In this episode of The Coach Dave Love Podcast, we dive into one of the most polarizing shooting mechanics in basketball: the Dip.

Once seen as a bad habit to eliminate, the pendulum has now swung in the opposite direction—some coaches actively teach it. But what's the science behind it? What are the trade-offs when players dip versus when they don’t? And how can coaches make informed decisions rather than rely on trends?

Dave and Matt explore:

• What the dip does (and doesn't) accomplish from a physics perspective

• How it fits within Dave’s Sandbox Analogy of shooting mechanics

• How coaches can help players explore the dip more intentionally and effectively

Plus: we feature our first-ever listener question! Want to be next? Record a voice note with your name, location, and question and email it to: podcast@coachdavelove.com

Referenced blogs:

• The Physics of the Basketball Dip

• Exploring the Sandbox: Rethinking Skill in Basketball Shooting

In this episode, Coach Dave Love is joined by EuroLeague star and former NBA guard Kevin Pangos, who shares his evolving journey from elite player to aspiring coach. As Kevin prepares for life after playing, he offers a rare and thoughtful perspective on what great coaching really looks like—grounded in his firsthand experiences at the highest levels of the game.

Together, Dave and Kevin discuss:

• The limitations of traditional coaching methods like explicit instruction and block practice

• How Kevin is beginning to form his own coaching philosophy

• The powerful impact of concepts like functional movement variability and guided exploration

Kevin also shares how Coach Love’s Sandbox Analogy blog has reshaped how he thinks about shooting development—and how coaches can empower players without micromanaging.

🎙 Want to submit a question for a future episode?
Record a voice note with your name, location, and question, and email it to podcast@coachdavelove.com

What is "touch" in shooting—and can it actually be measured?

In this episode, Coach Dave Love breaks down a concept that has long been thought of as instinctual or unteachable: touch. Dave explains to Matt how the relationship between arc and velocity gives us the key to quantifying this elusive skill. By understanding how these two variables interact, coaches and players can begin to diagnose what touch really is, why it matters, and how to improve it.

👉 For deeper understanding, follow along with the visual graphics in the video version of the podcast
👉 Or dive into the blog: Quantifying Touch

🎙 Have a coaching question for Dave?
Record a voice note with your name, location, and question, and email it to podcast@coachdavelove.com — your question might be featured in a future episode!

We’re back! In the Season 2 premiere, Coach Dave Love updates listeners on everything that’s been happening behind the scenes. From working with an NBA team, to beginning a Master’s in Skill Acquisition, and launching his new book ShotMetrics — there’s a lot to catch up on.

Then we dive deep into what ShotMetrics really is. More than just a buzzword, it’s a revolutionary way to evaluate and develop shooting mechanics using measurable data. Dave breaks down how this framework can reshape the way coaches teach and players learn, and how it's already being used at the highest levels of the game.

👉 Grab your copy of ShotMetrics on Amazon: ShotMetrics Book
👉 Explore the blog on ShotMetrics: ShotMetrics Blog

🎙 Want your question featured on a future episode?
Send a voice note to podcast@coachdavelove.com. Be sure to include your name, where you coach, and your question — we’d love to feature your voice in an upcoming show.

Join Coach Dave Love and co-host Matt Robertson on "The Coach Dave Love Podcast" as they delve into the evolution of form shooting practices in basketball. This episode revisits Coach Love’s signature form shooting drills—Isolation Drill, ABC, and Slow to Quick—and discusses their integration into a more dynamic and representative Ecological Dynamics approach.

Episode Highlights:

• Explanation of Form Shooting Drills: Explore how Coach Love’s three key drills—Isolation Drill, ABC, and Slow to Quick—are designed but also how he uses them within an Ecological Dynamics Approach.
• Adaptation to Ecological Dynamics: Discuss the shift from traditional, static form shooting exercises to a Contemporary Form Shooting approach that incorporates real-game contexts and player decision-making.
• Definition and Benefits of Contemporary Form Shooting: Define Contemporary Form Shooting and discuss its advantages over traditional methods, including better skill transfer to games, increased adaptability, and enhanced player engagement.

