
The teardrop is a high-arcing basketball shot that is considered the antidunk. It is a finesse shot that is usually tossed by the smallest player on the court. The teardrop is also called a floater and is considered one of the most difficult shots in the game. It requires a lot of timing, concentration, balance, and touch. The shot is executed by shooting the ball at a high arc over a taller defender, so that it drops through the net with barely a whisper.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Teardrop, Floater, Runner |
| Objective | Shoot a high arcing shot over a taller or longer defender |
| Motion | The player shoots the ball with a high arc over the outstretched hands of the shot blocker |
| Difficulty | One of the most difficult shots in the game |
| Mastery | Requires timing, concentration, balance, and touch |
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What You'll Learn

The teardrop is a high-arcing shot
The teardrop is a difficult shot to master, requiring excellent timing, concentration, balance, and touch. It is a clever move that can be used to great effect, particularly by smaller players who may struggle with the power of a slam dunk. The shot is released from a higher angle, so it arcs over the defender, and it requires a player to have a good perception of their position in relation to the shot-blocker.
The teardrop is an unpredictable shot that can be used to gain an advantage over taller defenders who are skilled at blocking shots. It is a shot that can be used at speed, as part of a player's natural movement, and it can be a very effective weapon in a player's offensive arsenal. The teardrop is a shot that can surprise and impress, and it is a move that can be practised and perfected with repetition.
The teardrop is a shot that has been used to great effect by some of the best players in the NBA, such as Stephen Curry, who is known for his ability to execute this move with a high degree of precision. The teardrop is a unique and eye-catching shot that can cause thousands of fans to hold their breath as the ball floats towards the rim. It is a move that requires skill and precision, and it can be a very effective weapon for players who master it.
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It's a finesse shot, not power
The teardrop shot in basketball is a finesse shot, requiring a deft touch and a delicate approach. It is the antithesis of the slam dunk, which relies on power and raw athleticism. The teardrop is about subtlety and precision, a shot that floats gracefully over defenders and gently drops into the net.
The teardrop, also known as a floater, is a high-arcing shot. The offensive player uses this technique to shoot over the outstretched arms of taller defenders, who often rely on their height and shot-blocking abilities. The floater is an artful way to circumvent these defensive advantages, requiring finesse and a soft touch rather than brute force.
Mastering the teardrop shot takes time and practice. It demands excellent timing, concentration, balance, and a delicate touch. It is a shot that can be used while in motion, adding an unpredictable element to a player's offensive repertoire. The key is to focus on the intended target, not the defender, and to use finesse to arc the ball over any obstacles.
The teardrop is a clever and effective move that can catch the opposition off guard. It is a shot that relies on finesse and skill, rather than power or sheer physicality. This makes it a valuable weapon for smaller players, who can use the teardrop to outwit taller defenders and gracefully float the ball into the basket.
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It's also called a floater
The teardrop is also called a floater because of the floating motion of the ball as it arcs over the defender's outstretched hands. This type of shot is primarily used by shorter players to get past taller defenders. The floater is shot at a high arc, requiring skill to master as it changes the basic trajectory of the shot.
The floater is an advanced shot that requires finger control and a good grip on the ball with your fingertips as you shoot. It is a difficult shot to master, and many basketball players consider it the most challenging move in the game. The true artists of the teardrop/floater shot say a complex calculus is involved.
The floater is an unpredictable shot that can be used to great effect during a game, adding a valuable skill to a player's repertoire. It can be practised in a drill, aiming at the backboard and ensuring the right angle. It can also be practised while running, shooting a running floater, which can be a potent offensive weapon.
The floater is akin to a drop shot in tennis or a knuckleball in baseball, a cleverly effective move that can be maddening for the opposition. It is a shot that requires finesse and a light touch, rather than power.
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It's one of the most difficult shots
The teardrop shot, also known as a floater, is considered one of the most difficult shots in basketball. It is a high-arcing shot that requires finesse and a soft touch. The goal is to shoot the ball over the outstretched hands of a taller defender so that it drops through the net with barely a whisper.
The teardrop is the opposite of a slam dunk, which relies on power and raw ferocity. The teardrop is a delicate shot that requires excellent timing, concentration, balance, and touch. It is often used by smaller players who lack the height or strength to perform more powerful moves.
To execute a teardrop, the player must arc the ball over the defender's outstretched hands, and the most challenging part is actually making the shot. It requires a lot of practice and skill to master the technique, and even then, it can be difficult to pull off during a game. The player must be able to shoot while in motion, and they must also have the right amount of force behind the shot to avoid bouncing it off the backboard.
Many players consider the teardrop to be the most difficult shot in basketball. It requires a complex calculus of factors, including the player's distance from the basket, the height of the defender, and the timing of the shot. It is a clever and effective move that can be maddening for the opposition.
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It's an unpredictable shot
The teardrop is an unpredictable shot in basketball, also known as a floater. It is a high-arcing shot that floats over the outstretched hands of defenders, requiring finesse and precision. The shot is considered difficult and often employed by smaller players to gain an advantage over taller opponents.
The teardrop is the opposite of a slam dunk, which relies on power and raw ferocity. The teardrop, on the other hand, is a delicate shot that floats gracefully towards the basket, dropping through the net with barely a whisper. This unpredictability makes it a potent weapon in a player's offensive arsenal, often catching defenders off guard.
The key to the teardrop's success lies in its ability to change the basic trajectory of the shot. By arcing the ball at a higher angle, players can get the ball over the outstretched hands of shot blockers. This requires excellent timing, concentration, balance, and touch. It is a shot that demands practice and skill to master, as players must learn to perceive their position relative to the shot blocker before releasing the ball.
The teardrop is not a new move, but it has had its moment in the spotlight, with players like Stephen Curry, Nate Robinson, and Raymond Felton showcasing its effectiveness in the NBA playoffs. Curry, in particular, is known for his exceptional ability to float the ball, sending it on a high arc that seems almost like a trick shot. The teardrop's unpredictability can leave thousands of fans holding their breath as the ball gracefully makes its way towards the rim.
The teardrop is a clever and effective move that can frustrate the opposition. Its complexity and difficulty make it a challenging shot to execute, but when mastered, it becomes a valuable tool for smaller players looking to outwit taller defenders. The teardrop showcases the finesse and skill of players who employ it, adding an element of surprise to the game and making it a truly unpredictable shot.
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Frequently asked questions
The teardrop, also called a floater, is a high-arcing shot that is tossed over a defender's hands and drops into the net.
The teardrop requires good timing, concentration, balance, and touch. It is important to keep your head up when you dribble, slow down, and get your balance.
The teardrop is best used when faced with a defender who is using their arm to create a barricade between your shot and the rim. It allows you to shoot over their outstretched hands.
You can practice the teardrop by working on your floating shot while in motion. This will help you add an unpredictable shot to your repertoire.
Some common mistakes when attempting a teardrop include not timing it right, floating the ball too hard, and misjudging the angle of the shot.

































