Floaters: Extended Mid-Range Finishing
A floater (or runner) is a shot taken from the mid-range, typically 8-15 feet from the basket, using a soft touch and high arc rather than a traditional jump shot.
Individual Skills
The Mid-Range Question
The mid-range shot (15-22 feet, not at the three-point line) has been devalued in modern basketball due to its poor efficiency-to-spacing tradeoff.
Direct answer
What is The Mid-Range Question?
The mid-range shot (15-22 feet, not at the three-point line) has been devalued in modern basketball due to its poor efficiency-to-spacing tradeoff.
Quick facts
| Category | Individual Skills |
|---|---|
| Source volume | Basketball Knowledge Vault/vol2_intermediate_building_your_game.md |
What it is
- The mid-range shot (15-22 feet, not at the three-point line) has been devalued in modern basketball due to its poor efficiency-to-spacing tradeoff.
How it works
- A mid-range two-pointer made at 50% is worth 1.0 points per attempt (0.50 × 2 points); a three-pointer requires only about 33% shooting to match that, since 0.33 × 3 ≈ 1.0 points per attempt as well.
- For most players, mid-range shot frequency should remain below 10% of total attempts, reserved for specific tactical moments rather than primary scoring options.
Bilingual terms
| English | The Mid-Range Question |
|---|---|
| Simplified Chinese | 中档问题 |
| Traditional Chinese | 中檔問題 |
Related concepts
Expanding Archetype Range
A player can expand their archetype by developing new skills.
Back Screens, Down Screens, Cross Screens, and Flare Screens
Beyond on-ball screens (ball handler uses the screen), off-ball screens create movement and spacing for non-ball handlers.
Hack-a-Player Strategy
The hack-a-player strategy is a deliberate fouling strategy, most commonly used against poor free-throw shooters.
Popping to Three-Point Line with Ready Hands
Popping is an alternative to rolling, typically used when the defense hedges significantly or switches onto the handler.
Pushing the Ball Middle vs. Sideline
Once the outlet pass is made, the outlet receiver must decide whether to push the ball up the middle of the court or along the sideline.