25 Aug Shot Mechanics / The Dip
The Controversial Dip:
One of the most fiercely debated topics among coaches is “the dip”. Should players dip or not?
Traditionally the higher shot pocket has been taught. I have heard among many coaching circles that the dip slows down the shot. I understand why most coaches would think that but has that theory thoroughly been tested to pass the litmus test and if it has then coaches that subscribe to that teaching would have to explain why some of the greatest shooters among men and women( Steph Curry, Ray Allen, Klay Thompson, Damian Liillard, and Caitlyn Clark) dip the ball during shooting.
As a former player and a shooting Coach specialist I have thoroughly tested this and have concluded that dipping the ball does not slow down the shot. If the timing is precise and the kinetic flow is executed properly there is no difference in speed. There is a phenomena of a biomechanical movement known as the (SSC) Stretch- Shortening Cycle where the contrast between stretching and shortening the muscle tendon is so quick that it naturally produces explosive power. It’s like the stretch and snap of a rubber band back in place. The dip assimilates this movement perfectly.
Typically when the ball is caught or when it is picked up from a dribble the hips naturally drop and load,and from that position the brain automatically knows that lifting the ball from that point is the most logical next step sequence of movement. These two combinations of movements happening at the same time produces clean explosive power.
The dip gives the shot great fluidity because the ball has a greater distance to travel from the hip load to the set point giving the ball great momentum that transfers into a smooth high trajectory shot with perfect lift of the ball for consistent arc.
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