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Crossover Dribble in Basketball: Basic Information Explained

What is the crossover dribble in basketball

The crossover dribble consists of action that occurs when an offensive player dribbles the basketball with one hand across their body and then catches it with the opposite hand, ultimately to generate scoring or playmaking opportunities.

The crossover is also one of the common types of dribble moves alongside between the legs dribble as well as behind the back dribble among others.

Furthermore, the crossover dribble is potentially effective because it could help an offensive player create space and separation from an on-ball defender, primarily to attack the basket or take an open jump shot near the perimeter areas of the court.

However, it is recommended, especially for total beginners of basketball, to have a general understanding of fundamental dribbling concepts because that information could potentially enhance knowledge and effectiveness of the crossover dribble.

Which basketball positions generally use the crossover dribble

In terms of basketball positions, the crossover dribble is generally used by perimeter players, especially the point guard. It is also feasible for the crossover to be executed by the shooting guard as well as the small forward.

Nonetheless, the crossover dribble could also be utilized by post players such as the power forward or center, although it might not be executed as frequently when compared to perimeter players.

What are the typical types of crossover dribbles

Standard crossover

The standard crossover occurs when an offensive player dribbles the basketball with one particular hand across their body directly in front of them and then proceeds to catch the ball with the opposite hand.

As a basic example of the standard crossover in action, let’s say that an offensive player is dribbling the ball in their right hand near the right side wing while an on-ball defender guards them with moderate pressure.

Also, let’s say that the offensive player wants to dribble towards the middle of the court, particularly near the right side high post elbow, or even into the lane.

From that point, the offensive player could place their right hand on the right side of the basketball and then shift a portion of their weight towards that same side while staying on balance.

The main objective is to make the defender think there would be a straight line drive towards the baseline because the offensive player is initially leaning in that direction.

If the defender changes their stance to cut off the pathway to the baseline, then the offensive player could execute a right to left crossover, particularly below their own knees.

As a side note, the crossover dribbling action should look like an imaginary letter V in front of the player below the waist area.

After that occurs, the defender would be temporarily off balance and would not be able to recover effectively to stay in front of the player with the ball.

Therefore, the offensive player could then dribble into the open space towards the middle and possibly drive all the way to the basket or simply take a mid-range jump shot.

Double crossover

The double crossover consists of action that occurs when an offensive player initially executes a crossover dribble towards one side of their body but then immediately follows up with a second crossover towards the opposite side of their body.

The standard double crossover, which consists of two crossovers in front of the body, was popularized by NBA Hall of Famer Allen Iverson in the early 2000s.

However, there is also a variation of the double crossover, popularized by 5x NBA All-Star Tim Hardaway, which was his signature move known as the killer crossover.

Moreover, in reference to the killer crossover, Tim Hardaway would typically dribble the ball very low between his legs while shifting his head, shoulders, hips, and feet to set up the defender towards one particular direction.

Immediately afterwards, he would then cross the ball back over to his opposite hand before usually scoring at the rim or passing the ball to an open teammate for a quick assist.


Related: Tim Hardaway’s Killer Crossover – YouTube


What are other types of moves that are indirectly related to the crossover dribble

Between the legs dribble

Between the legs dribble consists of action that occurs when an offensive player dribbles the ball from one hand between (or more specifically, underneath) their legs and then catches it with the opposite hand.

Essentially, with between the legs dribble action, the offensive player crosses the ball from one side of their body by bouncing it underneath their legs to the opposite side.

Also, there could be considered at least two versions of this type of crossover, which would be the standard between the legs dribble and the reverse between the legs dribble.

In reference to the standard between the legs dribble action, the offensive player would bounce the ball between their legs while it is in front of them.

Conversely, with the reverse between the legs dribble action, the offensive player would bounce the ball between their legs while it is behind them.

Behind the back dribble

Behind the back dribble consists of action that occurs when an offensive player dribbles the basketball with one hand across their body directly behind them and then proceeds to catch the ball with the opposite hand.

Behind the back dribble could be very useful as a counter to certain defensive actions or when a different type of dribble move would be ineffective or unsuitable.

