer

It won't happen if you do it correctly, but it could break your finger if you use something too heavy.

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Question

Can I do this with a bowling ball?

Community Answer

No, that would be way too heavy, and you might injure yourself.

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Question

How long will it take to get it right?

Community Answer

That depends on how much time and effort you put in.

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Question

Do my fingernails need to be short to spin the ball?

Community Answer

Yes, short nails are ideal for spitting a basketball.

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Question

What can I do if I have trouble getting it on my finger?

Community Answer

Hold the ball on your finger that you're spinning it on. Hold that finger parallel with the ground. Then hold your other hand on the ball flat around it. As you spin the ball with the flat hand, swing it around so that your hand with the pointed finger becomes pointed up so that the other hand spins the ball and the pointed finger is now upright with the ball spinning.

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Question

Should I spin the basketball clockwise or counterclockwise?

Community Answer

It doesn't really matter. Try both and see what you feel more comfortable doing.

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Question

What do I do if my basketball bounces off my finger when I toss it?

Community Answer

Lift your arm up to meet the ball and then bring it down. If you leave your finger lower than 1 or 2 inches from the ball, the momentum from it coming down may cause it to bounce.

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Question

I can't balance it on my finger, my ball keeps slipping. What do I do?

Community Answer

Depends on if the ball has grip or if your hands are too oily. Wipe your hands or chalk them, and get a ball with better grip.

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Question

Can I do this with more than one finger.

Community Answer

You could try. However, it is hard to balance with more than one finger, because of friction in different places causing the spin to hinder, and thus the ball can become unbalanced.

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Question

How do I hold or grip the ball when I am spinning it?

Community Answer

It is best to place one hand on the bottom and another on the side. Then flick the hand that is on the side to get the ball to spin.

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Question

How long does it take to master spinning a basketball on my finger?

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Community Answer

Anywhere from a day to months. It depends on your starting skill level, motivation and how much time you take to practice.

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Question

Where on the basketball is it best to put my finger when spinning a basketball on my finger?

Community Answer

You should put your finger at the bottom of the axis point while it is spinning.

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Question

What should I do if I feel a strain in my finger and forearm?

Community Answer

Try gently stretching your fingers and forearm. If you've been practicing for awhile, take a break.

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Question

Can I spin a football on my finger if I practice?

Community Answer

Yes, it just takes practice, time and dedication! You can spin practically any ball as long as you practice!

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Question

Can I spin any type of ball on my finger?

Community Answer

No. Some balls are too small and light, and some are too big or heavy. Also, you can't spin a football unless you have practiced for a while.

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Question

How do I spin the ball while tossing it between my hands?

Community Answer

With your bottom hand, move it to the left, while your other hand turns to the right. Try practicing that a few times. Now, if you have a ball, you do the steps while throwing the ball up. Also, if you are successful, don't spin the ball with the tips of your fingers. Practice with the point of your fingers back a little.

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Question

How should I get more momentum for a bigger spin at the beginning of the spin?

Community Answer

Keep it at a steady pace, don't go too fast. When you're ready, spin it faster with a light slap.

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Question

Can I spin a potato on my finger?

Community Answer

You could try, but due to the un-balanced awkward shape of a potatoes, you would probably end up with a potato on the floor.

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Question

How can I spin the ball without tossing it in the air?

Community Answer

Hold it in your dominant hand, twist your hand to make the ball spin, and once the ball starts spinning, try to balance it on one finger.

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Question

If I get really good at it, should I try moving the ball to my toe or head?

Community Answer

This would be a great trick to show your talent. But just make sure you have mastered the skill of spinning it on your finger before trying to move the spinning ball. It will be very hard to accomplish moving the ball, so expect a lot of failures at first, it's all part of learning.

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Question

Can you do this with a bowling ball?

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Community Answer

No, that would be way too heavy, and you might injure yourself.

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Question

I'm having trouble with keeping the ball balanced on my finger. What are some tips for that?

Community Answer

If you are using a single finger, one way is to support your middle finger with your index finger sitting slightly underneath. Other than that, practice a lot.

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Question

But how do I get it on my finger?

2548205f

Community Answer

Throw it into the air and then let it land on your finger. This is very difficult and will require several tries.

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Question

I’ve got the spin down, but I can’t catch it on my finger. How do I do that?

Community Answer

Try doing lighter tosses, starting from barely leaving your fingertips to an actual toss. You'll gain a sense where to place your finger that way.

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