Crossover Dribble
A basketball dribbling move that switches the ball quickly from one hand to the other to change direction and get past a defender.
Overview
The crossover is a change-of-direction dribble used to beat a defender off the dribble. The ball handler pushes the ball low and across the body from one hand to the other while planting to change direction, so the defender is left leaning the wrong way.
A low, quick bounce and a convincing shift of weight sell the move and let the handler explode past in the new direction.
How to do it
- 1Dribble toward the defender under control on one side.
- 2Drop the dribble low and shift your weight as if going that way.
- 3Push the ball across your body to the other hand with a quick, low bounce.
- 4Plant your foot and change direction as you take the ball.
- 5Accelerate past the defender on the new side.
Key points
- Keep the crossover bounce low so the defender cannot reach it.
- Sell a change of direction with your head and shoulders before you cross.
- Push off hard in the new direction once the ball is in the other hand.
Where it’s used
Sports that use crossover dribble:
Related techniques
Jump Shot
A basketball shot released at the top of a vertical jump, letting the shooter get the ball over a defender with a soft, arcing release.
Layup
A close-range basketball shot taken while moving toward the basket, laying the ball softly off the backboard or over the rim.
Chest Pass
A two-handed pass thrown directly from chest height in a straight line to a teammate, the most basic pass in basketball and netball.
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Playing surfaces
Movement patterns
- Change of DirectionA planned redirection of the body from one movement vector to another, requiring an athlete to decelerate existing momentum and reaccelerate along a new line between two known points.
- Crossover StepA lateral or diagonal travelling step in which one leg crosses over the other with accompanying hip and trunk rotation, trading a stable base for greater reach and speed.
- CutA sharp, frequently reactive plant-and-redirect performed in a single decisive foot contact to evade an opponent or abruptly alter a line of travel.
- PivotA rotation of the body about one planted foot, reorienting the trunk and hips around a vertical axis without travelling to a new location.
Skills
- DribblingThe skill of moving with the ball under close control to beat opponents or keep possession.
- ShootingThe skill of striking or releasing the ball toward the goal or basket to score.
- Ball controlThe skill of receiving and settling the ball quickly so it is ready to use.
- ThrowingThe skill of propelling the ball accurately and with control using the arm.
- HeadingThe skill of directing the ball with the head to pass, clear or attempt to score.
Equipment
- BasketballA large, inflated ball with a dimpled surface used to play basketball.
- Football (soccer ball)A round, inflated ball used to play association football and futsal.
- Tennis racquetA strung frame with a handle used to hit the ball in tennis.
- Pickleball paddleA solid, flat paddle used to hit the perforated plastic ball in pickleball.
- Cricket batA flat-fronted wooden bat used by batters to hit the ball in cricket.