Fast-Pace & Slam Dunks

My nephew (bball player), and my DD got into a conversation about basketball. He said doesn’t watch girls basketball as much as he would like because it’s not as fast paced as boys and girls really don’t dunk and give you that WOW factor w/ an exception of a few. I am sure you can imagine how that conversation went.

I thought about this for a minute and thought back to a few games that I saw and noticed some of the girls games wasn’t as fast paced. Which makes me a bit curious as to why because I am certain these girls can out run these boys. I don’t mean for this thread to start comparing boys to girls, I was just curious to that fact and WHY most HS girls don’t dunk. Being new to the girls basketball arena (so I am not sure if it is happening a lot) but from what I have seen, I am surprised in this day and age more girls don’t dunk. Is it something girls that girls really don’t think of. Can it be practiced (again sounds like a dumb ? but I don’t know) or is it natural ability.

Any thoughts.

 

What a great question. I'm sure it should generate some discussion.

My thought is that you are either tall or very athletic. You will find that the girls with the most athletic talent are generally under 6' and, in many cases, well under 6'.

I guy 6'- 6'2" is considered small...a woman 6'-2" is usually the center in HS and is rarely the most athletic player on the court.

There are exceptions, Joy Cheek for example, who are 6'2"+ that are athletic and will be or already can dunk.

Personally, I enjoy the women's game better and hope they never try to play the "guys game". The true art of basketball invoking passing and teamwork is exhibited much more in the girl's game. The slam dunk, in your face, above the rim ball is exciting, at times, but lends itself to selfishness, carelessness and street ball.

 

I think the limit of height is the main factor in dunking. As Braves said, a 6'2" player in the girls game is likely the tallest and not the most athletic player out there, where as the same height in the boys game equates to a quick backcourt player who can jump out of the gym.


Now...the pace of the girls game is based on the talent and athleticism on the court. Just about any girls team can play a fast paced game but is it face paced and effective or is it a fast pace and totally out of control? Most of the time it is out of control, therefor a coach with any brains will slow it down. Not trying to be homer here but if you wanna watch a team who loves to play at a fast pace and is not marred with turnovers come watch McDowell play somebody, especially playoff time. The Lady Titans are averaging over 80 points per game and a lot of it has to do with the tempo that the Lady Titans like to play at.