The midrange is a lost art. You often hear coaches say something like, “Key, 3, & free.” In other words, they want shots at the rim, open 3’s, and free throws.

Analytically, this makes sense. Those shots are the most efficient. Mid-range pull-ups are statistically more inefficient.

However, this misses a key point. Look at it from a defensive perspective. If offenses are seeking shots at the rim and open 3’s, those become the shots the defense wants to take away.

If the defense is taking those shots away, what shots does it open up? The mid-range.

What does this mean? It means there’s a huge opportunity for you if you can become proficient at making mid-range pull-ups. Players like Devin Booker take advantage of that. . . and so should you!

While it’s not an easy shot, it is one that you can master.

But to master it, there’s something you need to know. . .

3 Reasons Why The Last Dribble Is The Key To Making A Pull Up

When you shoot your pull-up, you must exaggerate the force of the last dribble. Too many players dribble the ball softly. This makes the shot much harder.

Here are the benefits of pounding the last dribble:

• It generates upwards force - by pounding the last dribble, you can use the force generated by the ball to spring you up into your shot. This helps you shoot your pull-up with better rhythm.

• It brings the ball to your shot pocket - when you pound the last dribble, the ball comes right to your shot pocket. This means you start your pull-up just like you start a catch and shoot shot. That consistency makes it an easier shot.

• It speeds up your shot - when you have to reach down for a weak last dribble, your hands have to travel further down and then further back up. These fractions of a second add up.

  By pounding the last dribble, your hands have less ground to cover to release the ball. This allows you to get off your shot quicker.

A Warmup Drill To Develop A Strong Last Dribble

As with any habit, you’ll need to practice a strong last dribble. In this clip from The Breakthrough Basketball Shooting & Scoring System, Coach Jim Huber shows a way to work on pounding the last dribble.

This is a great warm-up drill to develop a smooth ball pickup and strong last dribble.

Over time, you can add challenge to the drill by making the last dribble a change-of-hands move (crossover, between-the-legs, or behind-the-back).

The Value Of A Shot Creator - Are You Ready To Become One?

Yes, coaches want open 3’s and layups. However, look at the shots teams often get at the end of games. What are they? Mid-range shots. Why? Because when the defense is really locked in, you’ve got to have players who can make tough shots.

Do you want to be one of those players? If so, master the art of pounding the last dribble.

If you want to turn skills like this into real game weapons, Breakthrough Basketball Camps are built for you. At our shooting camps, players don’t just hear tips—they practice them at game speed, learning to create space, control the last dribble, and rise into pull-ups with confidence against live defense.

Our coaches break down the details, then put players in competitive situations where those habits stick. If you’re serious about becoming a complete scorer and shot creator, check out Breakthrough Basketball Camps and register for a camp near you.

Gain the Edge to
Stand Out on the Court

Breakthrough Basketball Camps help players improve their skills and decision-making while building the confidence to shine on and off the court. Trusted by over 150,000 players nationwide, our camps provide:

• Experienced coaches who know how to teach every level

• Skill development in shooting, ball handling, and all-around play

• Game-like situations that build confidence under pressure

• A positive, motivating environment parents can feel good about

• Beginner, Youth, and Advanced Camps - Ages 6 to 18

FIND A BASKETBALL CAMP NEAR YOU

Comments Most Likes First   Oldest First   Newest First

Leave a Comment Name : Email (not published) : One minus zero is equal to?  (Prevents Spam) Answer :  Load New Question Comments : Leave this Blank :