The Lost Art of the Mid-Range Jumper: Why Every Player Should Master It
January 16, 2025 – Rob White

Is the Mid-Range Jumper Dead? Not So Fast.
Basketball has evolved. The modern game emphasizes three-pointers and layups, driven by analytics showing that these shots provide the highest points per possession. But in this shift, an essential skill has been neglected—the mid-range jumper.
Some call it a “lost art.” Others say it’s inefficient. But the truth? Mastering the mid-range can make you an unstoppable scorer.
Why the Mid-Range Jumper Still Matters
A well-developed mid-range game:
✅ Exploits defensive gaps – Defenses prioritize protecting the rim and closing out on three-point shooters, leaving the mid-range open.
✅ Provides high-quality shot opportunities – When driving lanes close or a defender overcommits, the pull-up jumper is a go-to weapon.
✅ Makes you unpredictable – A player who can score at all three levels (rim, mid-range, three) is harder to guard.
Shooting Percentages by Range
Let’s break down the numbers:
Three-pointers are valuable, but they’re harder to hit consistently. Layups are ideal, but getting to the rim isn’t always possible. The mid-range jumper bridges that gap.
How Defenses Create Mid-Range Opportunities
1️⃣ Beating the On-Ball Defender
Defenders are taught to protect the rim first. When you drive, they naturally retreat to “the spot”—the basket. This momentum gives you an opportunity:
🔥 The Move: Attack hard, then pull up.
💡 Why It Works: The defender is moving backward, making it difficult to contest the shot effectively.
2️⃣ Transition Offense & Fast Breaks
In transition, defenses collapse into the paint to prevent easy layups. This opens up space around the free-throw line and wings for a clean mid-range look.
🔥 The Move: Push the ball, read the defense, and step into a mid-range jumper before they recover.
💡 Why It Works: The defense is backpedaling, giving you a clear shot window.
3️⃣ Using Screens to Create Space
Screens are not just for getting to the basket or creating three-point shots. They are perfect for mid-range pull-ups:
• On-ball screens → The defender often sags or goes under, leaving space for a quick pull-up.
• Off-ball screens → Catch and shoot in rhythm before the defense closes out.
🔥 The Move: Curl off a screen, square up, and shoot in stride.
💡 Why It Works: The defender is recovering, making it tough to contest without fouling.
Drill: Perfecting the Mid-Range Pull-Up
To master the mid-range jumper, you need great footwork and quick decision-making. Here’s a drill to develop those skills:
🔹 Setup: Place a chair or cone just inside the arc at the top of the key.
🔹 Execution:
1. Start at the three-point line.
2. Receive a pass and take one or two hard dribbles to either side.
3. Plant your inside foot first, then bring your outside foot forward to square up.
4. Imagine a sheet of glass extending from your waist—don’t dip the ball below it!
5. Elevate and shoot with proper form.
🔥 Key Focus Areas:
✅ Stay low & explosive – A strong first step helps create separation.
✅ Eliminate wasted motion – Get into the shooting pocket quickly.
✅ Game-speed reps – Train the way you play.
Why Every Player Should Develop a Mid-Range Game
Basketball is about options. A player limited to only three-pointers or layups becomes predictable and easier to guard. But when you can score from anywhere on the floor, defenses struggle to contain you.
🏀 Think about players like Kawhi Leonard, Kevin Durant, and DeMar DeRozan. They thrive because they’ve mastered all three levels of scoring.
Want to elevate your game? Work on your mid-range jumper, and you’ll become a more complete, unstoppable player.
Final Thoughts: Bring the Mid-Range Back
The mid-range isn’t dead. It’s just underutilized. If you want to be a high-IQ, dynamic scorer, don’t ignore this critical skill.
✅ Attack the defense’s weak spots.
✅ Master pull-up footwork.
✅ Train at game speed.
🔹 Now, it’s time to put in the work!
🔥 Bonus Tip: Enhance Your Shooting Mechanics
The mid-range jumper is only as effective as your shooting form. Want to refine your shot? Check out Perfec’Shot, designed to eliminate off-hand interference and build pure shooting mechanics.
Start training smarter today!
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