The term basketball crossover moves refer to switching and dribbling the ball quickly, going from the dominant hand to the other. This is done in order to confuse the defender. When you have this technique mastered it can be one of the most effective techniques you’ll use. The right type of crossover will allow you to change direction easily, using speed. The whole goal behind this move is to distance yourself from your opponent by faking the direction and getting past the defender in order to get a chance at a shot.
When you fake out a defender it’s crucial that they believe you’re headed in the opposite direction. This can be achieved easily by leaning your body in one direction as you dribble and then switching the hand you’re using to dribble, suddenly, and getting past the defending player. But for those new to basketball, this move is even harder than it looks and it’s definitely a move that you’ll want to practice for several weeks before you put it to the test in a real game.
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Fact About Crossover Moves
Basketball crossover moves are complex and can require several months of practice, depending on your skill level and how you handle the ball. Many variations of this move exist, but the essential goal is to deceive a defending player, leading them to believe you are heading in one direction while swiftly dribbling the ball into your other hand and proceeding in the opposite direction from what the defending player anticipates.
As an example, let’s say you’re leaning your body and head to the right, instead of going right like the defending player thinks you will, you’ll actually dribble the ball into your opposite hand and quickly head to the left. If done correctly, this will leave the defending player confused, slow, and off balance while you head down the court and take your shot. But don’t be deceived, if you’ve ever seen this play in action then you know it can be complicated to fake out a player, especially one with more experience than you. Ultimately, you’ll need to have mastered power dribbling and have excellent ball control before you even try.
Know When You’re Ready with Basketball Crossover Moves
A crossover isn’t recommended for beginners. In the beginning, focus on learning basketball rules, ball handling, and shooting techniques. Crossovers should be low on your priority list. First, gain control over the ball and your movements on the court. If you struggle to move without losing the ball or your dribbling is sloppy, crossovers aren’t suitable. However, if you’ve been playing for a few months and feel ready, go ahead and try it. Remember, mastering this move takes time. Players spend months practicing and perfecting this challenging technique.
Basketball Crossover Move Variations
When it comes to the crossover, there are several variations to choose from. However, the basic technique will usually remain the same. When you perform the killer crossover quickly, smoothly, and with significant consequences, it becomes known as the killer crossover. To consider it a killer move, you must execute it perfectly. Leaving your opponent unbalanced and stunned. Depriving them of any time or opportunity to react. The other player may fall, slip, or simply remain standing there. As you fly past them with the ball.
Getting Down to Business
Using a crossover, you have to be extremely fast. This move is often performed by more experienced players that have excellent dribbling skills and ball control. To perform this move, the player fakes their moves by taking a wider step and moving their head in one direction. Then, they swiftly dribble the ball to their opposite hand and move past the defender in a different direction. The player must execute the move in front, either side to side or between their legs. If the defender falls for the fake, they’ll be caught off guard, creating a clear path for the player to move past them.
To do a crossover, try the following:
Begin by dribbling the ball using your dominant hand. Dribble up to the defending player. Slow down or stop a couple of feet away from them and keep your left leg forward.
For the next step, you’ll need to pretend that you plan on taking a jump shot. You won’t actually need to take the shot here. Instead, you’ll raise your body slightly as though you’re going to take it. At the same time, you will need to maintain dribbling the ball. If the defender falls for this move he will also raise himself to block your jump shot. As he does so, he will be bending forward, which means he will have hindered his ability to move backward in order to defend his position.
Making Your Move
Now you’re ready to fake your movement towards your left.
To perform this move:
– Drop your right shoulder slightly.
– Move to your left, giving the impression of darting left.
– Pay close attention to the defender’s reaction.
– Their reaction is key to executing the move effectively.
If you did a good job of faking the other player out they will go to the left in order to block your movement. This is the exact reaction you’ve been looking for. As soon as they move to the left, you’ll perform the crossover and shift the ball back to your dominant hand, ensuring that the ball stays close to your body. Next, you’ll push off using your left foot moving towards the right and passing the defending player. When you move in this angle you’re blocking the defender while also giving yourself the clear path you need to quickly move past them. Now you can dribble the ball ahead of you in order to prevent another player from attempting to steal it.
As you fly by the defending player, their momentum and attention will be focused on the opposite direction. If they react suddenly, realizing the fake, they will probably lose their balance.
Related Questions
Will Mid-Sole Shoes Give Me the Type of Flexibility I Need to Move Faster?
Most players will claim the best basketball shoes for ankle support are high tops, and in many cases this is true. However, when it comes to moving quickly, for crossovers, you may be better off with a pair of mid-soles like the Under Armour Men’s Jet Mid Basketball Shoe. These shoes are equipped with the type of grippy soles you need on a slick indoor court, plus the EVA foam interior will give you the cushioned interior support you need if you’re a player that gets a lot of court time.
What’s the Biggest Mistake a Newbie Makes with Crossovers?
Double dribbles. Learning how to control the ball and practice different types of dribbling techniques can be tricky for the beginner. Because of this, only experienced players use this type of crossover move. If you’re new to the sport and you’re not confident in your dribbling skills, stop by and read my article on how to get better at dribbling. You’ll find some great exercises and tips on what you can do to improve your ball control, what not to do, and how you can increase your agility out on the court.
Final Thoughts
As you can see, this is one move that takes quite a bit of work to get right. If your technique is sloppy, if you’re not confident in your ability to fake out a player, then this move will totally fall apart. This move is definitely not one you should try if you’re new to the sport and still struggling to master the basics.
Performing basketball crossover moves isn’t as easy at it looks. It fact, it can take several weeks or months to improve your ball handling speed and skills. But with plenty of practice and time, you should be able to hone your skills and learn how to sell your fake out to a defending player, moving fast enough to get around them and sink a basket. During practice, focus, work hard and execute this move over and over until you’ve got it down.
