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The Lost Art of the Mid-Range Jumper: Why Every Player Should Master It

January 16, 2025 – Rob White

The Lost Art of the Mid-Range Jumper: Why Every Player Should Master It
The Lost Art of the Mid-Range Jumper: Why Every Player Should Master It

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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