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How to crossover dribble in basketball
How to Do a Crossover in Basketball (3 Advanced Variations)
The ability to make a play off the dribble and get by your defender to attack the middle of the defense is one of the most useful offensive skills you can have on the basketball court.
Typically, getting past that defender requires changing speeds and directions, and the crossover dribble is the perfect way to do both of those things.
While it may seem elementary to some, the crossover dribble can be one of the most effective ways to beat your initial defender and create a scoring opportunity for yourself or a teammate.
How to do a Crossover in 4 Steps
The crossover dribble can be a detailed and intricate move when developed to a high level, but it is also one of the best moves that can be taught to beginning players.
Here are the basic steps to performing the crossover dribble:
1. Make a Dribble / Step Fake in One Direction
The crossover is often most effective when the offensive player is on the move, but it can be executed from a stationary position as well.
Either way, you need to get the defensive player leaning in one direction by taking at least a dribble and a step that way.
If you are able to take 2 or 3 hard dribbles before making your crossover, you may be more likely to get your defender off balance.
2. Hesitate
The main reason the crossover may be more effective after a few dribbles is because it gets your defender on the move, making it more difficult for them to stop and change direction once you make your hesitation.
Once the ball returns to your hand after your dribble, come to a stop while faking your last step and let your defender’s momentum carry him slightly past you.
This hesitation is probably the most important split-second of the crossover dribble, as it will determine whether or not you can shake your defender.
3. Power Dribble Across Your Body
Once you have your defender off balance, get low and wide to cross the ball from the hand you started dribbling with to the opposite hand.
This needs to be a quick change of direction to make the move effective, and the dribble needs to stay low so that it is out of reach for the defender.
4. Make a Decision
At this point, you should be able to judge whether your crossover has created a scoring opportunity for yourself or a teammate.
A good crossover dribble could create a pull-up jump shot or an open driving lane for you, or it could also pull a help defender away from an open teammate.
Variations of the Crossover
Like any move in the game of basketball, the crossover will become easier to defend if you do it the same way every single time.
Even though the crossover is a basic move that a beginner can learn to execute, there are many variations that higher level players should implement in order to keep developing the move.
a. Iverson Crossover
Countless players have executed the crossover dribble effectively throughout the history of basketball, but perhaps none better than Allen Iverson.
The flashy Hall of Fame guard perfected his crossover by putting extra emphasis on the set up, which led to embarrassment for many defenders.
Most famously when he used the move on Michael Jordan in 1997 and then stuck a jumper in his face.
While any standard crossover move relies on getting the defender going in one direction and then crossing back the other way, Iverson would often take a larger, over-emphasized step and bring the ball out wider to tempt the defender.
This added some style, and also some extra hesitation, which often froze defenders and made it impossible to guard his then quick and low crossover dribble.
Though it may not be considered a part of the Iverson Crossover itself, Iverson would also oftentimes set up the move by making multiple fakes to stall the defender before attacking with the crossover -- like going between the legs or behind the back to see if he could get the defender leaning.
b. In and Out Crossover
Like any good move, the crossover will not be as effective if it is not paired with a strong counter move.
The In and Out Crossover is a way of faking the crossover and then continuing to dribble with the same hand and in the same direction you started in.
After you have set up the defender and hesitated, fake a crossover dribble by bringing the ball to the center of your body. Your hand should roll from the outside of the ball, then to the top of the ball, and finally to the inside of the ball.
Once your hand has rotated around to the inside of the ball, push the ball back to the outside of your body, and continue to power dribble in the same direction.
Following up a great crossover move with the In and Out will make it difficult for your defender to anticipate which move is coming next.
c. Tim Hardaway’s Killer Crossover
Tim Hardaway’s variation of the crossover also focused on setting up the move.
Though he may not be as legendary as Iverson, the 5-time NBA All-Star’s crossover dribble was still famous enough to be named after him. You may have also heard it referred to as the “UTEP Two-Step” from his time in college.
Instead of putting the ball out wide and making a quick change of speeds, Hardaway was known for making a quick power dribble between his legs to set his defender up in one direction, followed by another quick crossover back the other direction.
This forces the defender to change directions twice in order to stop Tim Hardaway’s Killer Crossover.
Conclusion
While the basic steps of the crossover in basketball are simple and can be taught to a player of any age, it is also a move that can be practiced and developed to the point where it can be effective on the highest level.
When done correctly, it will get your defender off balance and create a chance for yourself or a teammate to score. When varied, it has the potential to become a signature move that defenders fear.
The crossover has been an effective move for players at all levels for decades, and will continue to be a staple for any ball handler who aims to attack the defense and make a play.
