Helena Frye
Floaters are an essential part of basketball, a high-arching shot that can be a player's secret weapon. They are an alternative to layups, allowing shorter players to finish a shot over a taller player. Floaters are typically taken with one hand, with the ball released with a soft touch, floating over defenders' fingers and into the basket. It is a difficult skill to master, requiring finesse, balance, and control, but it can be an effective way to score and outsmart defenders.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Definition | A high-arching shot over an incoming defender, executed on a drive to the hoop. |
| Execution | An offensive player jumps in the air near the basket and shoots the ball with a high arc over the front of the rim. |
| Footwork | Can be executed with one or two feet. |
| Wrist Action | Minimal wrist flick action is required. |
| Ball Grip | Solid but gentle grip, like holding a bird that you don't want to fly away or squish. |
| Use Cases | Used as an alternative to layups to finish a shot over a taller player, in between the three-point line and the net. |
| Difficulty | Not easy to master, especially for beginners. |
| Benefits | Can be used to score more points and can be difficult for defenders to block or contest. |
| Users | Commonly used by perimeter-based players such as point guards, shooting guards, or small forwards. Traditional post players like power forwards or centers can also use it if practical. |
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What You'll Learn
How to perform a floater
A floater is a high-arcing shot executed by an offensive player in possession of the basketball who jumps in the air near the basket and shoots the ball over the front of the rim. It is an alternative to a layup, allowing players to finish a shot over a taller player.
To perform a floater, follow these steps:
- Identify where on the floor you will be using your floater. Practise as if there is a defender on your non-dominant hip and another defender stepping up late to provide help. The space between these two lines of defence is where you will take off.
- Jump off one or two feet, whichever you are more comfortable with. A two-foot jump provides more balance and control, making it easier to execute.
- Shoot the ball high over the defenders' fingers with a soft touch. Avoid flicking your wrist too much.
- Follow through with your hand until the ball is in the net.
- Practise floaters from a variety of angles and areas on the court to improve your footwork and shot execution.
Remember to keep your head up while driving towards the net so you can see the space between defenders and take advantage of it. The timing of a floater's release is often unpredictable for blocking defenders, so use that to your advantage.
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Mastering the floater
Understand the Basics
Firstly, grasp the fundamental technique. The floater is a close-range field goal shot where the player jumps and shoots with a high arc over the front of the rim. It can be performed with one foot or both feet off the ground, and it's important to maintain balance and control. Avoid excessive wrist flick as this can cause a missed shot; instead, focus on a soft touch to guide the ball through the net.
Practice Footwork and Dribbling
The footwork before a floater is crucial. Practice different drives and dribbling techniques to set up your shot. Start with basic no-dribble floaters, then progress to dribbling and driving at half-speed. Drive to the rim and pull up at shooting range until you feel comfortable with each step.
Jump Technique
When jumping for a floater, ensure your jump is vertical to avoid fouls. Whether you jump off one or two feet depends on your preference and the situation. With one foot, you can slow down momentum by raising the knee of the opposite leg to create a counterbalance. A two-foot jump provides more balance and control, but remember to avoid leaning too far forward, as this reduces the space between you and the defender.
Master the Timing
The timing of a floater's release is crucial and often unpredictable for defenders. Practice different release points and angles to keep defenders guessing. Imagine defenders are guarding you as you practice to simulate game conditions.
Build Confidence
The floater is a finesse shot that may seem challenging, but it's a highly replicable skill. Start slow and build your confidence by mastering the basics. Work on your balance and coordination, and gradually increase the speed and complexity of your drives and shots.
Remember, the floater is an efficient way to score points and exploit gaps in the defense. With practice and discipline, you can master this shot and become a more versatile player on the court.
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When to use a floater
A floater is a high-arcing shot executed by jumping near the basket and shooting over the front of the rim. It is a close-range field goal shot that is difficult for defenders to block.
Firstly, floaters are best used when there is space between defenders. This is because the shot exploits the in-between space in the lane that defenders often concede to prevent layups and three-point shots. Therefore, when practicing floaters, it is important to imagine defenders on either side and to shoot from the space between them.
Secondly, floaters are useful for smaller players who may lack the size or power to execute other types of shots. They are also effective against modern defenses.
Thirdly, floaters can be used to avoid a charging foul. When an offensive player jumps to shoot a layup, their momentum often carries them towards the basket, and if a defender is in the way, this can result in a charging foul. By jumping and shooting a floater, the player can avoid crashing into the defender.
Finally, floaters can be used to deceive defenders. For example, if an opponent attempts to block a floater, the shooter can instead pass to a teammate in a better position.
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The floater's effectiveness
The floater is considered by some to be the most effective shot in basketball. It is a high-arcing shot executed over an incoming defender on a drive to the hoop. It is an effective counter to a defender near the basket who is attempting to take a charge, which would result in a foul being called on the offensive player.
The floater is especially useful for smaller players going up against taller defenders. It can be used to score against a defender in front of the basket who is trying to block a layup. It is also an effective way to exploit the space between defenders, putting pressure on the defense and opening up other shots for the offense.
The timing of a floater's release is often unpredictable for blocking defenders. It is important to practice floaters from a variety of angles and areas on the court. The footwork before a floater is also important, and players should practice a variety of drives leading up to the shot.
When performing a floater, players should avoid flicking their wrist too much, as this can cause the ball to hit the back of the rim or the backboard. A soft touch is preferable, allowing the ball to swish through the net. It is also important to jump vertically so as not to draw a foul.
While floaters can be highly effective, they are not easy to master, especially for beginners. It is recommended that players start by practicing no-dribble floaters at half-speed, gradually increasing their speed as they gain more control.
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The floater's resurgence
The floater is a high-arcing shot executed by jumping and shooting over an incoming defender. It is an alternative to layups, allowing players to finish a shot over a taller defender. Floaters are particularly useful for smaller guards who want to avoid a taller shot-blocker.
Despite being one of the most effective shots in basketball, floaters are often under-appreciated and undervalued. They are also difficult to master, requiring a great deal of balance and control. However, when executed well, they can be extremely efficient and unpredictable for blocking defenders.
The resurgence of the floater in basketball can be attributed to several factors. Firstly, players like Immanuel Quickley of the New York Knicks and Brandon Clarke of the Memphis Grizzlies have showcased the effectiveness of the floater, particularly against taller defenders. Quickley's fluidity and smoothness in executing the shot have been praised, while Clarke's use of the floater has allowed him to get an easy shot off among multiple defenders.
Additionally, the floater is a versatile shot that can be used in various situations. It can be utilized by perimeter-based players such as point guards, shooting guards, or small forwards, as well as traditional post players like power forwards or centers. The ability to use the floater in different areas and angles makes it a valuable tool for players.
Furthermore, the floater is a great way to exploit the space between defenders. By taking advantage of the in-between areas in the lane, players can create opportunities for themselves to score. This is especially useful when defenders are focused on preventing layups and three-pointers.
In conclusion, the floater has experienced a resurgence in basketball due to its effectiveness, versatility, and unpredictability. It is a shot that can be extremely useful for players of all positions, particularly when executed with balance and control. With players like Quickley and Clarke showcasing its potential, the floater is once again becoming a valued and respected skill in the game of basketball.
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Frequently asked questions
A floater is a high-arcing shot that is thrown over an incoming defender and towards the hoop. It is a shot that is typically taken with one hand and is released with a soft touch.
The floater is an important shot for players to learn as it can be used to outsmart taller defenders. It is also a good alternative to a layup or jump shot.
It is important to practice floaters from a variety of different areas and angles. It is also helpful to start by practicing no-dribble floaters and then slowly increase your speed as you gain more control.
One of the hardest parts about shooting a floater is getting a touch on the basketball while your body is moving towards the hoop. This can be improved by putting less force on the ball so that your body's momentum can carry it.
