What is general information about the floater in basketball
General definition of floater
A floater consists of action that occurs when an offensive player in possession of the basketball jumps in the air near the basket, and shoots the ball with a high arc over the front of the rim.
It should also be noted that although the floater is a close-range type of field goal shot, it is not necessarily as easy to master when compared to a shot such as the basic layup, especially for a beginner.
However, if a player does become adept at shooting floaters, it could not only benefit that player in terms of scoring more points, but it could possibly become one of the most difficult shots for the defense to block or contest.
Also, in terms of standard basketball positions, a floater is commonly utilized by perimeter-based players such as the point guard, shooting guard, or small forward.
Nevertheless though, traditional post players such as the power forward or center could also use the floater if it is practical do so.
General effectiveness of the floater
A floater is generally effective because it could be used to score against a defender in front of the basket that seeks to contest or block a potential layup by an offensive player.
This notion is even more important when the defender near the basket has a significant height advantage over the player that would have the opportunity to shoot the floater.
Furthermore, a floater can be an effective counter if a defender near the basket attempts to take a charge, which would result in a foul being called on the offensive player.
Essentially, when an offensive player attacks the rim and then jumps in the air to shoot a layup attempt, the momentum of that same player would typically carry them towards the basket.
If a defender is within the same path of the momentum and the offensive player cannot change directions or shift their body weight while in mid-air, then the offensive player would crash into the defender.
From that point, if the defender was in legal guarding position and beat the offensive player to the spot, then that would most likely result in a charging foul on the offensive player.
Fortunately though, the floater seeks to mitigate or totally eliminate this undesirable charging foul outcome.
It should also be mentioned that an offensive player has the option to execute the floater with one foot in the air or both feet.
In either case though, the offensive player would be able to slow down their momentum but it would primarily depend on which jumping option the player chooses.
If an offensive player jumps in the air with one foot to shoot the floater, then it is possible to slow down initial momentum by raising the knee of the opposite leg approximately parallel to the waist area.
Raising the knee in that manner effectively acts as a counterbalance that ultimately slows down the final momentum.
Additionally, when an offensive player jumps in the air with both feet to shoot the floater, this causes their initial momentum to shift in a more upwards direction as opposed to going forward and as a result, the final momentum decelerates.
Avoid flicking the wrist too much when executing floater action
An offensive player should try to avoid flicking their wrist as much as possible when executing a floater.
Basically, in reference to a jump shot, an offensive player should flick their wrist upon shooting the ball, especially with arm-extended follow through action because the player is further away from the basket.
Therefore, the wrist flick and follow through helps to create more speed, velocity and backspin, which could also potentially increase shooting accuracy.
However, in relation to a floater, too much wrist flick and/or follow through would generally result in too much speed, velocity and/or backspin.
That would more than likely cause the offensive player to hit the back part of the rim or possibly the backboard, which, in turn, would lead to a missed floater attempt.
Furthermore, less wrist flick action as well as a soft touch could help the ball to swish through the net, which is typically the most ideal situation in terms of scoring points via the floater.
What are general instructions to execute a floater
These are general instructions to execute a floater, particularly for a beginner.
Additionally, to keep things simple, the instructions below apply to an offensive player, denoted as player 1, that will initially dribble and then jump in the air with one foot to shoot the floater.
Left hand floater
To perform the left hand floater, player 1 should start at the top behind the three-point line, which is also directly in front of the basket.
Next, player 1 should begin dribbling the ball with the left hand while moving towards the front of the basket in a straight line.
From there, upon reaching the free throw line area, player 1 should take the penultimate step (which is the first step prior to the floater) with the left foot and at the same time, hold the ball with both hands.
Following that, player 1 should take the final step (which is the second step prior to the floater) with the right foot in the middle of the lane, directly in front of the basket.
Moreover, after taking that final step with the right foot, player 1 should immediately jump in the air with that same foot.
Simultaneously, while in the air, player 1 should raise the left knee approximately parallel to the waist area.
Following that, while still in the air, player 1 should swiftly let go of the ball with the right hand, and take a high-arching shot directly over the front of the rim with the left palm facing up with only a minimal amount or no wrist flick action to complete the left hand floater.
Right hand floater
To perform the right hand floater, player 1 should start at the top behind the three-point line, which is also directly in front of the basket.
Next, player 1 should begin dribbling the ball with the right hand while moving towards the front of the basket in a straight line.
From there, upon reaching the free throw line area, player 1 should take the penultimate step (which is the first step prior to the floater) with the right foot and at the same time, hold the ball with both hands.
Following that, player 1 should take the final step (which is the second step prior to the floater) with the left foot in the middle of the lane, directly in front of the basket.
Moreover, after taking that final step with the left foot, player 1 should immediately jump in the air with that same foot.
Simultaneously while in the air, player 1 should raise the right knee approximately parallel to the waist area.
Following that, while still in the air, player 1 should swiftly let go of the ball with the left hand, and take a high-arching shot directly over the front of the rim with the right palm facing up with only a minimal amount or no wrist flick action to complete the right hand floater.