How to defend a crossover 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.

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:

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Defense - The Crossover Step (Videos) - Debunking The "Don't Cross Your Feet" Myth

By Joe Haefner

Due to the response to the article Debunking the "Don't Cross Your Feet" Myth, some of the questions, comments, and concerns needed to be addressed. I've had numerous discussions and debates with coaching colleagues about this, so I know this will be a fun topic to discuss with all of you.

First, we're going to classify the different of types of movements and the situations when they are best used because that alone has caused some miscommunication and confusion.

Second, we'll address why you may want to stop saying "Don't cross your feet" and provide video proof.

Third, we're going to cover a teaching progression for the crossover step.

Fourth, why you may not want to teach the crossover step based on defensive philosophy.

Different Types of Defensive Movements

After you read the rest of this, make sure to look at the videos below for demonstrations of the movements.

Defensive Shuffle

The defensive player is facing the offensive player and pushes off the back foot while shuffling in different directions. It is also used to deny passes when off the ball.

• Common movement in the quarter-court defense.
• Very effective for short distances. Typically less than 15 feet.
• Stop quickly and accelerate quickly.
• Easier to maintain balance.

The defensive shuffle, or also called the defensive slide, is typically not effective when longer distances need to be covered. It is more difficult to use only the defensive shuffle when the defense is extended to half-court and further.

Here is a video that demonstrates a band-resisted defensive shuffle:

Crossover Step

The crossover step is used to

• Cover larger distances with more speed.
• Easier to recover from bad positions.
• Balance can be lost easier than the defensive shuffle.
• Not always efficient for short distances less than approximately 15 feet, because you can not stop and start as quickly as a defensive shuffle.

On the crossover step, the hips open up in the direction you are moving, and your upper body is facing the offensive player.

Turn & Run

This is used in any situation where the defender needs to recover. For example, the offensive player drove past the defender and the defender needs to turn and take off in a sprint to catch up to the offensive player.

Your hips and your upper body are facing in the direction that you are running.

Continuous Crossover

Sometimes, the crossover step is referred to as the first step taken when guarding a player, but the crossover step can effectively be used beyond the first step.

If the offensive player is in front of you and the player is increasing the pace and the shuffle is not fast enough anymore, the defensive player will start with or transition to a crossover step. He will continue to use this step until a situation causes him to slow down or change directions. This is used when the offensive player is still in front of you.

This is different than a turn and run, because your upper-body is facing the offensive player, but your lower body is running in the direction that you are going. You're basically twisting your upper body as you run. A turn and run is used typically when you need to recover.

The continuous crossover step would be used quite often when guarding the ball beyond the 3-point line.

Combinations

This is used in situations in which the speed of the defensive player needs to be increased or decreased based on a move or moves by the offensive player. As a result, the defensive player will transition to crossover steps, shuffles, continuous crossovers, & runs. The combinations are endless. Some examples are listed below.

Why Not To Say "Don't Cross Your Feet" and More Video Proof

Coaches often think that the crossover step is only used when the defensive player is beaten. Coaches will also argue that you should not cross your feet when shuffling.

From studying film of great defensive players, film of great defensive teams, and players that I've coached, I believe the best defenders use the crossover step when the offensive player is in front of them, not when they are just beaten. So when the defensive players should be transitioning to a crossover step to speed up and stop the offensive player, they think, "Coach doesn't want me to cross my feet, so I'll shuffle as fast as I can" and they end up getting beat off the dribble. There is also a saying, "The more they think, the slower their feet get. " That's why I don't want my defensive players to think when guarding the ball. I just want them to MOVE!

In the video of Michael Jordan below, you will also see how MJ is in a defensive stance. To cover a larger distance, his first step is a crossover step and he goes directly into the defensive stance to stop the offensive player from driving baseline. Had MJ not used a crossover step or crossed his feet, in and out of the defensive stance, the offensive player most likely would have driven past.

Watch the video from :04 to :12

Take a look at the video below. This is the video from the 1st article. There are a lot more movements throughout the video.

Defensive stance to crossover to defensive shuffle. Change directions, crossover step to run to defensive stance - at :14 to :22, you will see Sandra doing a combination of different movements with the defense in front of her.

Continuous Crossover - at :35 to :40, you'll see Sandra use a continuous crossover with the defense in front of her, not when she is beaten.

What Happened to the KISS (Keep it simple stupid) Method?

After reading all of that technical stuff above, you might be thinking "How the heck am I going to teach this to our players?"

Well, you don't. Personally, I don't think you should try to teach them all of the technicalities. You should simply tell your defenders: Do what you need to do keep yourself between the ball and the hoop. If you need to shuffle, shuffle. If you need to run, run.

Instinctively, they will use the appropriate movement. Trying to teach your players all of the technicalities may confuse them and cause them to think too much.

