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Dribbling a basketball between the legs is a flashy way to keep the ball away from defenders. It is a type of crossover dribble, where the ball is dribbled with one hand and then caught with the opposite hand. This move is typically used by perimeter-oriented players such as point guards, shooting guards, or small forwards, but any player can perform it if they understand the fundamentals of dribbling. To execute the move, players should crouch down with their knees bent and chest and head lifted. The ball should be dribbled with the dominant hand close to the body, bouncing no higher than the thigh to maintain control. Players can also perform a reverse between-the-legs dribble, where the ball is dribbled from the backside between the legs. While this move can be effective for creating scoring opportunities, it may not work well against very aggressive on-ball defenders.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | To attack the hoop and take advantage of defenders being out of position |
| Starting stance | Basic dribbling stance with knees slightly bent and head and chest pointed straight ahead |
| Dribbling technique | Use dominant hand, keep the ball close to the body, bounce it near the knee, use fingertips to push down on the ball for control |
| Ball height | Keep low to the ground, ideally at thigh height |
| Crossover technique | Position hand on the side of the ball, not on top; catch the ball close to the ground to maintain control |
| Movement | Can be done while stationary or moving on the court |
| Variations | Standard form (dribble with one hand, catch with opposite hand); reverse between-the-legs (dribble with one hand from behind the back, between the legs, and catch with the other hand) |
| Effectiveness | Useful for creating scoring or playmaking opportunities, particularly for perimeter-oriented positions like point guard, shooting guard, or small forward; may be less effective against very aggressive on-ball pressure |
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What You'll Learn
Dribbling between the legs while stationary or moving
Dribbling between the legs is a great trick to help keep the ball out of a defender's grasp. It is also an effective way to create scoring or playmaking opportunities near the basket or perimeter areas of the court.
To start, stand with your feet about shoulder-width apart and hold the basketball. Move one foot slightly ahead of the other, bend your knees, and keep your back straight. Bounce the basketball with the pads of your fingers on your dominant hand, keeping it close to your body and at knee height. Lean forward on your toes to prepare to move, but be careful not to lean too far forward, as you may lose your balance.
Now, take a diagonal step forward with your opposite foot. As you do this, shift your hand to the side of the ball so that only your thumb is on top. Use your hand to push the ball between your open legs, allowing it to bounce underneath you and come up behind you. Move your opposite hand behind you to catch the ball as it emerges.
If you are practising this move while stationary, try doing a hop step. Quickly jump and shift your leg positioning. You can also try a more advanced version of the stationary drill by moving both feet back and forth while staying in the same spot. Practice this move until you can execute it smoothly, and then try incorporating it into your game to impress your teammates and leave defenders in your dust!
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Catching the ball with the opposite hand
To catch the ball with the opposite hand, you must first be in a good dribbling stance with your knees slightly bent and your head and chest pointed straight ahead. You should bounce the ball with the pads of your fingers, keeping it close to your body and near your knee. When you are ready to switch hands, it is important to release the ball close to the ground, giving you more control and making it harder for defenders to steal. You can then catch the ball with the opposite hand and continue dribbling.
This technique is especially useful when combined with other moves, such as the pro-hop, where you pick up your dribble with a synchronized opposite hand dribble and foot step, and then rip the ball to the other side of your body. You can also use this skill to perform a behind-the-back dribble, which is useful when you need to switch the ball to the opposite hand but don't have room for a regular crossover.
Practising catching the ball with the opposite hand will help you become more agile and unpredictable to defenders, improving your overall game. It is important to note that once you release the ball, you cannot pass it to yourself again, as this is considered a violation in basketball.
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Using dribbling to counter against on-ball defensive pressure
Dribbling is a fundamental skill in basketball, and one of the flashiest ways to dribble is by passing the ball between your legs. This technique can be used to counter against on-ball defensive pressure.
When dribbling between the legs, start by getting into a basic dribbling stance with your knees slightly bent and your head and chest pointed straight ahead. Bounce the basketball with the pads of your fingers, keeping it close to your body and near your knee. Use your fingertips to push down on the ball, rather than resting your palm on top of it. This gives you more precise control. Keep your fingers spread apart to maximise control.
