Running Floater Series
Master soft one-foot runners going both directions in the lane.
What this drill teaches
A shot that beats size. The one-foot runner goes up early and high, before the shot-blocker can load — and drilling it off both feet and both hands from each elbow makes it a genuine option rather than a strong-side fling.
In games: Gives your smaller guards a game-day answer in the lane — instead of challenging the tall rim protector at the ring, they float it high and soft over the top.
- Going up off one foot, on the move, a step earlier than a layup
- High, soft flight that drops over the front rim
- Both directions and both hands attempted, not just the favourite
U12: strong hand and short range only — touch before variety. U14–U16: both sides fluently, released early over a contesting pad from behind.
Equipment
1 ball, 1 hoop
Setup
Player starts at the elbow and attacks the middle.
Steps
- 1Two dribbles into the lane, gather off the inside foot.
- 2Flick a high, soft runner off one foot.
- 3Repeat from the other elbow, other hand.
- 4Make five each side.
Coaching points
- Go up early, off one foot, on the move.
- High and soft — let it drop over the rim.
- Balanced landing, ready to rebound.
Why kids love it
The runner is the counter to shot-blockers — smaller guards love adding it both ways.
Variations
Start closer, no defender, groove the touch.
Add a defender with a pad contesting from behind so the runner has to go up a step earlier.
Players must make two runners in a row from each side before they rotate out.