Definition and How To Implement
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A crossover dribble is a dribbling maneuver where the ballhandler quickly shifts from one hand to another. The purpose of this move is to change direction, leaving the defense in the dust rapidly.
What is a crossover dribble in basketball?
A crossover dribble, or known as the crossover, is a move executed by an offensive player to change direction. To do this, he must swiftly flick the ball from one hand to the other. While any player with the ball can pull off this move, ballhandling guards often use this dribble to free themselves up from the defender.
Key Takeaways
The basic idea of the crossover dribble is to fake one way and go the other. Since the defense is always in a reactionary position, a player carrying out this move frees himself up for an opportunity to create for others or to score.
There are several types of crossover dribbles. Among them are called the “in and out,” the “double crossover,” the “behind-the-back crossover,” the “Shammgod,” and so on.
The crossover dribble was pulled off long before the modern NBA. However, it was Tim Hardaway who was credited to have popularized the move.
While quickness is one way to pull off an effective crossover dribble, make sure to use your eyes. You can sell the move more persuasively just by looking one way and going another.
The most effective distance to do the crossover is an arm’s length away from the defender. At this distance, defenders often react aggressively to prevent the offensive player from blowing by.
The crossover dribble is probably the most utilized dribble move in the modern basketball game. As mentioned above, it has evolved into a simple hand-switching dribble to a weapon of many variations. First, let’s take a look at how you can pull off a crossover dribble.
How to Do A Crossover Dribble
For an accomplished basketball player possessing a strong crossover dribble is a must. Here are steps to consider when executing the move.
1.) Develop an attacking mindset
Kyrie Irving. Tim Hardaway. Allen Iverson. What do those three have in common? Yes, these guards attack with reckless abandon. They also happen to be the players associated with the crossover. What makes their crossover dribble so effective is because they are aggressive. One quick step, and they’re gone, forcing the defense to react to whatever they do. If you develop an aggressive reputation, defenders will bite hard into your feints, including the crossover dribble.
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2.) Stay Low to the Ground
In executing the crossover, it is imperative to stay low to the ground. Otherwise, pesky defenders could steal your candy before you even know it. From this position, switch the basketball over from one hand to the other, dribbling in front of your body.
3.) Move your shoulder past the defender’s hip
You don’t do the crossover just for the heck of it. The idea is to pull the move to get past the defender. As soon as you quickly switch the ball from one hand to the other, attempt to move your shoulder past the defender’s hip. He is probably leaning in the opposite direction at this stage, so aim to take advantage and blow by the opposition.
4.) Explode
As soon as you sense the advantage, push off your back foot to create more separation. If done correctly, at this point, the defender is already scrambling to recover. This allows you to make plays, either by scoring yourself or creating for others.
Remember: You’re not just switching hands. You are explosively changing directions on the court to blow past your opponent. Also, watch how some of the best players implement the move for successful drives.
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NBA Crossover Videos
1.) Tim Hardaway is considered the king of the crossover. Here are some of his crossover highlights dating back in the early 90s with the Warriors Run TMC squad.
Tim Hardaway Mix Video
2.) Kyrie Irving has arguably the best handles in NBA history. Part of his dribbling staple is the crossover dribble, and perhaps the reason why he can score against the best of them.
Kyrie Irving’s Best Crossover Video
3.) Allen Iverson was the one who made the crossover look cool. It is quite different than Hardaway’s tight crossover, but it is still very effective.
Allen Iverson Ultimate Crossover Video
4.) One of the flashiest variations of the crossover is called the Shammgod. Although it was named after and popularized by GodShammgod (real name Shammgod Wells), the first was the Serbian basketball legend Dejan Bodiroga. Bodiroga’s move was called “El Latigo” or “The Whip.”
El Latigo Video
Best Shammgod Crossovers Of All Time Video
Watching these videos makes you want to go out and work on your own crossover. Which isn’t a bad idea. Possessing a great crossover move with both hands takes a fair amount of practice for most players.
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Basketball dribbling | Basketball coach
Dribbling is the second way to move a basketball around the court after a pass. Many coaches have a negative attitude towards excessive dribble across the clearing, arguing that only a pass can allow you to play fast basketball and develop tricky combinations. There is some truth in their words, of course. A lot of players pull the ball over and thump it all the time, when it would make much more sense to pass the ball. Basketball is no longer basketball without dribbling, so today we'll talk about how to comprehend this element of the game.
Technique of dribbling
Dribbling in basketball consists in moving the player with the ball around the court and simultaneously making alternate bounces of the ball off the floor with one hand. Simply put, you hit the ball on the floor, and it bounces and comes back. The technique of dribbling in basketball is not difficult, but not every player is good at dribbling the ball. The fact is that the enemy at any second can take it away from you or simply knock it out. Basketball dribbling is mainly used to transfer it to someone else's half or to beat the opponent and then throw the ball. Dribbling out the ball to minimize the risk of a long pass loss and to give teammates time to get into position in the opponent's half of the field. Everyone knows that big players are mostly bad at dribbling and it is easy to take it away from them. And not only because of their height (for tall people, the ball bounces higher and it is easier for small players to knock it out). The fact is that the big ones work out the dribble a little, concentrating exclusively on working under the basket, rebounds, fighting for the position. On the one hand, this is how the roles in the team are distributed in basketball. On the other hand, high-quality possession of the technique of dribbling will add versatility to you as a player and will allow you to create a much more serious threat to the enemy.
Learning to dribble is a constant practice. On the street, in training, at games. The more you drive the ball, the better you will be at it. This is the first truth. The second truth is to drive the ball without looking at it. this is especially important for point guards, who can dribble and analyze the situation on the court at the same time in order to instantly pass or command a combination. In order to quickly learn dribbling in basketball, you must also do various exercises. We recommend up to 15 minutes of dribble practice before each practice using special dribble goggles that cover the view below so the dribbler does not see the ball and learns to feel it.
Dribbling drills
1. Regular dribbling. Before training, when the body is not yet warmed up, you can work on dribbling with a run and kill two birds with one stone.
2. Dribbling with two balls. This is a very useful exercise, but to get the maximum effect, you should alternate the method of dribbling: sometimes with a simultaneous rebound of two balls, then with a variable one. You can throw a second ball with a different rhythm.
3. Dribbling backwards and sideways. Try to move the ball and at the same time make a shuttle run around the court, or horizontal movements.
4. Constant dribbling. Even outside the basketball court or court, dribble. Mom asked me to meet you from the stop - take a walk there with the ball. Meet up for a couple of streetball games with friends 3 blocks away - walk around and hit the ball. Dribbling on uneven surfaces is especially effective in developing your coordination.
The Internet is full of manuals and other dribbling aids that recommend doing one, two, three, ten drills that will enable you to become a first-class dribbler. For example, some people recommend sitting on a chair and driving the ball while sitting between the legs or constantly spin the ball between the legs with a rebound height of 10-15 cm. Such exercises will certainly give a certain effect, since the technique of dribbling the ball in basketball can be quite different. But will they be useful in a real game? Perhaps at a streetball game or a freestyle show, but not in an official match. Practice these exercises as you wish. Our team recommends the following video of Indiana Pacers forward Paul George sharing his dribbling secrets.
First of all, Paul emphasizes that while dribbling, always keep the hand above the ball (and not under it) and actively work the wrist using the pads of the fingers (not the whole palm). You should crouch as deep as possible to dribble the ball at the lowest possible height. When dribbling, you can make a crossover (crossover), that is, transfer the ball from one hand to another. At the same time, the body maintains a straight position, and the eyes look forward. The next element of dribbling, which is actively used in games, is the transfer of the ball between the legs. It is very important to do this translation so that the body is straight with the leg forward and a good squat. Translation behind the back is also often used by basketball players. At its core, it is similar to a crossover, only the ball bounces behind your back. Paul George often uses a turn while dribbling with a change of hand. It is extremely important to learn how to perform these exercises so that you do not look at the ball, but see the entire area in front of you. This is a huge bonus to your speed and reaction to what is happening on the field. practice these 4 basic elements of dribbling before each training session and very soon the progress will be very good.
On the field you will always have someone to take care of and prevent you from dribbling calmly. Therefore, you should dribble the ball near you, partially covering the body and the second hand. Always dribble the ball with the hand farthest from the opponent, and with the other - in the truest sense of the word - block his (her) hand from trying to knock the ball.
Summing up . Basketball dribbling is the movement of basketball players around the court with the ball. The ability to dribble balls well allows you to become a much more dangerous player. However, in order to learn how to drive well, you should constantly practice: in the hall, on the court and just on the streets. It is necessary to dribble the ball as low as possible, without looking at it and constantly hiding from the opponent with the body and the other hand. Do a basic set of dribbling drills every practice and the ball will become your best friend in life and on the court.
Keep training with your basketball coach!
How to dribble between the legs in basketball quiz_container"),$('
Finishing the Move: Learning to Dribble Between the Legs
Additional articles
Sources
Dribbling is a fundamental skill in basketball. While dribbling between the legs may seem like just a flashy trick, this movement can actually help keep the ball out of the defender's hands. Practice the steps below to master the dribbling between the legs and impress the spectators on game day.
Steps
1
Hit the ball down with your fingertips, not your palm. Finger pads allow you to better control the direction of the ball bounce.
2
Use enough force to bounce the ball high enough for you to control it. This "golden mean" is usually at the height of your knees.
3
Keep your head straight and look straight ahead while dribbling. By looking down, you actually impair your balance and block your view of the court.
4
Stand on your toes, not on your whole foot. This allows you to move quickly and make sharp corners with your feet.
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1
Dribble with your dominant hand, keeping your knees bent, with a low bounce.
2
Rotate your dominant hand so that your thumb points slightly towards the sky.
3
Push the ball sideways so that it bounces in a V-shape in front of your body, allowing you to get the ball into your opposite hand.
4
Practice cross dribbling until you feel comfortable passing the ball between your hands. This V-shaped cross dribbling is the basis of dribbling between the legs.
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1
Stand with the ball in your dominant hand and take a good step with your opposite foot in front of your other foot at a 45 degree angle to the rest of your body. Make sure your legs are bent and far enough apart to throw the ball between them.
2
Push the bounce ball to the side that matches your dominant hand and direct it between your legs.
Make sure you push the ball at the right angle and with enough force to get it between your legs without hitting your body.
Keep fingers wide apart to maintain good ball control
3
Be ready to receive the ball with your opposite hand after it has passed between your legs.
4
Change the position of the legs while jumping if you want to practice this in a stationary position. Jump quickly and switch feet so that the opposite foot with the ball is in front.
If you are using a move between your legs to get around or change the direction of an opponent, you just need to step forward in that direction instead of using a jump in place.
Use your dexterity for this move as it must be fast and fluid in order to position yourself correctly to receive the ball.
5
Repeat steps 1-3 with opposite leg in front. Practice this move many times to get used to passing the ball and your position at the same time.
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Tips
If you plan to use this move out of necessity, use it only to change direction and confuse your opponent, not to show off.
Always keep your head straight when dribbling.
Practice these exercises as often as possible. Training really "makes perfect" and if you work hard you will quickly master the art of dribbling between your legs.
Keep your knees bent and dribble at knee height at all times.
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How to Dribble Between the Legs in Basketball - Wiki How Dribbling is a fundamental skill in basketball. While dribbling between the legs may seem like just a flashy trick, this movement can actually help keep the ball out of the defender's hands. Practice the steps below to master the dribbling between the legs and impress the spectators on game day.
You may have also heard it referred to as the “UTEP Two-Step” from his time in college.
Among them are called the “in and out,” the “double crossover,” the “behind-the-back crossover,” the “Shammgod,” and so on.
Here are steps to consider when executing the move.
The idea is to pull the move to get past the defender. As soon as you quickly switch the ball from one hand to the other, attempt to move your shoulder past the defender’s hip. He is probably leaning in the opposite direction at this stage, so aim to take advantage and blow by the opposition.
Which isn’t a bad idea. Possessing a great crossover move with both hands takes a fair amount of practice for most players.
On the one hand, this is how the roles in the team are distributed in basketball. On the other hand, high-quality possession of the technique of dribbling will add versatility to you as a player and will allow you to create a much more serious threat to the enemy. 
Regular dribbling. Before training, when the body is not yet warmed up, you can work on dribbling with a run and kill two birds with one stone. 
For example, some people recommend sitting on a chair and driving the ball while sitting between the legs or constantly spin the ball between the legs with a rebound height of 10-15 cm. Such exercises will certainly give a certain effect, since the technique of dribbling the ball in basketball can be quite different. But will they be useful in a real game? Perhaps at a streetball game or a freestyle show, but not in an official match. Practice these exercises as you wish. Our team recommends the following video of Indiana Pacers forward Paul George sharing his dribbling secrets. 
The next element of dribbling, which is actively used in games, is the transfer of the ball between the legs. It is very important to do this translation so that the body is straight with the leg forward and a good squat. Translation behind the back is also often used by basketball players. At its core, it is similar to a crossover, only the ball bounces behind your back. Paul George often uses a turn while dribbling with a change of hand. It is extremely important to learn how to perform these exercises so that you do not look at the ball, but see the entire area in front of you. This is a huge bonus to your speed and reaction to what is happening on the field. practice these 4 basic elements of dribbling before each training session and very soon the progress will be very good. 
While dribbling between the legs may seem like just a flashy trick, this movement can actually help keep the ball out of the defender's hands. Practice the steps below to master the dribbling between the legs and impress the spectators on game day. 
Practice this move many times to get used to passing the ball and your position at the same time. 
