The Mid-Range (15 ft.) jump shot is a shot that is becoming as extinct in todays’ game of fast break and shoot –the-threes. We have lost an appreciation of its true value and inclusion in games that we watch.
In years gone by the “elbow” jumper was where you proved that you were a REAL shooter or just playing one on the court. My friends and I would spend literally HOURS shooting that shot in drive-ways and backyards to where we felt it was perfected enough to take to the streets. It’s interesting that even today as I step into a gym or instruct kids on how to shoot, I always take a look at their Balance, Eyes, Elbow and Feet (Remember B.E.E.F.?) as a way of determining what they need to work on and where I should begin instruction.
Inevitably, it more often than not will go to the 15-foot area. I found this definition of the 15 foot shot in Wikipedia and it made me smile:
“The fifteen-foot jump shot, or 15-footer, is a high-percentage shot that is taken often by the center or power forward. It’s a high percentage shot due to its proximity from the basket, as it is within the key, and can become an even higher percentage shot if the shooter is good at utilizing the glass for a bank shot. Although front court players tend to take many fifteen-footers, guards and backcourt players will take many shots from within the key as well, many times with a floater, when trying to penetrate the lane, or even with a quick pull-up jumper when the lane to the basket is too crowded for a layup.“
You often hear people say thing like “he or she is a pure shooter” or “they can really stroke that jumper” in reference to players that have shown a high proficiency towards shooting and effectively making shots from the 15 to 22 foot range. With the advent of the three point line becoming more and more prevalent in today’s game, you find players that actually spend more time shooting this (lower percentage) shot than those that shoot from the 15-17 foot range, simply because they feel that if they can make two of these during the course of a game, that is much better than having to make three two point shots.
While I think this is very interesting, the percentages of you taking AND making a three point shot are lower than if you’d taken three two-point shots. But players continue to value taking the risk vs. reward three pointers.
‘So, what are you saying Coach Edmonds? Should I shoot more 2-point shots or more 3-point shots when I’m training or warming up for games?‘
If I’m pressed to answer this question, I’ll more often than not respond with: Play to your STRENGTHS and stay away from your WEAKNESSES when it comes to shooting. How does that apply to you as a player? I can tell the REAL shooters from the pretenders when I watch three things: Catch, footwork and release. If those three things are harmonious then the chances of that player being a great shooter are enhanced.
So there you have it; I highly recommend working on the 15 footer or mid-Range shot to develop the habits that will make you a better three point shooter. They have to go hand-in-hand if you want to be a “lights out” shooter like the NBA’s Steph Curry, Duncan Robinson or Klay Thompson. Now get to work shooters, your team may need a game winning shot soon!
Keith Edmonds is a 32-year veteran of teaching and school administration from Fort Wayne. He coached boys high school basketball as an assistant at Snider High School, North Side High School and was the head boys basketball coach at Elmhurst High School for 12 years, advancing to the Class 3A State championship in 2003. Courtside with Coach Edmonds will appear every Monday at Outside the Huddle. These opinions represent those of the writer. No opinions expressed on Outside the Huddle represent those of any of our advertisers.
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