10 July 2025
In today’s fast-paced, three-point-heavy NBA era, players are taking more shots from beyond the arc than ever before. The analytics say it's the most efficient way to score, and who can argue with that? A three-pointer is worth 50% more than a mid-range jumper, so naturally, teams have adjusted their strategies to focus on perimeter shooting. But here's the thing: while the mid-range game may seem like a relic of the past, it’s far from obsolete.
If you can master the mid-range, you can become an unstoppable threat on the court, a player who can score from anywhere. In fact, as teams focus more on defending the three-point line and protecting the paint, the mid-range area is often left wide open. It’s a gold mine for players who know how to exploit it. So, how do you master the mid-range game in a world obsessed with threes? Let’s find out.

Why the Mid-Range Game Still Matters
Before diving into how to master the mid-range game, let’s address the elephant in the room: why should you focus on it when everyone else is shooting from deep?
The Element of Surprise
Think about it this way: If everyone is focused on the three-point line, it creates an opening elsewhere on the court. The mid-range is often left undefended, and if you can capitalize on that, you’re going to get a lot of easy looks. It's like being the only person who knows about a secret fishing spot—the fish are plentiful, and no one else is there.
Versatility Makes You Dangerous
Players like Kevin Durant and DeMar DeRozan have built entire careers around their deadly mid-range game. When you’re effective from the mid-range, you become a three-level scorer. That means you can score in the paint, knock down threes, and hit shots from anywhere in between. This makes you incredibly tough to defend because the defense can’t predict your next move. You're unpredictable, elusive, and frankly, a nightmare for defenders.
Effective Against Elite Defenders
Elite defenders have become incredibly adept at defending the three-point line and protecting the rim. But the mid-range? That’s often left as a no-man’s-land. If you can develop a consistent mid-range shot, you’ll exploit the gap in modern defensive schemes. Think of it as zigging when everyone else is zagging.
Now that we know why the mid-range game still matters, let’s break down how you can master it.

Step 1: Perfect Your Footwork
Footwork is the foundation of any good shooter, but it’s especially crucial for mastering the mid-range game. Why? Because mid-range shots often come off the dribble or from quick pull-ups, meaning you need your feet to be in the right position at all times.
The Importance of Balance
Good footwork starts with balance. When taking a mid-range shot, make sure your feet are shoulder-width apart and that you’re not leaning too far forward or backward. Your balance should be centered, and your weight should be evenly distributed between both feet.
Quick Pull-Ups
The mid-range is often where you’ll take quick pull-up jump shots. This means you need to be able to stop on a dime. Practice dribbling into your shot and coming to a quick, balanced stop. The key is to plant your feet simultaneously, allowing you to rise straight up into your shot without leaning.
Master the Step-Back
The step-back jumper is a deadly weapon in the mid-range. It creates space between you and the defender, giving you a clean look at the basket. To master the step-back, focus on taking a strong, controlled step backward with your non-shooting foot while keeping your body balanced. This move is particularly effective when the defender is playing you tight.

Step 2: Develop a Consistent Release
Consistency is the name of the game when it comes to shooting, and that’s especially true for mid-range jumpers. Unlike three-pointers, where you have more time to set up, mid-range shots often need to be quick and precise.
Focus on the Follow-Through
Your follow-through is crucial when shooting from mid-range. Make sure your wrist snaps down as you release the ball, and hold your follow-through until the ball hits the rim. This ensures that your shot has the right rotation and trajectory.
Keep Your Eyes on the Target
It’s easy to get distracted when you’re taking a contested mid-range shot, but keeping your eyes on the target is essential. Focus on the rim as you shoot, not on the defender in front of you. This will help you stay locked in and improve your accuracy.
Repetition, Repetition, Repetition
There’s no secret to becoming a great mid-range shooter—it all comes down to practice. Repetition builds muscle memory, so spend time in the gym taking hundreds of mid-range shots. Focus on shooting from different spots on the court, and practice shooting off the dribble, off the catch, and in transition.

