Mid-Range Jumper

As you are on a fast break and go to pull up and shoot a mid-range jumper, what should you do? Hang longer, raise set point, more arch,...
Aaron Hendricks

Thanks for the question, Aaron.  It depends on how close you are to the basket.  If youíre mid-range or further out, then generally you can shoot the way you normally would, that is by shooting on the way up, Set Point in line with your eye and the basket, and a full out release to the end-of-the-arm, as I coach it.  Realize, however, that you will probably have more power and momentum than usual, since you are running toward the basket.  Thus you have to be very aware of arch, adjusting it to control the distance.  If youíre in close, you definitely will have to shoot higher to compensate for all the power.

You might be able to raise the Set Point for your shot, too, so you have a little less power with the Release and can, thus, let it fly and not be so afraid of being too strong.  If you have to you can hang a bit, but beware of that because the more you hesitate, the less stable is the power coming from the legs and middle body, and the shot becomes more difficult.

The key is NOT TO HOLD BACK with the Release!  It helps to have the same release action, quick and strong, elbow locking, so there is no variation in that force.  Changing arch allows you to control the variation of power and distance thatís happening.

This same coaching applies to runners and floaters, and to teardrops, where youíre in close and shooting off one leg, moving left or right or toward the basket, etc. If the arm is pushed quickly to the end of its extension every time (with passive wrist and hand), it minimizes the variables and you know whatís coming off the fingertips each time.