Basketball is a skillful game where players use many shooting methods to beat defenders and score. Among such techniques, floaters are a key offensive move for players.
These fast shots are for close ranges and come in forms for different court situations. Floaters, from the simple one-step to the tricky wrong-foot, each have their benefits.
This article will cover the types of floaters in basketball.
1. Regular Floater
The floater is a shot using one hand with a gentle touch.
The shot is often made from a middle distance or near the basket area. Players release the shot before they jump the highest. This makes the ball seem to “float” as it moves to the basket.
Players use the floater when they move past defenders and meet taller players blocking shots. The shot is let go fast, so defenders find it tough to block.
2. One-Step Floater
In basketball, a one-step floater is a shot taken with a single step before letting the ball go. Players use it to move away from a defender fast and shoot over them.
The one-step floater is a great shot when moving to the basket because it needs little setup.
3. Wrong Foot Floater
The wrong-foot floater is when a player jumps off a different foot than usual to score near the basket.
In a standard floater, players jump off the foot opposite to their shooting hand, such as the left foot for a right-handed shot.
In the wrong-foot floater, players reverse this usual method. For instance, a player might jump off the right foot and shoot with the right hand.
This move tricks defenders and gives a surprise shot angle, so it’s hard to block. Players use the wrong-foot floater when moving to the basket to benefit from their steps.
4. Hop Floater
In basketball, the hop floater is a special kind of shot. For this shot, the player jumps and lands on both feet before shooting, not the usual one-two step.
Players use the hop floater when moving to the basket. It’s a fast shot that needs little setup, making it hard for defenders to block.
5. Euro Step Floater
The Euro step floater blends two basketball moves: the Euro step and the floater. Players typically use it during fast breaks or in half-court plays near the basket.
A player starts the Euro step by stepping one way, then quickly steps another way to dodge a defender. Right after the Euro step, the player shoots a floater.
6. Running Hook Shot
The running hook shot is a basketball move that varies from the traditional hook shot.
Unlike the classic hook shot where a player stands still or pivots, in the running version, they move, often to the basket, and then shoot.
Players use the running hook shot when moving across the lane or to shoot over a defender while in motion. As they move, players use the hand far from the defender to shoot.
Their body blocks the defender from the ball.