Now, some coaches don't even teach the crossover step. They just let the players do it. Other coaches like to teach it and drill it, so they become more efficient in the movement. So how do you do that?

Here is a progression to teach the crossover step. You could also use a similar progression with the defensive shuffle.

1. Teach proper foot position to stop from a stationary position.

   Have the athlete sit in a defensive stance. Have them take the stopping leg and plant it into the ground as if they were stopping after moving laterally.

   Foot of the stopping leg should be pointing straight ahead. The foot should be flat on the ground. Foot should be positioned outside the knee, knee positioned outside the shoulders. Hips should be down with the knees bent. This position enables the athlete to stop quickly and produce force and explode in the opposite direction.

   Have the athlete do this a number of times, so they can feel the proper stopping position.

2. Teach them how to perform the movement.

   On the crossover step, teach them how the hips open up, but keep the shoulders square to the defensive player. After a couple of crossover steps, have them transfer into a jog to slow down.

3. Deceleration with the movement or in other words, teach them how to stop.

   Perform the crossover steps for a couple of steps and come to a stop. Teach them to plant the outside leg far enough of outside of their shoulders to come to a complete stop without stuttering their feet. No shoulder sway. Keep the hips level throughout the movement.

4. Change of direction with the movement.

   When the player comes to a stop, they should reposition their feet quickly, aggressively push off their back or deceleration leg, and crossover in the opposite direction.

5. Reactive component.

   The coach could simply give a verbal or visual cue to get them to start and stop.

6. Combination movements - 1v0.

   Since, I believe that transitioning between shuffles, crossover steps, and runs are vital to being a good defensive player, I will practice these combinations at the beginning of every practice going the length of the floor.

   • Shuffle - Run - Change Direction - Shuffle
   • Crossover - Shuffle - Change Direction - Shuffle
   • Run - Shuffle - Change Direction - Crossover
   • Shuffle - Change Direction - Crossover - Change Direction - Crossover
   
   The combinations are endless. And it also keeps things fresh for the defensive players.
7. Live drills.

   Put them in different 1 on 1 half court and full court situations.

An Argument Against the Crossover Step Based on Defensive Philosophy

Some coaches will also argue against the crossover step based on defensive philosophy where they use pack-style defenses. Pack-style defenses emphasize tough quarter-court defense that emphasizes staying between the man and the ball, packing the help defenders to eliminate penetration, and forcing contested, outside shots. Coaches teach players to get in a low, wide stance to prevent straight line drives and emphasize explosive defensive shuffles for 2 to 3 steps. Help defense will prevent any penetration when the offensive player has to go a few feet to either side of the defender. By teaching the defensive shuffle, it's easier to maintain balance. Since, most of the defensive movements will be defensive shuffles and the philosophy of focusing on the critical few, teaching of the crossover step is avoided.

Personally, I've seen many coaches have great success without teaching the crossover step. Actually, I've had very successful defensive teams without teaching the crossover step. They weren't very athletic, but we taught the pack-style defense and it frustrated opponents.

But did the players succeed in spite of us not teaching the crossover step? Were they still doing the crossover step in practice and games without us noticing? Would they have been a better defensive team if the crossover step been taught?

If you plan on playing a packed-in, quarter-court defense and you do not have relatively good athletes, it would make sense for you not to spend as much practice time on the crossover steps compared to a coach who extends their defensive pressure. However, I believe you should still include crossover steps in your arsenal for situations in the quarter-court defense when the defender may need to cover a larger distance.

• If the offense runs an isolation play where the offensive player gets more room to maneuver. Similar to the Michael Jordan video above.
• If the offensive player makes a great fake and the defender is out of position and needs to use the crossover step to recover in a half-court setting.

Final Thoughts:

My hope for these articles is to present you another type of movement that could improve your team defense. It was not meant to discredit the use of the defensive shuffle by any means.

Lastly, if you disagree, I respect that. I just hope that you have done your diligent research and thinking. Study great defensive players. Study great defensive teams. Study how they move. Study other sports. You'll find that the crossover step is vital for other sports such as football, lacrosse, baseball, softball, tennis, rugby, soccer, and many other sports.

I don't know too many athletic development or professional strength and conditioning coaches that don't believe the crossover step is an integral part of an athlete's movement skills.

To help your players development solid athletic foundation, improve agility and improve overall athletcism, we recommend Cody Robert's Athetic Development Program.

What do you think? Let us know by leaving your comments and suggestions

Basic Basketball Dribbling Rules: Brief and Clear

In modern basketball, dribbling and dribbling are the basic principles of moving around the field. The player cannot take the ball in his hands and run to the ring. This will be considered a violation. And what other nuances of dribbling and dribbling exist? It turns out that you can’t put your other hand forward and take more than two steps with the ball. But it was not always so.

