A detailed guide on how to spin a ball on your finger

A detailed guide on how to spin a ball on your finger

Lenah Ann
updated at June 12, 2023 at 10:40 AM

You often hear the phrase spin the bottle or toss a coin. All these are fun activities people love to engage in. For some athletes like basketball players, you often see them spinning the ball before dribbling or just before a match. And while most fans might think doing it is as simple as it looks, it takes skill. Below is a detailed guide on how to spin a ball on your finger.

How to spin a soccer ball on your finger
The official ball of the tournament spinning during the match between Brazil and Serbia during the FIVB Volleyball Nations League 2018 on 17 May 2018 in Barueri, Brazil. Photo: Alexandre Schneider
Source: Getty Images

Among most athletes in the sports arena, you will realise the more significant percentage of those who often spin on their fingers are basketball, soccer, and rugby players. They usually do this to prepare a pass, dribble, throw, or even calm themselves down.

Learn how to spin a ball on your finger

What is a game without fun moments? Seemingly, most fans often find any spinning fulfilling and satisfying, especially from their favourite players on courts and pitches. But why not do it yourself?

According to various online sources, Sports Brief has detailed how to balance a spinning ball on your finger. Keep scrolling to find out more.

How to spin a basketball on your finger for beginners

Below is a step-by-step guide that will get you spinning that ball in just five minutes. But of course, with immense practice, be sure to be spinning like one of the Harlem Globetrotters! For starters, before even getting to know about the main steps to follow, here are some tips and tricks for a smooth spin.

How to spin a basketball on your finger for beginners
Kelly Olynyk shows off his ball spinning skills during the Boston Celtics' annual Media Day at the team's training headquarters at Healthpoint in Waltham, Mass. Photo: Jim Davis
Source: Getty Images
  • Use your dominant hand
  • Use an old basketball
  • Trim your fingernails
  • Proper Spacing
  • Forget about speed
  • Do wrist exercises
  • Practice, Practice, Practice!

Once you keep the above tips and tricks in mind, learning the main steps will not be a difficult task for you. Below is a list of the primary steps to achieve a smooth spin on that finger.

1. Warm-up

Just like any other game, warming up is an essential part. Perform simple warm-up stretches to loosen your wrists, elbows, fingers, and forearms. Flexibility is the hidden treasure of spinning a basketball.

2. Set the ball

Try to move it from the palm of your hand and let it rest on your fingers. Then slightly bend your knees so as to be in a more athletic position. Consequently, this will cause a good feel for the basketball on your fingertips.

3. Fully rotate your wrist

For a smooth spin, your wrist should rotate at maximum capacity.

4. Spin and toss

Now, this is where the magic happens. In just one motion, spin the basketball while simultaneously tossing it into the air. This is arguably the most critical step, as a good spin and toss often sets the tone for the rest of the manoeuvre.

How to balance a spinning ball on your finger
Boston Celtics guard, Marcus Smart, poses for a photo while spinning a gold basketball. Photo: Jim Davis
Source: Getty Images

5. Find the centre

As it is still in the air, try to locate its centre.

6. Raise your finger

Raise your index finger at a slight angle.

7. Catch and balance

With its centre of the ball as your primary target, catch it on your index tip and keep it balanced to prolong the spin.

8. Keep the spin going

Once the momentum of the spin calms down, you can use your other hand to graze the sides of the ball lightly.

How to spin a soccer ball on your finger

And while it is no different than the basketball, the main point is to ensure you are not moving your finger a lot. Moving your finger a lot while it is spinning will cause an imbalance, and it will end up falling. The critical point in spinning any ball is to learn how to balance a spinning ball on your finger.

How to spin a rugby ball on your finger

Learn how to spin a ball on your finger
New England Patriots wide receiver, Kendrick Bourne, twirls the ball while waiting for a drill on 8 June 2022 at the Patriots Training Facility at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts. Photo: Fred Kfoury III
Source: Getty Images

From the shape of the rugby ball, one can think that it's utterly impossible to spin it on a finger. However, various athletes have defied the odds, with some spinning the rugby ball with immense ease.

How long does it take to learn to spin a basketball?

The skill does not have a specificity on how long it takes to learn; it often depends on the ease of ones understanding and willingness to learn the steps. Getting ready, learning the basic toss, and keeping spinning will help you learn how to spin a ball on your fingertip flawlessly.

Learning how to spin a ball on your finger should be one of the key things you need to prioritise. It is often satisfying and fulfilling when one achieves that smooth spin on the finger.

READ MORE: Who is the youngest chess grandmaster of all time? A top 10 list

Sports Brief featured the top 10 youngest chess grandmasters in history. The sport has seen twelve, thirteen, and fourteen-year-olds dominate and win titles in the arena. Chess requires hard work, brilliance, and abundant knowledge to succeed.

Abhimanyu Mishra, Sergey Karjakin, and Gukesh Dommaraju are the top recognised chess masters. They won the Grandmasters titles during their teens. How did they do it?

Authors
Lenah Ann photo
Lenah Ann
Lenah Ann is a Kenyan-based content creator with 2 years of experience. She graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in Mass Media and Communication from Dedan Kimathi, Kenya in 2021.