Floater Foundation Drill
Finishing
Legend
- player
- ball
- movement paths
How it works
Develop the floater finish, a one-hand push shot over rim protectors, from both sides of the lane.
What you need
- basketball
- hoop
Your focus
The floater is the most important countermove to rim protection at the intermediate and advanced levels. Players who can release the ball high and soft over shot-blockers score efficiently in the middle of the lane. This move is the primary weapon of undersized guards and finesse players at every level.
Player dribbles from the wing and attacks the lane. At the free-throw line area, gather and release a one-hand floater.
Focus on: high release point, soft arc, off the glass or straight in.
Practice from both sides, right-hand floater attacking left, left-hand floater attacking right.
10 reps each side. Track make percentage and board usage.
Goal
It's working when the floater actually floats, soft arc, not a line drive. It should look different from a regular layup because it is different.
Helpful cues
- Release high, above the shot blocker's reach, not beside it
- Soft touch, it's a push, not a throw
- Let the backboard help you on off-angle floaters
Adjust the challenge
Make it easier
Strip it back
Start stationary at the free-throw line to establish the release point.
UpLVL it
Add the next challenge
Add a defender holding a flat pad at the rim to simulate a shot blocker.No account needed
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