This episode provides insights into modern training techniques that can help coaches and players develop more effective and adaptable shooting skills, ensuring that practice aligns closely with game demands.

Join Coach Dave Love and co-host Matt Robertson on "The Coach Dave Love Podcast" as they dive into the intricacies of crafting an effective solo workout, particularly focused on shooting. In this episode, Matt shares his journey preparing for the upcoming semi-professional basketball season, discussing the personal training strategies he’s implementing to enhance his shooting skills, inspired by a year of insights from the podcast.

Episode Highlights:

• Matt’s Training Regimen: Matt outlines his current solo workout routine, explaining the techniques and drills he’s incorporated to improve his shooting as he gears up for his season.
• Learning from Experience: Reflect on the lessons Matt has learned over the past year from the podcast, detailing how these have influenced his approach to training and skill development.
• Dave’s Expert Advice: Coach Dave Love offers his professional insights on Matt’s current practices, suggesting enhancements and additional methods to maximize efficiency and effectiveness in solo training sessions.
• Broader Applications: Dave discusses how listeners can apply these principles to their own workouts, emphasizing the importance of structure, goal setting, and adaptability in solo training environments.

Whether you’re an aspiring player or a seasoned coach, this episode provides valuable tips on designing solo workouts that are not only rigorous but also tailored to individual skill development needs. Tune in to learn how to take your training to the next level, even when you’re on your own.

Join us on "The Coach Dave Love Podcast" as we sit down with Hanno Möttölä, former NBA player and current assistant coach for the Finnish national basketball team, to explore his remarkable journey from playing at the University of Utah and in the NBA to coaching internationally. Hanno shares the highs and lows of his playing career, his transition into coaching, and his passion for teaching shooting.

Episode Highlights:

• Career Overview: Hanno recounts his experiences from collegiate basketball to the NBA and his subsequent decade-long career in Europe, offering insights into the life of an international basketball player.
• Transition to Coaching: Delve into Hanno’s decision to move into coaching after his playing days, discussing his roles at the Helsinki Basketball Academy and with the Finnish national team.
• Passion for Coaching Shooting: Hanno discusses why he finds coaching shooting particularly rewarding and the techniques he emphasizes to his players.
• Personal Growth: Reflect on the lessons Hanno has learned throughout his career and how they have shaped his approach to coaching and player development.

This episode is not just about the transition from player to coach but also about the continuous journey of learning and passion for the game. Whether you’re a player, coach, or a fan of the game, Hanno’s story offers valuable lessons and inspiration.

Join Coach Dave Love and Matt Robertson as they welcome Chris Oliver, the founder of Basketball Immersion, to an enlightening discussion on transforming coaching habits. This episode dives deep into the shift from traditional drill-based coaching to incorporating Ecological Dynamics, offering a fresh, evidence-based approach to basketball coaching.

Episode Highlights:

• Introduction to Ecological Dynamics: Chris Oliver explains what Ecological Dynamics involves and why it represents a significant shift from conventional coaching methods.
• Journey to Change: Both Chris and Dave share their personal journeys from traditional methods to embracing more dynamic, evidence-based practices, providing listeners with relatable insights and inspiration.
• Actionable Steps for Coaches: The conversation focuses on practical, actionable advice for coaches looking to make the transition. Chris and Dave discuss starting in low-stakes environments and gradually "peppering in" new techniques to make the process manageable and effective.
• Real Growth Opportunities: The episode provides coaches with strategies to explore and expand their coaching styles without feeling overwhelmed, emphasizing gradual integration and the importance of adapting to feedback.

This podcast is a must-listen for any coach feeling the need to evolve from rigid, drill-based methodologies to more fluid, player-centric training approaches. Chris Oliver’s expertise and the shared experiences offer a wealth of knowledge and a real chance for coaches to grow and refine their practices.