When performing a crossover, it is best to release and catch the ball as close to the ground as possible. This ensures the ball is not in the air for too long, reducing the chance of it being intercepted. When dribbling between the legs, you can't keep your hands as close together, but you can still apply the same principle by keeping the ball low.
To counter against on-ball defensive pressure, it is important to keep the dribble alive and always move towards the basket. This can be achieved through dribbling techniques such as the retreat dribble, where you dribble backwards to avoid pressure, and the crossover dribble, which is used to break down a defender. The whirl pivot dribble is another move that can be used to avoid defensive pressure and dribble by a defender.
Additionally, when under high pressure, offensive players must meet the ball halfway. Coaches often instruct players to 'run over the ball', meaning they should not wait for the ball to come to them, as this gives the defence an opportunity to intercept. Staying in one spot makes a player easy to defend and limits passing options.
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Mastering the basic crossover
The crossover is a fundamental dribbling move in basketball that can be taught to players of any age. It involves dribbling the basketball with one hand across the body and then catching it with the opposite hand. This technique can be used to change direction, evade a defender, and create space and separation from an on-ball defender.
To master the basic crossover, players must first develop excellent ball-handling skills. This can be achieved through various dribbling drills, such as cone dribbling, two-ball dribbling, and wall dribbling. Cone dribbling involves setting up cones in a straight line and practising dribbling through them using different crossover techniques. Two-ball dribbling improves coordination and hand speed by dribbling two basketballs simultaneously and switching them from hand to hand. Wall dribbling enhances control and precision by dribbling a basketball against a wall and alternating hands.
Agility drills are also crucial for executing a quick and effective crossover. Ladder drills, shuttle runs, and box drills help improve foot speed, lateral quickness, and change-of-direction speed. Additionally, players can incorporate strength training and regular practice into their routine to develop a controlled crossover.
When performing the crossover, it is important to stay low and wide, leading with the foot on your dominant side. This helps to keep the ball away from your body while still maintaining control. It is also essential to keep your eyes on the defender and the court, scanning for open spaces and teammates, rather than looking at the ball.
While the basic crossover is a simple move, it can be developed and varied to become a signature move that defenders fear. Players can add their own creativity and unique approach to make it more effective. The crossover can be executed from a stationary position, but it is often more effective when the offensive player is on the move. By mastering the basic crossover and incorporating it into your skillset, you can elevate your game and become a more versatile player on the court.
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Developing high court awareness
- Study and analyze game footage: Watching and analyzing basketball games, whether of professional players or personal recordings, provides valuable insights into player positioning, strategies, and court dynamics. By studying game footage, you can identify patterns, improve your understanding of player tendencies, and develop a stronger awareness of the court.
- Constantly scan the court: Get into the habit of scanning the court, even when you don't have the ball. This helps you spot open teammates, identify defensive gaps, and anticipate your opponents' movements. Knowing the location of your teammates and opponents is crucial for making effective passes and executing shots.
- Improve spatial awareness: Basketball is a fast-paced game with constant movement. Strong spatial awareness allows you to efficiently navigate the court, avoid defenders, and find open spaces. Practice drills that emphasize spatial awareness, such as dribbling around obstacles while monitoring your surroundings. This improves your ability to react quickly to dynamic situations on the court.
- Develop tactical knowledge: Understand team strategies and opponent tendencies. Familiarize yourself with various offensive and defensive systems and know your role within them. This knowledge will enable you to make better decisions that align with your team's goals.
- Enhance communication: Effective communication with your teammates through verbal cues, hand signals, or eye contact ensures that everyone is on the same page regarding defensive assignments, offensive strategies, and open opportunities. Good communication fosters better coordination and synergy on the court, contributing to improved court awareness.
- Practice dynamic drills: Engage in drills that simulate real-game situations to prepare for in-game challenges. These drills help improve your ability to read movements and predict your opponents' actions, enabling you to make quicker and more strategic plays.
By implementing these strategies, you can develop high court awareness, which will ultimately enhance your decision-making abilities and overall performance on the basketball court.
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