The floater is a touch shot between a layup and a jump shot. It’s used when the defender is too tall for a normal layup. This drill teaches the soft touch needed for the floater.
What you need: Basketball. Half-court. Open paint area.
Setup: Kid starts on the wing, about 15 feet from the basket.
How to run it:
- Dribble toward the basket at controlled speed.
- At about 10-12 feet from the basket, pick up the dribble.
- Take one more step and shoot a soft floater. The ball has a high arc and soft touch.
- The ball should float over defenders and fall gently into the basket.
- Do 8 reps from different angles. Rest.
What to watch: Is the floater soft or is it hard? The floater needs touch. It’s not a hard shot.
If they’re struggling: Move closer (8 feet). Reduce the speed of the dribble. Practice just the floater release without the approach.
If they’ve got it: Add a tall defender with hands up. The floater must go over the defender.