Dave Love has brought his years of experience and expertise as an NBA coach to Hornsby Basketball Association for a special clinic
NBA coach Dave Love visits Thornleigh for elite coaching clinic
Hornsby
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We’ve all heard the saying “practice makes perfect”.
It’s a fundamental pillar for anyone who has strived to get better at something.
But it’s a saying with which NBA shooting coach Dave Love doesn’t entirely agree.
“A young person typically thinks they are practising far more than they really are,” he said.
“Mindless repetition isn’t practising, it may just be reinforcing negative habits.
“To really improve, players need to identify bad habits and consciously try to break them.”
The concept of “disciplined practice makes perfect” is the driving force behind Love’s teachings.
Coaching with the Orlando Magic, Love held a special clinic for Hornsby Basketball Association juniors at The Brickpit Sports Stadium, Thornleigh, last week.
“The fundamentals that we teach at the clinics are the same fundamentals we work on with NBA players,” Love said.
“We emphasise simplicity, and repeatability so that players can find the kind of form that is repeatable in game situations.
“The only difference between the clinic and my work with NBA players is the circumstance.
“In the NBA we have months, or even years, to develop new habits.
“In the clinic, we only have three hours.
“So the clinic is less about immediate improvement and more about learning and understanding, so that players can take that information and use it over the next few months and years to help themselves improve.”
As for coach Love’s one key for success on the court? Fighting for simplicity.