How Kevin Durant Hits the Mid Range Jump Shot Every Time
How does Kevin Durant consistently hit the mid-range jump shot or any jump shot for that matter? The answer lies in his form and the technique he uses to shoot the basketball. If you follow these tips and pointers on how to shoot like Kevin Durant, you’ll soon find yourself draining buckets from all over the court. Follow along as we break down everything from set up, to release, to follow through, and get ready to see your shooting percentage improve!
His consistent shooting form
Durant’s shooting form might look different on the court, but there are a few things he keeps consistent no matter where he is on the court. For example, Durant has his feet set at a distance of roughly 16 inches and tends to jump straight up and down when shooting from the mid-range area. In addition, Durant has an accuracy rate of about 45% from three-point range as well as an average height of five inches and nine inches from the top of his head to the bottom of his feet. The good news for aspiring basketball players is that Durant was an 18-year old senior in high school when he shot 42% from three-point range so it isn’t too late for you to develop your own jump shot!
He always hits his free throws
One of the most important shots in basketball, the free throw is a testimony to consistency. Free throws are almost entirely mental—you simply have to believe you can make them and do everything in your power to put yourself in a position to convert each shot. Most NBA players shoot around 80% from the line, so getting 90% of your free throws is really quite an accomplishment. But if they’re as important as they seem, how come some people never practice their free throws? The answer is simple: They don’t need too, because they’re consistent with every one they take.
His focus is key
Durant, like many other NBA stars, seems to have a supernatural basketball IQ. That allows him to get the most out of every possession. He keeps his eyes on the target, doesn’t rush, always keeps an eye on the play developing around him and remains poised throughout the game. As a result, he almost always has time to shoot accurately and with ease. Durant also makes it difficult for opponents to block his shot by form shooting—setting up his body properly before shooting by cocking back his elbow (and not bringing it forward as he shoots). This allows him to shoot with far more accuracy than someone who simply points their arm and wrist toward the basket while jumping, because they usually try to release the ball at its peak rather than just before it reaches its apex.
He doesn’t think about what he’s doing
One of the most commonly-accepted truths in basketball is that shooting requires a lot of time and practice to develop. While that may be true for some players and certain shots, some of the best shooters don’t over-think what they do and just shoot the basketball. We can see how much attention NBA superstars like LeBron James or Steph Curry give to form when they shoot; you don’t become one of the best players in the world by over-thinking your form.
He waits until game time to warm up
Warming up before a game is important to get a nice feel for the basket. But if you’re a ball-handling whiz like Curry, you may only need to hit the floor for a few minutes before heading out. I don’t warm up beforehand, he told GQ . Maybe I should. It might be one of those psychological things that could get me into it. But I’m so used to shooting at any point in time that it really doesn’t matter when I go out there.
Get an online coach!
The recipe for a perfect jump shot is all about having shooting accuracy and getting your basketball iq right. Some people are naturally more accurate than others, but you can take that to a whole new level with a coach or an online training program. If Durant himself, who’s one of today’s best shooters, can seek help from experts, then you should too. He has trainers to help him do everything from gaining strength to developing techniques; he also works on endurance and weight training. If these things don’t sound important to you, think again—no matter how good your shooting skills are at present, you need more than just talent to make it to the NBA. What works for Durant will work for you!
If you want to level up your shooting accuracy, we got you. We created the 6ixShooter Academy. A one-stop basketball training program to help elevate your game and become an unstoppable shooter with coach Seth McCoy a.k.a 6ixShooter. CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE
If you want to level up your shooting accuracy, we got you. We created the 6ixShooter Academy. A one-stop basketball training program to help elevate your game and become an unstoppable shooter with coach Seth McCoy a.k.a 6ixShooter. CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE
