Happy National High Five Day! It's always the third Thursday in April, but should probably be October 2nd instead. Here's why . . .
No one knows for sure when the very first high five happened. But the credit usually goes to former MLB coach Dusty Baker and his old teammate Glenn Burke.
They were playing for the Dodgers 47 years ago in 1977 when they smacked hands during their last game of the season on October 2nd. (Here's a photo. If you've never seen it, ESPN did a whole "30 for 30" short on it.)
Fans immediately thought it was cool, and the Dodgers embraced it as their "official" way to celebrate.
The first high five might be the coolest ever. But there have been plenty of BAD ones since then. You've probably screwed it up before, we all have. A site called HowToBeADad.com has a very thorough explanation on HOW to high-five.
Here are the four steps to make sure you never screw it up again . . .
1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.