A true craftsman in the world of basketball shooting, Dave Love has earned a reputation as one of the most respected shooting coaches with a proven track record of elevating players at every level, from youth athletes to NBA All-Stars. His journey from an average high school player to a renowned shooting specialist is a testament to his dedication to the science and art of the jump shot. With stints at several NBA franchises, including the Phoenix Suns (2009-10), Cleveland Cavaliers (2013-14), Orlando Magic (2014-18), and most recently the Dallas Mavericks and NBA G League Ignite (2023-24), Love’s expertise has been sought by some of the game’s biggest names.
Love’s work with NBA players is well-documented, marked by significant improvements in shooting percentages. He’s famously known for his work with Tristan Thompson, whom he helped switch from a left-handed to a right-handed shooter, a mid-career transition that resulted in Thompson’s career-best shooting season. Similarly, he worked with Aaron Gordon, who saw a 30% increase in his free-throw shooting percentage, and Dewayne Dedmon, who improved from a 53% free-throw shooter to a reliable 80% free-throw shooter and later developed a three-point shot.
What sets Love apart is his evidence-based approach. He’s one of the few NBA coaches who actively contributes to peer-reviewed research on the biomechanics of shooting, motor learning, and instructional science. His methodology isn’t just based on experience but is grounded in scientific principles, making his instruction precise, effective, and adaptable. He focuses on core “non-negotiables” of shooting, such as balance, hand placement, and arc, while tailoring the specifics to each individual player’s unique mechanics.
Dave Love has extended his influence beyond North American shores through a significant collaboration with EuroProBasket and Valencia Basket, two key players in the European basketball scene. This partnership has brought his elite-level expertise to aspiring professional players and youth athletes in Spain.
Through this collaboration, Love has directed the Dave Love Shooting Academy, a summer basketball camp held at L’Alqueria del Basket, Valencia Basket’s state-of-the-art training facility. Widely considered one of Europe’s largest and most advanced basketball training centers, L’Alqueria del Basket provides the perfect environment for Love’s intensive shooting programs. The camps are designed for boys and girls ages 12-18 and offer a curriculum that mirrors the same high-level training Love provides to his NBA clients.
These camps aren’t just about drills; they’re about teaching players how to become their own shooting coaches. Love empowers athletes by helping them understand the “why” behind their mechanics and how to diagnose and correct their own mistakes. His ability to simplify complex concepts makes his training accessible and impactful for players of all ages and skill levels. In addition to the youth camps, Love has also hosted virtual clinics and worked with European professional players, further cementing his reputation as a global authority on shooting.
By partnering with EuroProBasket and Valencia Basket, Dave Love has bridged the gap between elite NBA training and youth development, providing a rare opportunity for young European players to learn from a true master of his craft. His impact is measured not just in improved shooting percentages but also in the long-term empowerment of the athletes he coaches.