For example, if an offensive player is attempting to dribble the ball in one particular direction but an on-ball defender cuts off that same pathway, then it might be appropriate to use behind the back dribble action as a countermeasure.

As another example, behind the back dribble could be generally used against an above average amount of defensive pressure, especially if the offensive player is near a corner or baseline.

Essentially, in that instance, there might not be enough space to execute the standard crossover or between the legs dribble without potentially risking a turnover.

So, an offensive player could consider dribbling behind their back as a method to create separation from the defender and alleviate ball pressure.

To give yet another example, let’s say that the offensive team’s point guard is dribbling the ball from the backcourt into the frontcourt with their right hand. However, upon reaching the frontcourt, a defender immediately extends maximum defensive pressure near the top.

At the same time, let’s also say that the point guard cannot quickly release the pressure with a type of air pass or bounce pass to offensive perimeter players near the adjacent wings as those players are being covered with denial defense by their own respective defenders.

From there, the offensive player could possibly call for an on-ball screen, and more specifically, pick and roll action, from a post player such as the center.

A potential drawback to that screening action though is that the post player’s defender could possibly mitigate the effectiveness of it with a defensive hedge or drop coverage.

Furthermore, the screening action could take a few seconds off the game clock and/or shot clock, which could eventually restrict scoring opportunities.

Instead, the point guard decides to simply dribble the ball behind the back to create space and separation from the defender.

To accomplish this, the point guard would follow a process that is very similar to the standard crossover.

That is, the point guard could place their right hand on the right side of the basketball and then shift a portion of their weight towards that same side while staying on balance.

The primary intention here is to make the defender think there would be a straight line right-handed drive towards the rim because the point guard is initially leaning in that direction.

If the defender changes their stance to cut off the pathway to the rim, particularly near the right side of the court, then the point guard could execute a right to left behind the back dribble.

Also, as a side note, the point guard could dribble the ball behind their back by wrapping it near their waist area. However, it is usually much more quicker and efficient to dribble the ball below the knees in a fashion that is similar to the letter V, just as the standard crossover.

After that occurs, the on-ball defender would be off balance momentarily and would not be able to recover effectively to stay in front of the point guard.

As a result, the point guard could then dribble into the open space towards the high post area and take a mid-range jump shot or score at the rim by dribbling directly towards the basket.

In and out dribble

The in and out dribble consists of action that occurs when an offensive player dribbles the ball with one hand across the frontal area of their body while simultaneously executing a jab step with the opposite foot.

The in and out dribble could also be thought of as a variation of the standard double crossover because the offensive player shifts their weight towards one direction, particularly with the jab step, while moving the ball across their body at the same time.

The primary difference between the two is that the ball does not switch to the opposite hand as a part of the in and out dribble as it would with the standard double crossover.

The in and out dribble is usually effective during transition offense or against defenders that use an improper defensive stance, usually by standing flat-footed.

What are examples of basketball drills for the standard crossover dribble

These are examples of basketball drills that could possibly help players practice the crossover dribble.

These drills are primarily designed for beginners such as youth basketball players but they can also be used by more advanced players as well.

In addition to that, these drills are generally geared towards individuals who would practice by themselves. However, the drills could be implemented into team practices as well.

Moreover, as mentioned earlier, it should be kept in mind that the dribbling pathway of the standard crossover should resemble an imaginary letter V.

Stationary warm-up

This is a simple warm-up basketball drill that is designed to help with hand-eye coordination, wrist action, and finger pad control.

To begin, get into an athletic stance with feet about shoulder width apart, knees bent, back straight, and eyes forward while holding the basketball.

Next, dribble the ball across the body in the frontal area initially with the left hand and then catch it with the right hand.

Following that, once again dribble the ball across the frontal area of the body with the right hand and catch it again with the left hand.

Continue this dribbling action over and over for a certain number of reps or a specified amount of time.

Baseline to half court

This basic drill involves moving while dribbling the ball from one baseline to the half court line.

Start near one baseline and immediately execute the standard crossover dribble from left hand to right hand and then from right hand to left hand while continuously moving towards the half court line.

Afterwards, turn around and execute a speed dribble towards the initial baseline, especially with the weaker non-dominant hand.

