Training Tip of the Month July 2023

When I was in the 7th/8th grade, I came to a point in my development that I knew I needed to elevate my game to the next level in order to be able to have the opportunity to play basketball in high school. The one thing that I learned how to do in middle school that helped me take my game up a notch was the mid-range jumpshot. All throughout 8th grade and the summer after I worked on my mid-range jumpshot. I knew I was able to get to the basket with my speed and I was pretty decent in my 3-point game, but what happened if I got stuck in between there? 

Let me tell you the reason why the mid-range jumpshot is so valuable to the game of basketball. It provides versatility to your game, your decision making in shot selection will improve, and it provides a reliable option for end-of-game situations.

1. Versatility: The mid-range jumpshot allos players to score from an intermediatee distance between the basket and the 3-point line. This versatility is essential because it provides an additional scoring option wheen driving to the rim is noot deasible due to defensive pressure or when shooting a 3-pointer is too far away or risky. Being proficient in the mid-range jumpshot gives players more offensive options, making them harder to defend.
2. Shot Selection: Mastering the mid-range jumpshot helps players understand shot selection and improves their overall basketball IQ: It teaches them to recognize when to take a mid-range shot instead of forcing a contested layup or attempting a difficult 3-pointer. Developing this awareness helps players make better decisions during games, contributing to their efficiency and overrall offensive effectiveness.
3. End-of-Game Situations: In clutch moments, when time is running out or the game is on the line, the mid-range jumpshoot becomes a valuable weapon. These shots provide a reliable option for players to take high-percentage shots, especially when defenders are intensely focused on preventing 3-point attempts or close-range shots. A player who can confidently coonvert mid-range jumpshots in pressure situations can be a game-changer for their team.

I was a one-dimensional player before middle school. Don't be a one-dimensional player. Allow Watson Basketball Academy to help develop your game and provide you with some versatility.