It’s not enough to simply know how to shoot. You must master each and every aspect of shooting, from pre-shot routines, to ball-handling, passing and defense, in order to be considered a complete player. But what if there was one secret weapon that could help you shoot the midrange more accurately and efficiently? In this article we explore that very question by looking at Michael Jordan’s secret to becoming a midrange master, including the drills and techniques he used to polish his midrange game.
Michael Jordan’s Secret
Basketball Background
Jordan played 3 years in college (2 for the basketball team and 1 for the baseball team) before making his way into the NBA. Jordan spent his first season on the bench, but eventually became a starter at shooting guard. He was named ACC Rookie of the Year after averaging 28 points per game, leading North Carolina to an NCAA championship over Georgetown. Jordan soon established himself as one of college basketball’s best players and by his junior year, was named consensus First Team All-American, Player of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year while leading UNC back to another title. Even more impressively, Jordan was named AP College Basketball Player of the Decade in 2000. Jordan spent just one year after college developing in professional leagues before being drafted into the NBA.
The Mid-Range Shot
Jordan focused primarily on midrange shooting. Because of the 7 footers, Jordan focused primarily on midrange shooting. You see, 7 footers play defense close to the basket, so he learned that he couldn’t shoot outside shots or dribble around them because they would block his shot. So instead of shooting outside shots and dribbling around them, he learned how to shoot with his body inside of the defender’s space by shooting from 3-10 feet from the basket – very often in the midrange. His ability to get into the paint was assisted by two primary factors: his height and strength advantage over other guards, and his superior knowledge of how to use it effectively.
The Value of Repetition
To put it simply, repetition is key. In fact, even Jordan himself cited his countless hours on the court and in the gym as the biggest factor in his success. But it isn’t just about getting more shots up, either—it’s about training yourself to work on those mid-range areas. Jordan found his sweet spot between the baseline and the free throw line where he could shoot with deadly accuracy and get an easy look at the basket almost every time. To put it simply, repetition is key. In fact, even Jordan himself cited his countless hours on the court and in the gym as the biggest factor in his success.
Works on Other Non-Basketball Sports Too!
In an interview with Graham Bensinger, Jordan spoke of his experience at North Carolina and how playing other sports helped him make basketball better. Sports is your sanctuary, Jordan said. You can always find peace on the court, in any sport that you do. You’re not thinking about anything else when you’re competing…The bottom line is it relaxes me and gives me confidence. I don’t play golf but just being able to take all of my aggression out on a ball has been very therapeutic for me as well. All in all Jordan had an extremely successful NBA career and playing other sports gave him an edge both mentally and physically in his career as one of, if not, THE best ever! We definitely recommend doing something similar!
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
