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

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.

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.

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.

Just focus and try not to wiggle your arm.

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

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

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

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

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

Yes, short nails are ideal for spitting a basketball.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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.