In this captivating episode of "The Coach Dave Love Podcast," we are joined by Joerik Michiels, a renowned skills trainer and coach from Elite Academy in Belgium. Joerik shares his enriching journey in the world of basketball coaching, delving into his experiences and the profound insights he’s gathered along the way.

Episode Highlights:

• Joerik’s Journey: Discover the path that Joerik has traveled from being a passionate basketball enthusiast to becoming a celebrated coach and skills trainer. Hear about the challenges and triumphs that have shaped his coaching philosophy.
• Skill Acquisition Insights: Joerik discusses his approach to Skill Acquisition, emphasizing how understanding and applying these concepts can dramatically improve coaching effectiveness and player development.
• Building Culture: Learn from Joerik’s experiences in fostering a positive and productive team culture, and how he instills values that lead to both personal and team growth.
• Career Crafting: Gain invaluable advice on how coaches can craft a fulfilling and successful career in sports, inspired by Joerik’s own experiences and creative approaches to professional growth.
• Inspirational Takeaways: Joerik’s story is not just about basketball; it’s about inspiring others to pursue their passions and innovate within their fields.

Joerik Michiels is not only a coach but also an inspiration to many in the sports industry, making this episode a must-listen for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of coaching and personal development in sports.

In this detailed episode of "The Coach Dave Love Podcast," we delve into the intricacies of the ball path in basketball shooting. Coach Dave Love explores what defines the ball path—the trajectory the basketball takes from the start of the lifting motion until it leaves the player’s hand—and why understanding this aspect is crucial for optimizing shooting technique.

Episode Highlights:

• Understanding Ball Path: Discuss the importance of the path that the ball takes during a shot and how it impacts the shot's effectiveness and accuracy.
• Two Perspectives: Examine the ball path from two critical angles—the side view and the front view—to understand how each perspective contributes to shooting mechanics.
• Trade-Offs in Ball Path: Explore the trade-offs between a smoother ball path, which generates more power but is harder to control, versus a path with a more pronounced curve, which might be easier to manage but could reduce speed.
• Practical Training Tips: Discuss how to train for an optimal ball path, using techniques such as Differential Learning to encourage players to explore variations in their shooting form. Highlight practical drills like the "1-5 system with guided questions" and adjustments for different training days—blue days for exploration and green days for game-like practice.

This episode provides both theoretical insights and practical advice on how to understand and improve the ball path in shooting, offering coaches and players a deeper look into one of the subtle yet significant aspects of basketball shooting.

Join Coach Dave Love and host Matt Robertson on this episode of the podcast where we dive into the intricacies of managing the shooting hand in basketball. This episode breaks down common misconceptions and teaches fundamental practices to optimize the use of the shooting hand for better accuracy and control.

Episode Highlights:

• Relax Your Hand: Discover why keeping the shooting hand relaxed and passive is crucial, rather than squeezing or palming the ball, which can disrupt shot fluidity and accuracy.
• Supporting the Ball: Learn the importance of supporting the middle of the ball and pushing it along the target line instead of focusing on which finger the ball leaves last.
• Maintaining Shape: Understand why it's vital to make and maintain the shape of the ball with your hand, instead of pinching your fingers or trying specific finger positions.
• Proper Ball Placement: Discuss the significance of keeping the weight of the ball on the fingers, ensuring proper balance and control, rather than having it rest on the palm.
• Hand and Finger Positioning: Explore optimal hand positioning under the ball and the strategic placement of the thumb and fingers to align with the target line for improved shot precision.

This episode is packed with actionable tips and clarifies common shooting hand errors that players often make. By focusing on what to do and what not to do with the shooting hand, players can enhance their shooting technique and increase their on-court performance.