In the early to mid-20th century, basketball was more like rugby with hanging hoops. Players often pushed, abused mass and strength, played for time. At 19In 1954, the rules were updated, and the game became much stricter about various physical contacts. Now the players had to learn to dribble and not to fight with the opponent. Basketball has become more beautiful and spectacular.

Definitions

Dribbling is the way a basketball player moves around the court. Only with the help of this technique is it possible for the player to move independently. Otherwise, dribbling can be called dribbling. But this definition is more often used when it comes to beating opponents, outplaying them in a one-on-one fight. Now good dribbling has become an integral part of any basketball game.

Despite the high demands placed on players by coaches, almost no one succeeds in turning the ball into their forte. The fact is that basketball is a very fast game in which a big bet is placed on team play. If a player thinks that he will be able to pass 5 opponents using dribbling, then in just a few seconds he will be disappointed. In the NBA, goals in which only one athlete took part are a rarity.

Dribbling technique

To get out of pressure you need to learn good dribbling technique. It is worth saying that there are several ways of dribbling:

• One hand. The most common way. There is a ball chasing on the ground with one hand, and the second can control the balance of the body. This is the most energy-saving and quiet way to drive.
• Two hands alternately. Also a common technique. It should be mastered by all those who want to increase their level of play to professional players. By changing two hands, you can confuse the enemy, as well as find a more profitable option for an attack.
• Translations. These are hard hits on the floor that lift the ball up to shoulder level with the dribbler. In this way, you can swing the enemy and pass into the open space.
• Crossover. The essence of this technique is to chasing the ball between the legs. One blow in front of you, and the second - already behind your back. This helps protect the ball from the opponent and does not give him the initiative in the fight.
• Behind the back. This method is rarely used in the real game. Most often it is used to warm up or tease an opponent.

There is approximately one technique for all these methods. Basketball players learn the rules of dribbling for a reason. This is necessary in order to better control the ball and not get injured during an incorrect reception. There are the following rules and tips for dribbling:

• The ball must bounce off the field and bounce off the fingers. No need to grab it with a full palm or try to hit the floor as hard as possible. The main thing is that a little effort is spent on dribbling, and the player’s hands do not get tired.
• Get close to the ground and dribble the ball without letting it go too far. In this position, the opponent will have less time to snatch the ball. It is better to change the style of dribbling, sometimes rising to his full height, and sometimes crouching to the ground.
• Need to unlearn looking at the ball while dribbling. It is advisable to dribble the ball without looking at all. In this way, it will be possible to follow the movements of the opponent, concentrating on the situation in the match.
• It is worth learning how to cover the ball with the body, preventing a player from the enemy team from reaching it. This is quite difficult to achieve, as blind dribbling means that the athlete will blindly control the ball without hitting it against other parts of the body.
• Take into account the angle of the ball rebound is also worth with active dribbling. If you stand and mint at an angle of 90 degrees, then there will be no progress. If the angle is too large, then the ball may not be in time, and if it is too small, then the progress will be too slow. Dribbling is very important to professional basketball players as it is the second most important aspect of moving around the field (passing is the first).

Double dribble

This is the term used to describe a violation when a player starts dribbling again after picking up the ball. This is prohibited by the rules. If an athlete receives the ball from a partner, then he can take the ball with both hands and start dribbling, but only once. Let's say the player stopped dribbling. He takes the ball in his hands and begins to look around the court. Now he has only two options:

1. Pass to a teammate.
2. Throw into the ring.

All this can be done after two steps with the ball. It will not count as a run. It is worth saying that jumping with the ball in this situation is prohibited. In case of violation of the rules, the player will be declared out of bounds, and possession will be transferred to the other team.

Common Mistakes

Leading is a difficult technique that takes a lot of time and effort to master. But to increase the value for the team, you can study the most common mistakes:

• Individualist. If you get carried away with dribbling, it will be difficult to achieve a result. Basketball is a team game where passing is more important than dribbling. You need to look at partners more often and see good moments: both for driving and for assists.
• Flirting. Of course, all professional players have excellent ball possession, so they can afford some tricks and tricks right next to the opponent. Ordinary players will not benefit from such “tricks”. It is better to always control the ball, because underestimating the opponent is the main mistake of basketball.
• Pushing the opponent away. When dribbling, don't pay too much attention to the opposing team. If a player starts to make close contact, then there is a high probability of earning a foul or losing the ball. It is better to go around the opponent or look for an opportunity to pass.
• Do not exercise. Some players think that possession will develop during the game, but this is a strong misconception. Like any other technique, dribbling requires attention and diligence. You need to devote a lot of time to this in order to progress and feel more comfortable during the match.
• Prefer dribbling over throwing. Let's say the player is near the paint line, but decides to get close to the ring and dunk. This decision may result in a loss of the ball or a foul in the 3-second zone. If there is an opportunity to shoot from close range, then it is always worth doing it, and not switching to dribbling.

