U12 Basketball Curriculum

Floater & Teardrop Drill

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tagsdrill, layups, by-yourself, backyard, half-court, intermediate

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Floater & Teardrop Drill

🎒 Gear Needed: 1 x basketball, 1 ring, 2 cones (optional)
⏱ Suggested Time: 5 - 10 minutes
👥 Participants: Solo (1 player)
📍 Space: Backyard | Half-Court
📊 Difficulty: Intermediate

📝 Instructions

  1. Tactical Purpose: The floater (or teardrop) is the ultimate weapon for guards in the modern game. When driving into the key, a tall opposing centre will often step up to contest a standard layup. The floater is released from 2 to 3 metres out, lofting over their outstretched fingers.
  2. Top of Key Attack: Start at the top of the key (5 metres from the ring) in triple threat. Take two aggressive downhill attack dribbles directly toward the basket.
  3. The Gather & Vertical Deceleration: Gather the basketball at the free-throw line. Crucially, convert your forward running momentum into pure vertical lift by jumping up rather than forward. This prevents you from crashing into a planted defender and committing an offensive charge.
  4. The High-Arched Push Release: Lift the ball with your shooting hand, supported by your guide hand until release. Push the ball upward off the pads of your fingertips with high arc (the ball should peak at least 1.5 metres above the height of the ring) with little to no wrist flick, allowing it to drop like a raindrop into the net.
  5. Drill Progression:
    • 1-Foot Floater: Take off from a single foot (running stride) — 8 makes driving right, 8 makes driving left.
    • 2-Foot Floater: Stride into a quick 2-foot jump stop in the centre of the key, jump straight up, and release — 8 makes.

💡 Coaching Cues

  • Jump Up, Not Out: Never lean forward into the key. Jump vertically like you are rising through an elevator shaft to avoid charge calls.
  • Touch Over Power: Do not snap your wrist violently. Push the ball gently off your fingertips with soft, floating touch.
  • High Arc Over the Trees: Launch the ball high enough to clear the fingertips of a tall defender standing at the ring.

🔄 Variations & Progressions

  • Make It Easier: Stand stationary 2.5 metres from the ring directly in front. Practice two-foot jump floaters with pure focus on high arc and soft landing.
  • Make It Harder: Place a partner or coach in the key holding an open umbrella or broom vertically above their head; your teardrop shot must clear the obstacle without touching it.

📺 Video Demonstration