In this groundbreaking episode of "The Coach Dave Love Podcast," Coach Dave Love and co-host Matt Robertson introduce listeners to the revolutionary concept of ShotMetrics. This episode delves into what ShotMetrics are, traces the origins of the idea, and discusses its transformative potential in basketball shooting training.

Episode Highlights:

• Introduction to ShotMetrics: Uncover what ShotMetrics entails and how it represents a new frontier in analyzing and enhancing basketball shooting techniques.
• Genesis of the Idea: Explore the inspiration behind ShotMetrics, discussing how traditional metrics were insufficient for capturing the nuances of shooting techniques and the need for more specialized metrics.
• Value of ShotMetrics: Discuss the immense value ShotMetrics brings to players and coaches, including how it can revolutionize training methods, enhance player development, and increase shooting efficiency.
• Key Metrics Explained: Focus on two initial ShotMetrics concepts—Release Quality and Release Curvature. Explain what these metrics measure, why they are important, and how they can provide deeper insights into a player’s shooting form and efficiency.

"ShotMetrics: The Future of Shooting Development" is not just an episode; it’s a peek into the future of basketball training. By integrating sophisticated metrics like Release Quality and Release Curvature, coaches and players can unlock new levels of performance and precision.

Join us on "The Coach Dave Love Podcast" for an enlightening episode titled "Release Curvature," where we delve into the intriguing findings of a newly published research paper on one of the key ShotMetrics: Release Curvature. Coach Dave Love breaks down this complex concept, starting with its definition and exploring common misconceptions in its teaching and application in basketball shooting techniques.

Episode Highlights:

• Understanding Release Curvature: We start by defining what Release Curvature is and its significance in analyzing a player's shooting form and efficiency.
• Research Insights: Dive into the core findings from the research paper recently published by Coach Dave Love, highlighting new perspectives and data on how Release Curvature affects shooting performance.
• Teaching Corrections: Address widespread errors in coaching practices related to Release Curvature, discussing how these can lead to misconceptions and ineffective training methods.
• Focusing Intentions: Shift the discussion towards where coaches and players should direct their attention when training or correcting shooting form, ensuring that efforts enhance actual performance rather than conforming to misunderstood standards.

This episode serves as an introduction to one of the essential ShotMetrics that we'll explore further in upcoming episodes. Whether you're a coach looking to refine your training techniques or a player aiming to improve your shooting performance, understanding Release Curvature is crucial.

For an in-depth exploration of Release Curvature and to access the full research findings, visit our blog at What is ReleaseCurvature?.

In this episode of the podcast, Coach Dave Love delves into the crucial aspect of basketball training that often goes overlooked—the science of foot width. Discover how the spacing of a player’s feet not only affects their lateral stability but also plays a significant role in their ability to generate power during shooting and defensive maneuvers.

Episode Highlights:

• Impact on Stability: Explore how foot width influences a player’s lateral stability, crucial for maintaining balance during rapid directional changes on the court.
• Power Generation: Discuss the relationship between foot positioning and power generation, explaining how proper alignment can enhance shooting and jumping capabilities.
• Quantifying Optimal Foot Width: Dive into the methods used to determine the optimal stance width for individual players, ensuring that each athlete can achieve maximum performance based on their unique physical attributes.
• Practical Application: Provide listeners with practical tips on how to assess and adjust their stance to find their own optimal foot width, enhancing both stability and power in game situations.

This episode offers a deep dive into how something as simple as the width between your feet can have profound impacts on your overall basketball performance. For those looking to optimize their stance and unlock new levels of stability and power, this discussion provides essential insights and actionable advice.

For a more detailed exploration of this topic, check out the blog post: Quantifying Stability in Basketball: The Science Behind Optimal Stance Widths.

Join Coach Dave Love on this deep dive into the innovative training approach known as Differential Learning. This episode unpacks how this method can radically transform basketball shooting development by encouraging players to experiment with a wide range of shooting techniques and conditions. Unlike traditional training methods that often focus on repetitive practice, Differential Learning embraces variability, promoting adaptability and creativity in players.