Practice Drills

To learn how to dribble well, you need to practice more. The following exercises will help with this:0003

• Hold the ball in your hand, drop it down in a smooth motion and hit the ground. Only one hand works. This will help develop wrist strength.
• One player picks up the ball, and the second grabs it in a way that suits him. Now task number two is to try to get the projectile out. The first player must tense all the muscles to prevent the ball from popping out. Develops strong hands.
• Long dribbling. Everything is clear here. You need to go into dribbling and mint the ball for 3, 5, 10 minutes. After the noticeable wobble disappears, and the athlete has a better feel for the car, control over the ball will begin to feel better.
• Dribbling the ball between the legs with a crossover will also help you better feel the speed and angle of the ball. This exercise can improve not only control, but also dribbling skills close to the opponent.
• Alternately dribbling the ball first with one hand and then with the other will also help you feel the game better. A player who knows how to control with both hands will always feel confident on the court.

Important nuances in the game

Keep in mind that successful dribbling requires strong and powerful hands. Basketball players practice a lot off the court as well. It is advisable to visit the gym, where you can increase the grip strength and leg power. High jumps and strong arms are the hallmarks of any professional basketball player. It is also worth developing endurance, because dribble is the same run, but with increased concentration.

A strong corps will help in clashes with even the biggest opponents. Of course, now players with good stamina and fast running are more valued, but this does not mean that opponents will always be slower or weaker than the team.

Fortnite NBA Crossover comes to Creative Mode

05/24/2021

Who: Fortnite Developers

With the second part of the Fortnite NBA Crossover on May 25, 2021, Fortnite Creative Mode will feature a new NBA-themed creative hub.

NBA Creative Center

The world of basketball hoops, built by Atlas Creative, brings the NBA into Fortnite creative mode. As you explore the Creative Hub, you'll not only find tons of cool basketball-themed locations, but you'll also be able to purchase new NBA gear right on the spot!

Highlights of the Season

Video clips of the season's highlights await you throughout the Creative Center. As the 2021 NBA Qualifiers unfold, you can admire the masterful basketball tricks of the main season as video footage appears for the first time in Fortnite's Creative Mode. Every day, the creative center will show a fresh selection of the best moments of NBA matches:

• May 25 - highlights of the season
• May 26 - Stunning Overhead Throws
• May 27 - crossovers and dribbling
• May 28 - decisive moments
• May 29 - best block shots
• May 30 - Best Assists
• May 31 Season Highlights (Repeat)

New Basketball LTM

We're also excited to bring you the NBA-themed LTM, Crossover: New Basketball, also created by AtlasCreative. In giant jump, hit the basketball hoops in style to score points. Queue up to play Crossover New Basketball or enter code 1898-7178-3313 to evaluate it in private.

Complete a Crossover mission by playing the New Basketball LTM and visiting the NBA Creative Hub. For each challenge you complete, you'll earn experience points, and as the final reward, you'll unlock the Basketball Hoop flag!

Get some great experiences before time runs out. The NBA in Fortnite Creative Hub will be available from May 25 to June 1, 2021.

Player Lockers

As a reminder, in addition to all the joys of Creative mode, this week's Item Shop features Locker Packs handpicked by NBA quarterbacks Donovan Mitchell and Trey Young.

In Donovan's locker: Shark Softness Outfit, Rag Shark Back Bling, Ghost Hatchet Pickaxe, Dynamic Green Wrap, and Fire Show Emote.

In Trey's locker: Crimson Mark gear, Golden Chopper pick, Rainbow Stars wrap, and Baller emote.

Creating content during the NBA to Fortnite crossover

Active Contributor Supporters will be able to post content from the NBA Creative Hub to YouTube. Monetization will be available without restrictions for 7 days. After this time, the authors will not be asked to remove these videos. Additional information.

• Remember to follow the Epic Games content guidelines.
• Make sure you have linked your YouTube and Creator Support Program accounts (here).
• Important: When uploading content to YouTube, select "Access via link" or "Public access" as the access options. If you select "Restricted Access", you may receive an application to monetize your video.
• If you want to upload a video on another platform, please read its policies in advance to avoid copyright penalties.
• Are you not in the Creator Support Program? Do not worry! You will also be able to share highlights from the event, but monetization of your YouTube videos will be disabled.

Note: If you choose to stream NBA Creative Center content on Twitch, your video may be flagged by the copyright system. We recommend that you either mute your videos or turn off your videos completely to protect yourself from any claims or complaints.

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