Step 3: Master the Art of the Pump Fake
The pump fake is one of the most effective weapons in the mid-range game. A well-executed pump fake can get defenders off their feet, allowing you to either take an uncontested shot or drive to the basket.
Selling the Fake
The key to a good pump fake is selling it. Your fake should look exactly like your regular shot. That means you need to raise the ball to your shooting pocket and get your eyes on the rim, just like you would if you were actually going to shoot. The more convincing your fake, the more likely the defender is to bite.
One-Dribble Pull-Up
Once the defender bites on your pump fake, the next step is crucial. Instead of driving all the way to the rim, consider taking a one-dribble pull-up. This is a quick, fluid move that allows you to create just enough space to get off a clean mid-range shot. To perfect this move, practice taking one hard dribble to the side or forward, then rising up quickly for the shot.
Step 4: Learn to Read the Defense
Becoming a master of the mid-range isn’t just about having a great shot—it’s also about knowing when and where to take it. This requires a deep understanding of how to read the defense.
Exploit Defensive Gaps
As mentioned earlier, modern defenses are designed to protect the three-point line and the paint, which often leaves gaps in the mid-range. When you’re in the game, constantly scan the defense for these openings. If the defense is sagging off or overcommitting to the three-point line, that’s your cue to attack the mid-range.
Know When to Pull Up
One of the hardest parts of mastering the mid-range game is knowing when to take the shot. If you’re driving to the basket and a defender steps up to block your path, that’s the perfect time for a pull-up jumper. Similarly, if a defender is playing you too tight on the perimeter, a quick step-back can create the space you need for a mid-range shot.
Step 5: Add Variety to Your Mid-Range Game
To truly master the mid-range, you need to be versatile. The best mid-range scorers don’t just rely on one or two moves; they have a full arsenal of shots at their disposal. The more variety you have, the harder you’ll be to guard.
Floaters and Runners
A floater or runner is a great way to score in the mid-range, especially when you’re driving toward the basket and a shot-blocker is waiting at the rim. These shots are quick, high-arching, and difficult to block. To master the floater, focus on getting the ball out of your hands quickly and giving it enough arc to get over the defender.
Fadeaways
The fadeaway is one of the most iconic shots in basketball, and it’s a great weapon to have in your mid-range arsenal. The key to a good fadeaway is getting enough separation from the defender while maintaining your balance. Lean back slightly as you shoot, and focus on maintaining your follow-through even as you’re moving away from the basket.
Bank Shots
Don’t forget about the bank shot! Especially when shooting from an angle, the bank shot can be a highly effective way to score. Aim for the upper corner of the square on the backboard, and practice using different amounts of force depending on your distance from the hoop.
Step 6: Stay Mentally Sharp
The mid-range game isn’t just physical—it’s mental. You need to have the confidence to take those shots, especially when defenders are closing in on you. A lot of players are hesitant to shoot from mid-range because it’s not as glamorous as the three-pointer, but if you want to master the game, you need to have the mindset of a killer scorer.
Stay Aggressive
Don’t be afraid to take mid-range shots, even if you miss a few early on. The more aggressive you are, the more you’ll keep the defense on their toes. If you hesitate, you give the defense time to recover. Trust your skills, and take the shot when you see an opening.
Visualize Success
A lot of great shooters use visualization techniques to improve their game. Before taking a mid-range shot, visualize the ball going through the hoop. This can help boost your confidence and improve your shooting percentage.
Conclusion
In an era dominated by three-pointers, the mid-range game might seem like a lost art, but it’s far from dead. In fact, mastering the mid-range can make you an even more versatile and dangerous player. By perfecting your footwork, developing a consistent release, and learning how to read the defense, you can turn the mid-range into a weapon that keeps defenders guessing. So, next time you’re on the court, don’t be afraid to take that mid-range jumper—it might just be the key to unlocking your full scoring potential.