In basketball shooting development, few topics spark as much debate as the “Dip”—the act of lowering the ball during the shot preparation phase to lengthen its path before release. Some players naturally dip the ball, starting the motion near their waist and lifting it through a smooth arc, while others are taught to avoid dipping, beginning closer to their forehead to shorten the shooting motion.
Both approaches have their merits and tradeoffs. In the debate over whether to dip or not, it’s easy to lose sight of what truly matters: understanding the tradeoffs of each method and tailoring solutions to the needs of individual players.
The Dip and the Physics of Force, Distance, and Acceleration
The dip creates a longer motion, giving players more distance to apply force to the ball. This lengthened motion distributes effort more evenly, potentially making it easier to generate the velocity needed for longer shots. Conversely, avoiding the dip shortens the motion, compressing the range within which force is applied. Both options rely on the same basic principles of physics:
W = F x d = ΔKE = 1/2mv2
Where:
- W is the work done on the ball,
- F is the applied force,
- d is the distance over which the force is applied,
- m is the mass of the ball, and
- v is the final velocity of the ball at release.
In a dipped motion, d is larger, allowing F to be applied more gradually. In a non-dipped motion, d is smaller, requiring greater force to be applied more quickly to achieve the same v.
Opportunities for Adjustment in the Dip
One key advantage of the dip is that it provides players more opportunities to adjust during the shooting motion. If a player starts the motion slightly off-balance, misaligned, or with less than ideal force, the longer path of the dip allows for mid-motion corrections. These adjustments can improve accuracy and help mitigate small errors that occur early in the shot.
For example:
- Release Angle: A dipped motion provides more time for the body and ball to align correctly, reducing the risk of releasing at an angle that’s too high or low.
- Force Application: Dipping allows for smoother, more gradual force generation, particularly involving larger muscle groups like the legs and shoulders.
By contrast, skipping the dip leaves little room for error correction. Without the dip, the ball is moving quickly through a shorter range of motion, and any mistakes made early on (e.g., poor alignment or inconsistent force application) are harder to correct before release. This increases the demand for precise mechanics and consistency.
Challenges in Not Dipping the Ball
For players who avoid the dip, the shorter motion requires greater acceleration in the final phase to generate sufficient velocity. This concentrated force application introduces several challenges:
- Amplified Errors: Shortening the motion amplifies small errors in force, release angle, or timing, making consistency more difficult.
- Physical Demands: Avoiding the dip can be especially challenging for younger, smaller, or less physically developed players. These athletes may struggle to generate the necessary velocity without the help of a longer motion, resulting in flat trajectories or over-reliance on the wrists and fingers.
- Reduced Adaptability: Non-dipped motions limit the ability to adjust mid-shot, requiring near-perfect execution from start to finish.
Tradeoffs in Action: Statistical Comparisons
To illustrate the tradeoffs, let’s examine the effects of dipping and not dipping using theoretical scenarios.
Scenario 1: Release Angle Deviation
- Dipped Motion (5 ft): A ±2-degree deviation in release angle results in a 5% change in the ball’s arc height, as the longer motion provides time to correct alignment.
- Non-Dipped Motion (2 ft): The same ±2-degree deviation results in a 12% change in arc height, as the shorter motion offers less room for adjustment.
Scenario 2: Force Application Variability
- Target: The player must impart a velocity of 20 ft/s to the ball for a free throw from 15 ft away.
- Dipped Motion (5 ft): A ±2% variation in force results in a ±0.4 ft/s change in velocity, leading to a ±1.5-inch deviation in the landing point.
- Non-Dipped Motion (2 ft): The same ±2% variation results in a ±1 ft/s change in velocity, leading to a ±4-inch deviation in the landing point.
Scenario 3: Spin Axis Consistency
- Target: The ball should have a pure backspin with 2 revolutions per second.
- Dipped Motion (5 ft): A ±5-degree tilt in the spin axis results in a ±1-inch deviation in the ball’s trajectory.
- Non-Dipped Motion (2 ft): The same ±5-degree tilt results in a ±3-inch deviation, increasing variability.
Tradeoffs: Adaptability vs. Speed
The decision to dip or not to dip boils down to tradeoffs between adaptability and speed.
Advantages of the Dip:
- More Adaptability: The longer motion provides time to adjust and correct errors during the shot.
- Reduced Physical Demands: Larger muscle groups can contribute to force generation, easing strain on the wrists and fingers.
- Smoother Force Application: Gradual force generation can lead to a more stable trajectory and spin.
Advantages of Not Dipping:
- Faster Release: A shorter motion allows for quicker execution, which can be an advantage when defenders are closing in.
- Compact Movements: The ball stays closer to the body, minimizing exposure to external disruptions.
- Simplified Flow: For some players, skipping the dip may feel more natural or align better with their physical strengths, particularly in the wrists and fingers.
Balancing the Debate
In the dip vs. no-dip debate, it’s essential to recognize that both solutions have advantages and tradeoffs. The question isn’t which method is better, but which is better for a specific player, given their physical attributes, skill level, and role on the court. For younger or smaller players with less strength, the dip may help generate the power needed for longer shots. For older, more developed players, skipping the dip may provide the speed and compactness needed to execute under defensive pressure.
As coaches, our job is to understand these tradeoffs and tailor our approach to each player. Whether teaching the dip or a shorter motion, the goal is to optimize the shooting form to fit the unique demands of the player and the game.
