Activities For Slamball Players With Dogs
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Introduction
Do you love bouncing on a slamball court, blocking other players and dunking your ball into the net? Do you also love cuddling your dog on the couch, spending some quality time with the number one pup in your life? If both of these things are true, then you definitely need some activities that combine your love for your dog with your love for playing slamball. Luckily, this guide will give you many ways to do just that!
Trampoline Bounce
Popular
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Any Day
Moderate
Easy
30 min
Items needed
Trampoline
Activity description
One of the biggest aspects of playing slamball is your ability to jump around on a trampoline with ease. You need to be able to run across the trampoline as if it were the ground and also use it to your advantage in order to score. While this may seem easy, that soft surface can be tricky to navigate. Practicing your footing on a trampoline is necessary and luckily, your dog can help you with this! Your dog will have a great time helping you practice your trampoline skills and this activity can be done inside or outside for the small price of a trampoline or trampoline rental.
Step
1
Find a spot
The first thing you need to get adjusted to a trampoline is, well, a trampoline! Check with your local slamball court and see if they will allow you and your dog to practice in their facility. If they are hesitant toward pets, think about investing in your own trampoline. It will come in handy for sure when you and your dog want to practice slamball!
Step
2
Dog meets trampoline
Once you have a place where you and your pup can jump, it's time to show your dog what a trampoline is. Place your pup on the trampoline and let them walk around freely, seeing how the "floor" feels underneath their paws as they move around. It may take a while for your dog to get used to the feeling but once they do, they may really enjoy the bounce!
Step
3
Practice
The main idea of this activity is to get used to moving on a trampoline in order to be comfortable in a slamball game. Jump around, run around and even practice falling to bounce right back up. While you are doing this, your dog will likely be running around too, simply excited by the new feeling of walking with a bounce in their step! Keep the really high jumps and intensive practice to when your pup is at rest. But go ahead and gently have fun with them otherwise!
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Shoot and Fetch
Popular
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Sunny Day
Free
Normal
1 hr
Items needed
Dog Treats
Basketball Court and Hoop
Basketball
Activity description
Many aspects of slamball stem from basketball. In fact, the idea is essentially the same- get the ball through the hoop to score points. So, while a true slamball court may be a little hard to come by, you are likely able to find a basketball court to practice on. Shooting a basketball and shooting a slamball take the same skills so if you are able to practice basketball, your slamball game will instantly improve! Of course, your dog can help you practice basketball and you will see how in this free activity. Head out to practice with your dog by your side the next time the weather is nice.
Step
1
Find a court
Look for a basketball court near you where you can bring your dog. A fenced in court is best as it will ensure your dog can't run away while you play. Once you get to the court, let your dog run around a little and give the court a good sniff. Then, call your pup over and get ready to start their ball retrieval training.
Step
2
Push the ball
Place the basketball on the ground and when your sniffs it, bumping it with their nose, say "push" and give your dog a treat. When they push the ball again, repeat the command and treat sequence. Continue showing your pup how to push the ball, rewarding them when they deliver it to you.
Step
3
Throw and fetch
Start practicing shooting the ball, trying to get it right in the net every time. When the ball drops to the ground, command your dog to "push" and bring the ball back to you. Reward your pup, shoot the ball again and then say "push". With a great ball helper like your dog, you will have plenty of time to practice shooting those hoops!
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Home Workout
Popular
0 Votes
Any Day
Cheap
Easy
1 hr
Items needed
Dog Treats
Activity description
Slamball uses a whole lot of muscles and strengthening these muscles will help you improve your game. There are plenty of ways to work out your arms, legs and core right from the comfort of your home. There are also plenty of ways to do exercises with your dog by your side. A small bowl of treats is all it will take to keep your dog's attention and to make workout time your pup's favorite time of day! Since you can do all of these training exercises inside, there is no need to watch the weather, you can start anytime!
Step
1
Sit-ups
A simple sit-up is one of the best ways to work your core. Place a bowl of dog treats by your head and put on a treat in your hand. As you sit up, toss the treat to your dog and then lay back down. Grab another treat, sit up and toss. How many sit-ups can you do compared to how many treats your dog catches right in their mouth?
Step
2
Plank
Have your dog lie down and stay, then lower yourself into a push-up position called a plank. Stay in position right over them, creating a tunnel with your dog inside. Hold the push up position for 30 seconds and don't let your stomach sag and touch your pup - keep that core tight! Will you be able to hold the plank longer or will your dog run away first?
Step
3
Wall sits
Stand with your back against a wall and then lower yourself into a sitting position with your legs bent at a 90-degree angle. Hold your arms out straight with a dog treat in your hand. Hold this position for thirty seconds; hopefully, your pup can wait that long! Reward your dog for waiting patiently for their treat, shake out your legs and do it again!
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More Fun Ideas...
Slamball Fetch
Head outside with your dog and your slamball. Throw the ball as far as you can and then have your dog retrieve it. This will help improve your arm strength and let your dog play their favorite game - fetch!
Ball Recycling
When your slamball gets too old to use in a game anymore, give it to your dog as a new toy. Let your pup sink their teeth into that rubber and the ball will have a whole new life as a pet toy!
Conclusion
Slamball is an action packed sport that is full of contact, trampolines and basketballs - not something you would typically attribute to being dog-friendly. However, you can definitely do plenty of slamball activities with your dog. So head to a trampoline park, look for a fenced-in basketball court or just get ready for a nice workout - you can do all of these things with your dog right by your side. Soon. your pup's favorite game won't be fetch, it will be slamball!