Perception/Action Coupling

Perception/Action Coupling

Author: NBA Shooting Coach Dave Love July 23, 2024 Duration: 1:01:53

Explore the critical concept of Perception/Action Coupling in this enlightening episode of "The Coach Dave Love Podcast," hosted by NBA Shooting Coach Dave Love and co-host Matt Robertson. In "Perception/Action Coupling," they delve into what this theory is and why it is essential for basketball shooting development.

Key Points of Discussion:

  • Understanding Perception/Action Coupling: Dave starts by explaining the basics of Perception/Action Coupling — the idea that the perceptions (what we see and feel) directly inform the actions (how we react and execute skills) in sports. This connection is fundamental to training athletes to make split-second decisions under game conditions.
  • From Isolation to Game-Representativeness: The episode covers the transition from practicing basketball skills in isolation to incorporating more game-like scenarios. Dave and Matt discuss how creating practice environments that mimic game situations can significantly improve a player's ability to perform under pressure.
  • Practical Applications: Learn specific ways to apply Perception/Action Coupling in basketball training. The hosts provide insights into training techniques for complex movements like fade-aways, emphasizing how to integrate perceptual cues into the shooting process effectively.

This episode is packed with actionable advice on enhancing the way players practice by making training sessions more representative of actual game play. Understanding and implementing Perception/Action Coupling can transform training approaches and elevate player performance in critical game moments.

Be sure to subscribe to "The Coach Dave Love Podcast" for more in-depth discussions on basketball shooting techniques and training philosophies. Tune in to keep up with the latest trends and methods in basketball coaching.


The art and science of a perfect jump shot is dissected on The Coach Dave Love Podcast. NBA Shooting Coach Dave Love moves beyond generic tips, partnering with host Matt Robertson to break down the evidence-based mechanics and mental frameworks that separate good shooters from great ones. This isn't just theory; it's practical knowledge drawn directly from the highest levels of the game. Conversations with a rotating roster of guests explore the nuanced realities of shooting development, from foundational footwork to the psychology of consistency under pressure. Each episode serves as a deep dive into the craft, offering listeners a unique blend of technical analysis and broader philosophical discussions about improvement. Whether you're a player, coach, or simply fascinated by basketball's most celebrated skill, this podcast provides a rare look inside the meticulous process of building a reliable shot. You'll hear Dave Love's firsthand insights, making complex concepts accessible and immediately applicable. The dialogue is grounded in real-world application, ensuring every discussion translates to tangible understanding on the court. Tune in for a thoughtful and detailed exploration of what it truly takes to master basketball's most essential skill.
Author: Language: en-us Episodes: 72

The Coach Dave Love Podcast
Podcast Episodes
Shooting Consultant - What the job looks like. [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:05:31
What does my job look like? How did I get to the point where working in the NBA was a reality? What is the difference between training in season or out of season? And most importantly, how do I think teams can take advan…
Creating Drills and Designing Workouts [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 50:32
When I think about creating drills and designing workouts, I follow a simple process. In this episode of the podcast I'll break down for you the three steps that I follow to help players maximize transfer from skill into…
A Shooting Coach for your High-School Program [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 51:20
In 2017 I made my first trip to Australia for a series of clinics. One of the hosts was Anthony "Sepo" Separovich. Sepo was the Head Coach at Shore School in Sydney, and over the course of the next 3+ years, we developed…
Eps 7 - Form Shooting Drills [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 59:13
It's time for Coach Dave Love to "play the hits". Coaches love drills. Now, there is a lot more that goes into shooting development than just drills, but that doesn't mean they aren't important. In this episode I dive in…
Eps 6 - Guide Hand Placement and more, with Bryce Simon [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:00:46
Bryce Simon is a former D1 Athlete turned coach and scout that came to me a few weeks before this podcast with some questions. We'd never met before and immediately hit it off. In the first conversation, I thought to mys…
Eps 5 - My Shooting Non-Negotiables [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:08:13
Do you struggle with sorting through the mess that is Shooting Theory? Not sure what habits to focus on, what matters, and what to prioritize? In shooting, I have 3 Non-Negotiables. 3 things that I believe every shooter…
Eps 4 - Gonzaga's Nick Sullivan has some shooting questions... [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 56:46
One of my favourite things about my job is getting to connect with high level coaches. Nick Sullivan is a graduate assistant at Gonzaga and someone I've been helping for a couple months now. The questions Nick asks are e…
Eps 3 - Guiding Questions with Nelson Terroba [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 54:56
Nelson Terroba has been a Head Coach at various levels including the CEBL and an Assistant Coach in the NBA G-League. He joins Dave and Matt for a conversation about how to use questions to accelerate player's learning.
Eps 2 - The words we use... Internal and External Cues [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 52:25
The words we use in our explanations are critical to getting new skills to transfer to game situations. In this episode, host Matt Robertson and I discuss what Internal and External Cues are, and the process that I use w…
What is the purpose? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 41:51
In our first episode, host Matt Robertson and I dive into our purpose for the podcast. How we want to share tangible information that basketball coaches, players and front office members can really use to improve their s…