Andrew Pace
In basketball, a crossover is a dribbling technique used to create space between oneself and a defender. It involves faking to one side to make the defender follow, then quickly switching the ball to the other hand to change direction and surpass the defender. This move can leave the defender off-balance and can be embarrassing for them. Getting crossed is a common occurrence in basketball, even for good defenders, and is nothing to be ashamed of. In fact, it is considered a part of the game and can even lead to recruitment opportunities.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| What is it? | A dribbling technique, also known as an "ankle-breaker" |
| Who is it for? | Offensive players |
| What does it do? | Creates space between the offensive player and a defender |
| How does it work? | By faking to one side, getting the defender to follow, then bouncing the ball to the other hand |
| How common is it? | Very common—even the best defenders get crossed over |
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What You'll Learn
How to do a crossover
A crossover is a dribbling technique used to create space between yourself and a defender. It is achieved by faking to one side and getting the defender to follow, then bouncing the ball back over to your other hand. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to perform a crossover:
Step 1: Fake to Your Dominant Side
The easiest way to initiate a crossover is to fake the ball towards your dominant side. This will cause the defender to shift their weight and turn in the direction you want.
Step 2: Hesitate
This is the most important and convincing part of the crossover dribble. As the ball is up, you may give a little hop, as if you're about to drive to your dominant side. The ball should be in your palm during this movement, so it's more about feigning motion than dribbling.
Step 3: Cross the Ball Over
Once the defender is turned in the desired direction, quickly power dribble across your body, switching to your other hand. This should be done low to the ground, below the knee, and with speed.
Step 4: Be Ready to Act
The crossover should create an opportunity for a jump shot or a pass to a teammate. This will happen very quickly, so be prepared to act as soon as you've completed the move.
Step 5: Practice and Experiment
Watch videos of great crossover players to practice and imitate their hesitation moves. Get creative and try different combinations of between-the-legs moves and directional shifts to improve your offensive game. The simple crossover is just the foundation, and with practice, you can develop your unique style.
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Hesitation moves
The crossover is a dribbling technique used to create space between you and a defender. It involves faking to one side and getting the defender to follow you before bouncing the ball back over to your other hand. The easiest way to do a crossover is to fake the ball toward your dominant side. You can also fake to your non-dominant side and then cross back over to your dominant hand.
To perform a hesitation move, stay low and wide. Leading with the foot on your dominant side, keep your hips down to stay in an ideal position to explode by the defender. Show a tiny lift in the hips to fake out the defender. Push the ball out to the side to shield it from the defender. If the defender is overplaying the ball, simply cross the ball over to the other hand and drive past.
Changing speeds also helps to keep the defender off balance. If you only have one or two speeds, it is easier for the defender to adjust to your pace. Larry Bird, for example, was able to get by NBA players despite his relatively slow speed by changing speeds.
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Famous crossover players
The crossover is a dribbling technique used to create space between a player and a defender. It involves faking to one side to get the defender to follow, then bouncing the ball back over to the other hand.
Some of the most famous NBA players known for their crossover skills include:
- Allen Iverson, whose crossover is considered one of the most iconic of all time.
- Kyrie Irving, who has become the face of elite ball-handlers in the NBA.
- Jamal Crawford, also known as J-Cross, whose crossover handle allows him to break down almost any defender.
- Manu Ginobili, whose one-handed crossover is unconventional and unpredictable.
- Rajon Rondo, whose crossover may lack flair but makes up for it in quickness.
- LaMelo Ball, who in only his second year in the NBA has already made headlines with his behind-the-back crossover dribble.
- Stephen Curry, known for his shooting ability, but whose handle and ankle-breaking crossover highlights are also impressive.
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Defending against a crossover
To defend against this move, you need to avoid getting caught up in the offensive player's rhythm and try to force them to use their weaker hand. Give them room to dribble and try to make them take an outside shot. You can also try to force the direction the ball handler goes in by positioning your feet and body in a way that guides them. Keep your feet moving and shuffle to maintain your balance and avoid getting frozen while the offensive player blows past you.
It's also important not to overcommit when defending against a crossover. If you reach in to try and knock the ball away, you can easily get called for a foul and end up out of position. Instead, play solid defence and force the ball handler to pick up their dribble, then get in close and try to force the ball out of their hands.
Remember, even the best defenders will get crossed over from time to time, so don't dwell on it if it happens to you. Just keep playing hard and focus on improving your defensive skills.
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What to do after a crossover
Getting crossed over is a normal part of basketball, even for the best defenders. It's important to remember that it's not a big deal and that it happens to everyone. So, if you find yourself on the receiving end of a crossover, here are some things to keep in mind and work on:
Keep Playing and Don't Dwell on It
Don't let getting crossed over discourage you. It's all part of the game, and it's essential to remember that even the best defenders get crossed over. Brush it off, maintain a positive attitude, and keep playing hard. Focus on improving your defensive skills and learning from each experience.
Work on Your Defensive Skills
Use the experience of getting crossed over as a learning opportunity. Analyze what worked and what didn't, and work on improving your defensive techniques. Practice different defensive drills and strategies to enhance your agility, footwork, and reaction time. The more you play and the harder you work on your defence, the better you'll become at recovering from a crossover.
Study the Crossover Move
Take time to understand the mechanics of a crossover. Watch videos of great crossover players and study their techniques. Pay attention to the dribbling techniques, the use of fakes and hesitations, and the overall footwork and body movement. By understanding the crossover, you can better anticipate and react to your opponent's moves.
Practice Your Agility and Coordination
A well-executed crossover relies on the dribbler's agility and coordination. Similarly, to defend against a crossover effectively, you need to be agile and coordinated yourself. Practice agility drills such as ladder drills, shuttle runs, and box drills to improve your footwork and quickness. Work on your dribbling skills with drills like cone dribbling, two-ball dribbling, and wall dribbling to enhance your ball control and hand speed.
Develop Your Own Counter Moves
While defending against a crossover, it's important to have a few counter moves up your sleeve. Study different defensive techniques and develop a repertoire of responses. For example, you can try stalling the dribbler by using multiple fakes or learn to anticipate their moves to beat them to the spot. The more tools you have in your defensive arsenal, the better equipped you'll be to recover from a crossover.
Remember, getting crossed over is a normal part of basketball, and it provides an opportunity for growth and improvement. Stay positive, work on your skills, and keep enjoying the game!
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Frequently asked questions
A crossover is a dribbling technique used to create space between the player and a defender. It involves faking to one side to make the defender follow you, then quickly bouncing the ball back over to the other hand.
The easiest way to do a crossover is to fake the ball towards your dominant side, then bounce it back over to your other hand. It's important to hesitate during this move, as if you're about to drive to your dominant side. This is the most convincing part of the crossover dribble.
Everybody gets crossed over from time to time, but you can reduce the chances of it happening by being the aggressor on defence. Try to beat your opponent to the spot every time they make a move, rather than letting them move freely.
Getting crossed over is a normal part of basketball, so don't dwell on it. Instead, brush it off and keep playing hard. If your opponent makes an impressive move, acknowledge it with a "nice move" and focus on coming back stronger.
