Amanda Knapp
Dribbling a basketball between the legs is a flashy move that can help keep the ball out of a defender's grasp. It is typically used by perimeter-oriented basketball positions such as the point guard, shooting guard, or small forward. To perform this move, start by getting into a basic dribbling stance with your knees slightly bent and your head and chest pointed straight ahead. Bounce the ball with the pads of your fingers on your dominant hand in front of you at knee height. Then, take a diagonal step forward with your opposite foot and 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 so that it bounces up behind you, where you can catch it with your opposite hand.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Stance | Feet about shoulder-width apart, knees bent, back straight, chest and head pointed straight ahead |
| Ball position | Bounced with the pads of the fingers on the dominant hand at knee height |
| Movement | Diagonal step forward with the opposite foot, shifting the hand to the side of the ball so that only the thumb is on top, pushing the ball between the legs so that it bounces underneath and comes up behind |
| Receiving the ball | Catch the ball with the opposite hand as it emerges behind the body |
| Practice | Start by mastering the basic crossover, practice the motion without the ball, then with the ball at waist height |
| Limitations | Not effective against very aggressive on-ball pressure |
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What You'll Learn
Basic dribbling stance
To begin, stand with your feet about shoulder-width apart. Move your left foot about a step ahead of your right foot. In other words, the left foot should be leading the right foot. Next, bend your knees while keeping your back straight. It is recommended to keep your knees slightly bent and your head and chest pointed straight ahead.
Some sources suggest that you should crouch down low by bending your knees and lowering your hips. Push your back end out behind you and lean forward a little bit to prepare in case you need to move. Make sure your stance feels stable.
Stay low to the ground to handle the ball. Lift your chest and head while bouncing the ball close to your foot. Lean forward slightly on the balls of your feet so you're able to spread your legs apart during the dribble.
The highest point of your bounce should be up to your hip. Keep your head up and look for your teammates, keep an eye on your defender, and be aware of where the basket is, all while dribbling.
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Dribbling with the dominant hand
To dribble with your dominant hand, start by standing with your feet about shoulder-width apart while holding the basketball. Bend your knees and lower your hips, keeping your back straight and your chest and head pointed straight ahead. This is the basic dribbling stance.
Use the pads of your fingers on your dominant hand to bounce the ball in front of you at knee height. Keep the ball close to your body, and use your fingertips to push down on the ball for more precise control. Snap your wrist down to bounce the ball with force. Keep your fingers spread apart to maximize control.
Once you have mastered the basic dribble, you can transition to putting the ball between your legs. Practice crossing the ball over while standing in place. When you are comfortable with the motion, take a diagonal step forward with your opposite foot and shift the ball to the side so that only your thumb is on top. Then, push the ball between your open legs so that it bounces up behind you, and catch it with your opposite hand.
Remember, while dribbling with your dominant hand is important, developing your non-dominant hand as well will make you a more well-rounded player and improve your overall ball control.
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Diagonal step forward
To perform a diagonal step forward while dribbling a basketball between your legs, you must first master the basic dribbling stance and crossover. This will help you control the ball and seamlessly shift it between your legs.
Start by standing with your feet about shoulder-width apart, knees slightly bent, and your head and chest pointed straight ahead. Keep your back straight and avoid hunching over the ball. Bounce the basketball in place with the pads of your fingers on your dominant hand, close to your body, at knee height.
Now, to perform the diagonal step forward, take a generous step towards the sideline with your opposite foot. This will be at about a 45-degree angle away from your body. Keep your dominant side stable with your foot planted on the ground. As you step diagonally forward, shift your hand to the side of the ball as it bounces, so only your thumb is on top of the ball.
Continue dribbling the ball near your dominant side to prepare for the crossover. Push the ball laterally across your body, allowing it to bounce underneath you and come up behind you. Move your opposite hand behind you to receive the ball as it emerges, catching it near the leg opposite your initial dribbling hand.
This diagonal step forward is an effective way to create scoring or playmaking opportunities near the basket or perimeter areas of the court. It can help you keep the ball out of a defender's grasp and is particularly useful for perimeter-oriented positions such as the point guard, shooting guard, or small forward.
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Catching the ball
To begin, stand with your feet about shoulder-width apart, with your knees slightly bent and your head and chest pointed straight ahead. You should be in a basic dribbling stance, with your back straight and your weight slightly forward. Bounce the ball with the pads of your fingers on your dominant hand, close to your body and at knee height.
As you take a diagonal step forward with your opposite foot, 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 legs, allowing it to bounce underneath you and come up behind you. Catch the ball with your opposite hand as it emerges.
Practice the movement without the ball first, clapping your hands together to get a feel for the motion. When you add the ball, start by dribbling low and then dribble harder to bring it up to waist height. This will help you use the momentum of the ball as you dribble.
Remember, when doing crossovers, it is best to release and catch the ball as close to the ground as possible. This will give you more control and make the crossover faster and smoother.
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Crossover dribble
The crossover dribble is a fundamental basketball move that can help players create space and generate scoring opportunities. It involves dribbling the ball with one hand and then quickly switching it to the other hand, allowing for a change in direction. This move can be particularly effective when used in conjunction with a few dribbles in one direction, as it can throw off the defender's momentum and direction, creating an opportunity to drive past them.
To perform a crossover dribble, start by getting into an athletic stance with your feet about shoulder-width apart, knees bent, back straight, and eyes forward while holding the basketball. From here, you can begin the dribbling motion, which should be quick and low to the ground. Dribble the ball with your dominant hand, take a step with the corresponding foot, and push the ball across your body to the opposite hand in a V pattern. This move should be practised at varying speeds, as a change in speed can also help throw off the defender.
It is important to maintain control of the ball throughout the move, ensuring it stays low and close to your body. Practising hand dexterity can help with this, and drills such as the tennis ball crossover drill can be useful for improving hand dexterity and conditioning. Additionally, watching videos of great crossover players and imitating their moves can be a helpful way to improve your crossover dribble.
The crossover dribble is a versatile move that can be used by players of all skill levels. It is a great way to create space and generate scoring opportunities for yourself or your teammates. With practice and repetition, the crossover dribble can become a powerful tool in your basketball arsenal.
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Frequently asked questions
Stand with your feet about shoulder-width apart, bend your knees, keep your back straight, and lean forward slightly.
Start by practicing the motion without a ball, then with the ball in your hand, practice dribbling at waist height. Once you're comfortable with the motion, try dribbling the ball between your legs.
Dribbling a basketball between your legs can help you keep the ball out of a defender's grasp and create scoring or playmaking opportunities near the basket or perimeter areas of the court.
