🏀 The Math Behind the Magic

1. Basic Physics

• Rim Height: 10 feet (120 inches) – NBA standard
• Your Total Reach: Standing Reach + Vertical Jump = How high you can touch

2. Standing Reach Calculation

If you don't enter standing reach:
Default = Your Height + 1.33 feet
(Most people can reach about 16 inches above their head)

Example: 6'0" person = 6 + 1.33 = 7.33 feet standing reach

3. Experience Multiplier

The calculator adjusts your ability based on skill level:

• Beginner (0-2 years): 90% efficiency (0.9x)
• Intermediate (2-5 years): 100% efficiency (1.0x)
• Advanced (5+ years): 110% efficiency (1.1x)
• Pro/Semi-Pro: 120% efficiency (1.2x)

Why? Experienced players have better timing, approach, and jumping technique.

4. The Final Calculation

Total Reach = (Standing Reach + Vertical Jump) × Experience Multiplier

Example:
- Height: 6'0" (Standing reach: 7.33' = 88")
- Vertical: 28"
- Experience: Intermediate (1.0x)
- Total Reach: (88" + 28") × 1.0 = 116"
- Rim Height: 120"
- Result: Need 4 more inches = "MAYBE!"

5. Dunking Categories

• CAN DUNK: Total reach ≥ 126″ (6+ inches above rim)
• MAYBE: Total reach between 118-125″ (within 2″ of rim)
• KEEP TRAINING: Total reach < 118″ (more than 2″ short)

🎯 Why These Numbers?

6+ inches above rim for “YES”: You need clearance to actually slam the ball down, not just barely touch the rim.

Experience matters: A pro player with 24″ vertical jumps differently than a beginner with 24″ vertical – better approach, timing, and body control.

Standing reach estimation: Most people’s wingspan equals their height, and you can reach about 16″ above your head when stretching up.

🚀 Real Example

Let’s say you’re:

• 5’10” tall
• 30″ vertical jump
• Advanced player

Calculation:

1. Standing reach: 5.83′ + 1.33′ = 7.16′ (86″)
2. Total reach: 86″ + 30″ = 116″
3. With experience bonus: 116″ × 1.1 = 127.6″
4. Above rim: 127.6″ – 120″ = 7.6″ clearance
5. Result: “YES! You can DEFINITELY dunk!” 🔥