How to Shoot a Floater like Derrick Rose & Other NBA Players

Written by: Chris Hungerford

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Time to read 5 min

The main key to having the killer floater that no one can stop, is to try to have the arm as straight as possible to give it that perfect lift.

The release of the ball should be when the defender either leaves the feet or when the hands are up to contest it.

When shooting the ball try to not have so much rotation on the ball so that way it lands soft when it hits the rim.

Keep your eyes on the target and don't worry about the defender.

Mastering the Art of the Floater: Learn from the NBA Pros

Have you ever watched NBA players like Derrick Rose gracefully float the ball over defenders? It's a move that requires finesse, precision, and timing. In this guide, we'll break down the mechanics and techniques behind shooting a floater like a pro. By the end, you'll have the tools to add this deadly weapon to your basketball arsenal.

The Anatomy of a Floater

Before we dive into the specifics, let's understand what a floater is. A floater is a shot taken from the paint area, typically from around 5 to 10 feet away from the basket. Instead of a direct shot or a layup, the player shoots a high, arching shot that 'floats' towards the basket. This technique is particularly useful when faced with a tall defender or when you need to release the ball quickly.

Key Components of a Great Floater

1. Body Control and Balance

Maintaining balance is crucial for a successful floater. As you approach the defender, focus on keeping your body steady. Practice controlling your movements to create a stable platform for the shot.

2. Hand Placement and Release

Unlike a regular shot, where you release the ball at the peak of your jump, a floater requires a different release point. You'll want to release the ball at a slightly earlier point in your jump to give it the necessary arc.

3. Soft Touch

A floater isn't about power; it's about finesse. Practice your touch around the rim, getting a feel for how much force you need to put into the shot.

Learning from the Pros

Derrick Rose: The Maestro of the Floater

Derrick Rose is renowned for his exceptional floaters. One key takeaway from Rose's technique is his ability to change speed and direction in an instant. He uses this skill to catch defenders off guard, creating the space he needs to release a perfectly timed floater.

Tony Parker: The Precision Master

Tony Parker was a master of the floater, using it to dominate the paint. His impeccable timing and control allowed him to consistently release the ball over taller defenders. Take a page from Parker's book by practicing your floater relentlessly until it becomes second nature.

Chris Paul: The Visionary

Chris Paul's floater is a testament to his basketball IQ. He reads the defense like a book, anticipating their movements and using his floater to exploit any gaps. Study Paul's court vision and work on your ability to read the game to enhance your floater skills.

Drills to Elevate Your Floater Game

  1. Mirror Drill: Practice mirroring a defender's movements and then quickly releasing a floater.

  2. Obstacle Course: Set up obstacles to simulate defenders, forcing you to adjust and release a floater with precision.

  3. Two-Step Floaters: Work on taking just two steps before releasing the floater, simulating game situations where you need to get off a quick shot.

Conclusion

Mastering the floater is a valuable skill that can give you an edge on the court. By incorporating the techniques of NBA pros like Derrick Rose, Tony Parker, and Chris Paul, along with dedicated practice, you can elevate your floater game to new heights. So get out there, hit the court, and start perfecting your floaters!

For more basketball tips and drills, visit www.hoopsking.com.

 

Have you ever watched NBA players like Derrick Rose gracefully float the ball over defenders? It's a move that requires finesse, precision, and timing. In this guide, we'll break down the mechanics and techniques behind shooting a floater like a pro. By the end, you'll have the tools to add this deadly weapon to your basketball arsenal.

The Anatomy of a Floater

Before we dive into the specifics, let's understand what a floater is. A floater is a shot taken from the paint area, typically from around 5 to 10 feet away from the basket. Instead of a direct shot or a layup, the player shoots a high, arching shot that 'floats' towards the basket. This technique is particularly useful when faced with a tall defender or when you need to release the ball quickly.

Key Components of a Great Floater

1. Body Control and Balance

Maintaining balance is crucial for a successful floater. As you approach the defender, focus on keeping your body steady. Practice controlling your movements to create a stable platform for the shot.

2. Hand Placement and Release

Unlike a regular shot, where you release the ball at the peak of your jump, a floater requires a different release point. You'll want to release the ball at a slightly earlier point in your jump to give it the necessary arc.

3. Soft Touch

A floater isn't about power; it's about finesse. Practice your touch around the rim, getting a feel for how much force you need to put into the shot.

Learning from the Pros

Derrick Rose: The Maestro of the Floater

Derrick Rose is renowned for his exceptional floaters. One key takeaway from Rose's technique is his ability to change speed and direction in an instant. He uses this skill to catch defenders off guard, creating the space he needs to release a perfectly timed floater.

Tony Parker: The Precision Master

Tony Parker was a master of the floater, using it to dominate the paint. His impeccable timing and control allowed him to consistently release the ball over taller defenders. Take a page from Parker's book by practicing your floater relentlessly until it becomes second nature.

Chris Paul: The Visionary

Chris Paul's floater is a testament to his basketball IQ. He reads the defense like a book, anticipating their movements and using his floater to exploit any gaps. Study Paul's court vision and work on your ability to read the game to enhance your floater skills.

Drills to Elevate Your Floater Game

  1. Mirror Drill: Practice mirroring a defender's movements and then quickly releasing a floater.

  2. Obstacle Course: Set up obstacles to simulate defenders, forcing you to adjust and release a floater with precision.

  3. Two-Step Floaters: Work on taking just two steps before releasing the floater, simulating game situations where you need to get off a quick shot.

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Shoot a Floater. Shoot a Floater.

Shoot a Floater. Shoot a Floater.