Happy National High Five Day!
National High Five Day is always the third Thursday in April. No one knows for sure when the very first high five happened, but the credit usually goes to former Red’s Skipper Dusty Baker and his old teammate Glenn Burke. They both played for the Dodgers back in 1977, when they smacked hands during their last game of the season on October 2nd.
Even though the high-five is known around the world, and is one of the most recognizable celebration move, there’s a pretty good chance you’ve probably screwed it up before (we all have). A site called HowToBeADad.com has broken it down to four steps to make sure you never screw it up again . . .
- Form your hand into a flat surface with your fingers together.
Spreading them out too much can minimize that satisfying smacking sound. You can also try cupping your hand a little bit for a chance at an even louder clap.
- Recognize or declare a high five is about to happen.
You don’t have to yell “high five,” just make sure there’s no confusion. Make eye contact . . . don’t change your mind and go for a fist-bump instead . . . and God help you if you shift into an awkward hug. Both people must commit to the high five.
- Stay calm and be ready to move in unison.
Don’t panic or try to rush it. You’re not swatting at a bee, and it’s not a competition. Just be smooth.
- This is the most important one: Look at their ELBOW, not their hand.
Your brain will automatically know where your hand needs to be, and you’ll make better contact. It’s especially helpful with running high fives where you’ve got more moving parts.
