What, and what not, to do with the Shooting Hand

What, and what not, to do with the Shooting Hand

Author: NBA Shooting Coach Dave Love November 19, 2024 Duration: 53:02

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.


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: 50

The Coach Dave Love Podcast
Podcast Episodes
Release Curvature [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 44:47
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 Curv…
The Science of Foot Width [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 46:48
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 the…
Differential Learning in Shooting Development [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 54:10
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 pla…
Optimal vs Perfect Shooting Form [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 44:33
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 adap…
All About Free Throws [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:02:54
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 p…
Hot Button Debates [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 52:05
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 discu…
Body Posture [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 58:29
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 shoul…
Repetition without Repetition [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 58:11
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 centu…
Hand Placement [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:05:57
In this detailed episode of our basketball podcast, we explore one of the most critical aspects of shooting technique—hand placement. Hosted by Coach Dave Love, we dive deep into how the positioning of your hands can dra…
What to do at Youth Practices [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:02:34
Coaching youth basketball presents unique challenges, especially when working with less-experienced players and limited practice time. In this essential episode of "The Coach Dave Love Podcast," NBA Shooting Coach Dave L…