The mid-range shot- "A lost art that can be mastered"

The three-point line and the slam dunk has been a major influence on many of today's young players. They have also set the offense limitations that many players possess as they become high school and collegiate players. While attending a high school game this season, I realized that most players do not understand how to create and make a mid-range shot.

The three-point line was implemented into high school basketball the year after I graduated from Thornwood High School in South Holland, Illinois. We were taught daily in practice to catch in triple threat, read the defender's feet, create space by attacking the outside shoulder, take one or two hard power dribbles and pull up for a 12 to 15 foot jump shot. Our perimeter offense was based on screens and back cuts but when you caught the basketball on the wing, you were supposed to look to attack your defender. This translated to the college level when I played at Chattanooga. Even though the three-point line was in play, we were taught not to settle. Our coaches would repeatedly tell us, "Don't let your defender off of the hook, attack him and force him to play you." Looking for the mid-range jump shot will also cause the defender to commit fouls to stop an effective shooter. The result of the defender fouling the offensive player is a trip to the free-throw line. I was never a three-point shooter but scored three-point baskets by making the two point shot a drawing a foul on my defender. I would go to the free-throw line to complete the three-point play.

Mid-range shooting has to be practiced and taught. The easiest way for a player to master becoming a solid mid-range shooter is to shoot the ball for 12 to 15 feet at game speed. The player should work out of five spots on the floor: left and right corner, left and right wing and the top of the key. Start out of triple-threat position facing the basket. Pump fake the basketball with a jab step toward the basket, (keep your pivot foot down) take one or two hard power dribbles to get into the 12 to 15 foot range for a jump shot. You should MAKE 20 shots from all five spots. (Total of 100 shots)

Remember, without hard work there are no results. The mid-range shot can be the difference in a player being an real scoring threat or an average offensive player. It will help your point production and give you an opportunity to help you team.

Yours in Basketball,

Coach Stewart