Episode Highlights:

• Understanding Differential Learning: Explore the core principles of Differential Learning, which is based on the idea that learning happens most effectively when individuals are exposed to a wide variety of experiences rather than repeated the same task under constant conditions.
• Benefits for Shooters: Discuss how this approach helps players develop a more flexible and robust shooting technique, capable of adjusting to the unpredictable demands of real game situations.
• Implementation Tips: Offer practical advice on how coaches can incorporate Differential Learning into their training routines, ensuring that players are constantly challenged and engaged.
• Case Studies: Share success stories and empirical evidence supporting the effectiveness of Differential Learning in improving basketball shooting skills.

Differential Learning encourages a holistic development environment where mistakes are seen as valuable learning opportunities. This episode is a must-listen for coaches looking to foster a dynamic learning atmosphere that pushes players beyond traditional boundaries.

To dive deeper into how Differential Learning can enhance basketball shooting development, check out the detailed blog post: Differential Learning in Basketball Shooting Development.

In this insightful episode of "The Coach Dave Love Podcast," Coach Dave Love and co-host Matt Robertson delve into the philosophy that shooting form doesn't need to be perfect—it needs to be optimal, functional, and adaptable. They introduce the "Sandbox Theory" to explore what constitutes optimal shooting form and discuss the limits of adaptability when the form becomes too challenging for players.

Episode Highlights:

• Sandbox Theory: Dave and Matt explain this theory as a way to understand the boundaries within which a player can effectively operate without compromising the adaptability of their shooting form.
• Differential Learning: The discussion highlights how differential learning can be used to encourage players to explore different techniques and find the shooting form that works best for them, promoting innovation and personalization in their approach.
• Case Study: A specific case is examined where a player excels in pull-up jump shots but struggles with catch-and-shoot scenarios. The hosts discuss strategies to balance and enhance the player’s abilities across different shooting styles.
• Practical Application: The episode wraps up with practical advice on how coaches can integrate these concepts into their training routines, ensuring players develop a shooting form that is both effective under various game conditions and conducive to long-term skill development.

This episode challenges traditional notions of a 'perfect' shooting form, encouraging coaches and players to embrace a more flexible and player-centered approach to basketball training. Tune in to learn how to foster a more adaptable and personally optimized shooting technique in your players.

For more insights on this topic, check out the related blog post: Exploring the Sandbox: Rethinking Skill in BasketballShooting.

Dive into the art and science of free throw shooting with Coach Dave Love in this detailed episode. We explore various facets of free throw shooting, emphasizing techniques and strategies that can significantly enhance performance from the free throw line.

Episode Highlights:

• Lining Up on the Nail: Coach Love clarifies the common misconception about lining up the body with the rim, emphasizing the importance of aligning the ball instead. While often overemphasized, understanding this alignment can help maintain focus on what truly matters in free throw shooting.
• Mental and Physical Routines: The discussion highlights the significance of established routines at the line, which help players stay present and avoid negative thoughts, thus enhancing focus and execution under pressure.
• The Thinking Box: Introducing the concept of the 'Thinking Box', where players are encouraged to engage in mechanical thinking away from the line but shift to action-oriented thinking once they step to the line—enhancing mental clarity and readiness.
• Taking Control at the Line: Coach Love discusses the importance of ownership and control during free throw attempts, including how to handle interruptions and maintain composure during critical moments.
• Practicing Pairs Plus Blocks: The episode covers how to structure practice to mimic game situations, blending the need for volume in repetitions with the realism of game pressure.
• Variety in Free Throw Shooting: Finally, we discuss introducing variability in practice, such as using different basketballs, rims, or environmental conditions, to prepare players for any situation they might encounter during games.

This episode is packed with practical advice, from foundational techniques to advanced strategies, ensuring that coaches and players alike can refine their approach to free throw shooting and achieve consistency and confidence at the line.

