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Caitlin Clark faced a tough 2025 season, battling multiple injuries that derailed her momentum. It began with left leg tightness, escalated to a left quad strain, and ultimately culminated in a season-ending right groin injury. To make matters worse, a severe left ankle sprain crushed any hopes of a return. Reflecting on the challenging year, Clark described the ankle sprain as “one of the worst sprains” of her career. Now, as the offseason unfolds, her focus is clear: recovery and rebuilding.
“I think my main focus is really just getting my body healthy,” Clark shared, emphasizing the importance of testing her body in five-on-five situations to ensure she’s ready for the demands of the game. Beyond physical recovery, Clark is determined to elevate her mid-range game, an area that has been a noted gap in her skillset.
Caitlin Clark and the debate over focus in the NFL
Historically, Caitlin Clark’s game has revolved around Lisa Bluder’s “3 and key” philosophy from her Iowa days. However, her lack of a consistent mid-range floater has raised eyebrows. In her rookie WNBA season, only 8.05% of her attempts came from the 3 to 10-foot range, with a decent efficiency of 46.08%, per Basketball Reference. In 2025, she played just 13 games before injuries sidelined her, and her mid-range attempts dropped further to 7.84%. While her efficiency improved to 48%, the limited volume-just 25 shots-painted an incomplete picture.
“The biggest thing on the court is just that mid-range area,” Clark admitted earlier this year. “I got pretty uncomfortable in there when I would get in there; I didn’t really have any floater. I didn’t like taking a mid-range jump shot.” She’s now focused on adding a floater and improving her ability to finish through contact.
A look at the future of WNBA’s star player
The WNBA landscape is evolving, with mid-range shots becoming increasingly vital. Ben Pickman highlighted on No Offseason: The Athletic Women’s Basketball Show that shots taken in the 3 to 10-foot range increased by around 6% year-over-year in 2025. “That’s the biggest jump we’ve seen in some time,” he noted, attributing the rise to improved perimeter defense across the league.
As Caitlin Clark works toward full fitness for 2026, refining her mid-range game will be crucial-not just for scoring variety but also to adapt to shifting league trends. Fans and analysts alike are eager to see how she evolves her game in the coming season.
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