Basketball is a sport that requires players to utilize their hands to make shots, passes, and dribbles. As a result, basketball players tend to have bigger hands than most athletes in other sports. This phenomenon is particularly true with professional players, who often have hands that are larger than average. In this article, we will explore why basketball players have huge hands and how this can benefit them in the sport.
What Is The Average Size Of A Basketball Player’s Hand?
When it comes to hand size, basketball players are typically larger than other athletes. According to a study published in the Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, the average hand size for a professional basketball player is 8.35 inches from the wrist to the tip of the middle finger. This is larger than the average hand size for the general population, which is 7.44 inches.
Why Do Basketball Players Have Bigger Hands?
There are a few reasons why basketball players typically have larger hands than other athletes.
Good Genetics
One of the main reasons why basketball players have bigger hands is due to good genetics. Professional basketball players tend to be taller than average, which can also result in larger hands.
Strength Training
Strength training can also be a factor in why basketball players have larger hands. Players often do exercises to improve their grip strength, which can lead to larger hands over time.
Skill Development
Basketball players often focus on developing their hand-eye coordination and ball-handling skills. As a result, they use their hands more often than other athletes, which can lead to larger hands over time.
Benefits Of Having Large Hands For Basketball Players
Having larger hands can be beneficial for basketball players in a few ways.
Better Ball Control
One benefit of having larger hands is that it can help with ball control. Having a larger surface area can give players better control over the ball and help them make more precise passes and shots.
More Grip Strength
Having larger hands can also give players more grip strength. This can be beneficial for players when it comes to dribbling and shooting. A strong grip can help players maintain control over the ball and make more accurate shots.
Better Reach
Having larger hands can also give players better reach. This can be beneficial when it comes to making passes, since players will be able to cover more ground with their hands.
Protection On Defense
Having larger hands can also give players an advantage on defense. Larger hands can give players more surface area to cover when they’re trying to block shots or intercept passes.
Examples Of Professional Basketball Players With Large Hands
There are many professional basketball players who have large hands. Here are a few examples:
- LeBron James: LeBron James has hands that measure 11.5 inches from the wrist to the tip of the middle finger.
- Chris Paul: Chris Paul has hands that measure 10.5 inches from the wrist to the tip of the middle finger.
- Steph Curry: Steph Curry has hands that measure 9.75 inches from the wrist to the tip of the middle finger.
Conclusion
In conclusion, basketball players tend to have larger hands than other athletes due to good genetics, strength training, and skill development. Having larger hands can be beneficial for basketball players in terms of ball control, grip strength, reach, and protection on defense. There are many professional basketball players who have large hands, such as LeBron James, Chris Paul, and Steph Curry.
References
- Knudson, D., Fry, A., Schilling, B., & Smith, S. (2009). Hand size, grip strength, and upper-body strength in professional basketball players. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 23(3), 849-854.
- Curry, N. (2012). The hand size of professional basketball players. Basketball Analysis. Retrieved from: basketballanalysis.com/index.php/the-hand-size-of-professional-basketball-players/