Join Coach Dave Love as he tackles some of the most heated debates in basketball shooting on this episode of the podcast. Designed to help coaches and players alike understand the nuances behind each argument, this discussion demystifies popular controversies and provides clarity on what really impacts shooting performance.

Episode Highlights:

• Turning vs. Squaring Feet: Explore the biomechanics and preferences that inform whether players should turn or square their feet when shooting, and how this affects balance and force direction.
• To Dip or Not to Dip: Delve into the debate on dipping the ball before shooting. We discuss how this movement can affect shot rhythm and power generation, and who might benefit from this technique.
• Gaze Focus: Should players look up at the ball or stay fixed on the target? We break down the visual focus strategies that can influence shooting accuracy and player concentration.
• Additional Debates: The episode also covers other contentious topics such as the optimal set point for shooting and whether to use a one-handed or two-handed follow through.

Each segment is designed to equip listeners with a deeper understanding of these debates, backed by both research and practical experience. By the end of the episode, coaches and players will be better positioned to make informed decisions about their shooting techniques, tailored to their personal or team’s needs.

Tune in for a detailed breakdown of basketball’s biggest shooting debates and enhance your coaching or playing strategy!

Explore the critical role of body posture in basketball shooting with Coach Dave Love in this insightful episode. Delving into the mechanics of optimal posture, the episode reveals how proper alignment from feet to shoulders can dramatically enhance both the power and precision of your shots. Coach Love breaks down the key elements of effective shooting posture, including weight distribution, knee flexion, and spinal alignment, and explains how these factors should dynamically adjust during gameplay to optimize shooting performance.

Episode Highlights:

• Understanding Good Posture: Learn what constitutes good posture in basketball shooting and why it's essential for minimizing negative energy and maximizing positive energy during the shot.
• Key Postural Elements: Discover the crucial aspects of posture, such as keeping weight forward on the feet and ensuring the spine's angle complements the shot trajectory.
• Common Mistakes: Identify typical postural mistakes that players make, like being too upright or letting the chest lead too early in the shot, and learn how to correct them.
• Practical Training Tips: Gain insights on how to practice and strengthen shooting posture in dynamic game-like scenarios, ensuring players can maintain optimal form under pressure.
• Building Strength for Better Posture: Understand the physical requirements needed to support good posture, emphasizing the importance of core, leg, and glute strength.

This episode is packed with actionable advice for players and coaches aiming to refine their shooting technique through better body posture. Tune in to transform your approach to shooting and see immediate improvements on the court.

In this enlightening episode of our basketball podcast, we delve into the fundamental concept of "Repetition without Repetition," originally developed by Soviet neurophysiologist Nikolai Bernstein in the early 20th century. Bernstein’s studies on the variability of movements, even in highly practiced skills, have profoundly impacted how athletes train for optimal performance today.

Episode Highlights:

• Historical Insight: We explore Bernstein's pivotal research, detailing his observations of industrial workers in the 1920s and 1930s, which led to his groundbreaking theory that no two movements are mechanically identical. His work emphasizes the importance of adaptability in skilled performances.
• Practical Applications in Basketball: The discussion focuses on how this concept is crucial for basketball training, encouraging coaches to integrate variability in practice sessions to prepare players for the unpredictability of game situations.
• Challenges and Misconceptions: We address common misunderstandings related to practice variability, such as the incorrect assumption that players should radically change their form with each repetition. Instead, we advocate for subtle variations that maintain the integrity of shooting mechanics while fostering adaptability.
• Strategies for Coaches: Practical advice is offered on how to implement these ideas effectively, using examples from changing shot distances to defensive pressures, ensuring that players can adapt their skills in real-time to match the demands of actual gameplay.

This episode is a must-listen for coaches and players alike, aiming to deepen their understanding of effective training strategies that promote skill adaptability and resilience. Tune in to transform how you approach basketball practice and player development.