Amanda Knapp
The floater is an advanced basketball technique that can be used to score points and gain an advantage over defenders. It is a shot that combines the upward trajectory of a jump shot with the close-range execution of a layup. When performing a floater, an offensive player jumps and releases the ball with a high arc over the front of the rim, ideally before reaching the peak of their jump. This technique is particularly useful for shorter players or those without a height advantage as it allows them to shoot over taller defenders and avoid charging fouls. The key to mastering the floater is practising from different angles and mastering balance, touch, and timing.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of shot | In-between shot |
| When to use it | When too close to the basket to shoot a jump shot but too far away to shoot a layup |
| Who uses it | Guards, point guards, shooting guards, small forwards, power forwards, centers |
| Who uses it (height) | Shorter players |
| Footwork | Jump off one or two feet |
| Landing | Land on one foot at a time |
| Balance | More balance and control with two-foot jump |
| Protection | Avoid a full jump stop to prevent exposing the basketball to your defender |
| Timing | Release the ball just before the peak of your jump |
| Wrist | Avoid too much wrist flick |
| Touch | Soft touch |
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What You'll Learn
When to use a floater
The floater is a highly effective shot in basketball, especially for shorter or younger players. It is an in-between shot, used when you are too close to the basket for a jump shot but too far away for a layup.
The floater is a great way to exploit the space between defenders. When using this shot, you want to identify the space between the two lines of defence and release the ball high and soft over the incoming second defender. It is important to keep your head up so you can see the space you are shooting into.
Floaters are also useful for countering a defender near the basket who attempts to take a charge, which would result in a foul. When an offensive player jumps to shoot a layup, their momentum typically carries them towards the basket. If a defender is in the same path, the offensive player would crash into them, resulting in a charging foul. The floater can help to avoid this undesirable outcome.
The floater is also a good option when you want to disguise your shot from the defender. For example, if the defender is trying to stop a floater, you can use the opportunity to oop it to your teammate in the dunker's spot. If the defender then tries to take away that pass, you can easily float it in.
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Footwork and jumping technique
When shooting a floater, you can jump off one foot or two feet, depending on your preference and comfort level. Some recommend starting with a two-foot jump, as it provides more balance and control, making it easier to execute. However, jumping off a single foot can also be advantageous as it allows you to slow down your forward momentum more effectively than landing on two feet. It is important to note that you don't have to land on both feet simultaneously when shooting off both feet.
The footwork before releasing the ball is crucial. You should practice a variety of drives leading up to your floater, such as the euro step floater or the jump stop floater, as they require slight adjustments in your form. For example, the euro step floater demands more balance and coordination, while the jump stop floater requires you to square your shoulders differently.
When jumping, it is important to keep your head up to maintain awareness of the space between defenders that you can exploit. A basic floater involves a near-vertical jump, so be mindful of not leaning too far forward, as this reduces the space between you and the defender, making it easier for them to block your shot.
The timing of your release is also critical. Release the ball just before reaching the peak of your jump to avoid disrupting the rhythm of the shot and giving the defender more time to block it. Practice releasing the ball high and soft, with a follow-through that ensures a soft touch, allowing the ball to swish through the net.
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Wrist action and follow-through
When executing the floater, it is important to avoid excessive wrist flick or follow-through, as this can result in too much speed and velocity, causing the ball to hit the back of the rim or the backboard. Instead, a soft touch with less wrist flick can help the ball glide smoothly through the net, which is ideal for scoring points.
To achieve the desired wrist action and follow-through, players should focus on a few key techniques. Firstly, it is recommended to initiate the shot with a two-foot jump, as it provides more balance and control. While jumping, release the ball high and soft, with a gentle wrist flick, ensuring it arcs over any defenders' fingers.
Additionally, players should pay attention to their momentum during the shot. When jumping off both feet, the momentum shifts upwards, decelerating the final momentum. In contrast, jumping off one foot allows for better control of forward momentum by raising the knee of the opposite leg, acting as a counterbalance. This technique is especially useful when avoiding a charging foul, as it helps slow down and shift momentum away from crashing into a defender.
Practicing floaters from different areas and angles is essential, as it helps players become comfortable with varying situations. The footwork before the floater is also crucial, with moves like the euro step floater demanding balance and coordination. By mastering wrist action and follow-through, players can improve their accuracy and success rate when shooting floaters in basketball.
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Practising floaters
Floaters are an advanced basketball technique, so it's important to have a solid understanding of the fundamentals before attempting to master this skill. It is a shot that requires finesse and good timing, rather than brute force. It is also important to note that floaters are an in-between shot, meaning you are too close to the basket to shoot a jump shot, but too far away to shoot a layup.
When practising floaters, it is crucial to start slow and focus on developing a feel for the shot. Begin with no-dribble floaters, taking a couple of steps to get your rhythm and understanding the footwork. You can shoot off both feet, but you don't have to land on both feet simultaneously—landing on one foot at a time can help slow down your forward movement and improve your balance.
As you progress, work your way up to half-speed drives and practice your pull-up until you have complete control. Keep your head up to gauge the positions of defenders and adjust your shot or pass if necessary. Remember, you are exploiting the space between defenders, so focus on jumping straight up to create space.
Once you have the basics down, you can start to practice floaters from a variety of different areas and angles. This will help you understand how to use the floater effectively during a game. Practice different drives leading up to your floater, such as the euro step floater or the jump stop floater, and adjust your form slightly for each.
Finally, remember that mastering the floater takes time and repetition. Build your confidence by practising this shot over and over, so that you and your teammates have full faith in your ability when it matters.
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Advantages of floaters
Floaters are an effective way to score points in basketball. They are an alternative to layups, and can be used to score against a defender in front of the basket. The technique involves an offensive player jumping near the basket and shooting the ball with a high arc over the front of the rim. The player can jump off one or two feet, depending on their comfort level and the situation.
One of the main advantages of floaters is that they can be used to exploit the space between defenders. By keeping their head up, a player can take advantage of the area between recovering defenders, making it difficult for them to block the shot. Floaters are especially useful against taller defenders, as they allow smaller players to negate their height advantage and score more easily.
Another benefit of floaters is their unpredictability. Because they are executed in the flow of movement, the timing of a floater's release is quick and often unpredictable for defenders. This makes it challenging for them to block the shot. Floaters can also be used as a counter to a defender attempting to take a charge, which would result in a foul on the offensive player.
Additionally, floaters can be an efficient way to score. While they may not be as easy to master as a basic layup, particularly for beginners, they can become one of the most difficult shots for defenders to block once a player becomes adept at shooting them. Floaters can also open up opportunities for other shots, as defenders have to be on their toes and adapt to the unpredictable nature of the floater.
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Frequently asked questions
A floater is an offensive move in basketball, where a player jumps in the air near the basket and shoots the ball with a high arc over the front of the rim. It is an alternative to a layup, used to finish a shot over a taller player.
A floater is an effective move when there is not enough space to shoot a jump shot, but you are too far away to shoot a layup. It is also useful when a defender near the basket attempts to take a charge, which would result in a foul.
The technique for shooting a floater varies depending on the player's comfort and the situation. You can jump off one or both feet and release the ball with one or two hands. However, it is important to jump straight up, creating space between defenders, and release the ball just before the peak of your jump.
The floater is unique because it thrives in the space between the free throw line and the basket, a zone often guarded by taller opponents. It has a quick release and an unblockable high arc, making it one of the most difficult shots for defenders to block.
When practising floaters, start slow and work on your balance and control. Practise from a variety of angles and incorporate different moves like euro steps, speed changes, and jump stops. The key to mastering the floater is versatility.