This drill could be completed a certain number of times or by a specific amount of repetitions.

Baseline to baseline

This is a variation of the previous drill. However, this time, the player would start near one baseline and execute the standard crossover from left hand to right hand and vice versa towards the opposite baseline.

Following that, the player could turn around and execute a speed dribble towards the initial baseline, particularly with the non-dominant hand. This drill could be completed a specific number of times or by a certain amount of repetitions.

Tennis ball

The tennis ball crossover drill primarily helps a player not look down at the ball while dribbling it and it is a great way to work on basketball conditioning as well as ambidexterity.

To perform this particular drill, start by holding a tennis ball in the right hand and a basketball in the left hand.

From that point, toss the tennis ball in the air and then immediately execute a crossover dribble. Next, catch the tennis ball while it is still in the air with the left hand and simultaneously, catch the basketball with the right hand.

Afterwards, toss the tennis ball in the air with the left hand and then immediately cross over the basketball with the right hand.

Following that, catch the tennis ball while it is still in the air with the right hand and at the same time, catch the basketball with the left hand.

Execute this action over and over for a specific amount of time or reps to complete the tennis ball crossover dribbling drill.

Two ball

The two ball crossover drill is somewhat advanced but it could more than likely increase a player’s dribbling ambidexterity in a shorter time than dribbling exclusively with one basketball.

Also, in general, it is typically better to begin to learn the mechanics of the two ball crossover drill without using basketballs initially.

Basically, to get a feel for the drill, visualize holding two basketballs in each hand near both sides of the body.

Next, slowly move the left hand and the right hand together at the same time while snapping the wrists to simulate a crossover dribble with both hands.

Also, as the hands move together, place the left hand on top of the right hand. Furthermore, the wrists should also converge and form an X.

From there, slowly separate the two hands until they are near the sides of the body again while still visualizing the holding of two basketballs.

Once more, slowly move the left hand and the right hand together at the same time while snapping the wrists to simulate the crossover dribble with both hands.

However, this time, place the right hand on top of the left hand while the wrists converge to form an X as before.

From that point, slowly separate the two hands until they are near the sides while still visualizing the two basketballs in each hand.

Repeat the left hand over right hand motion and vice versa until it becomes more natural. Also, snap the wrists and bring both hands near the sides while visualizing holding the two basketballs.

Once the general mechanics become easier to grasp, it is then time to perform the actual two ball crossover drill.

To do that, start by holding a basketball in each hand. Next, execute a frontal crossover with the ball that is in the left hand. Immediately, at the same time, execute a crossover with the ball that is in the right hand.

Moreover, the left hand should be on top of the right hand and the two hands should form an X letter near the wrist areas.

Following that, as both of the basketballs bounce on the ground towards opposite sides, catch them simultaneously with both hands.

Repeat this process again with the right hand over the left hand and vice versa. This drill could be done continuously but it is most likely easier to use an alternating pattern.

To clarify, here is an example of a simple alternating two ball dribbling pattern. Take two or three basic pound dribbles with both basketballs and then follow up with a two ball crossover dribble.

Afterwards, take two or three basic pound dribbles again and execute the two ball crossover. Repeat this alternating pattern over and over for a certain amount of time and/or repetitions.

Crossover + Layup

Before starting this drill, it is recommended to use a cone or chair to act as a defender near the nail spot, which is the center of the free throw line.

If a cone or chair is not available, it is also beneficial to use any other notable object such as a trash can or gym bag. However, for simplicity purposes, the drill gives instructions with a cone as the main object.

Start at the top behind the three-point line. Take one or two basic dribbles with the right hand towards the cone and then cross over the ball into the left hand.

Continue dribbling with the left hand towards the rim and score via a left-handed layup.

Afterwards, grab the ball once it goes through the basket ring and move to the adjacent baseline while standing behind the basketball goal.

Next, dribble towards the top with the right hand and cross the ball over into the left hand upon reaching the cone again.

Following that, start the drill again, but this time, dribble towards the cone with the left hand and cross the ball over into the right hand.

Keep dribbling with the right hand towards the rim and score via a right-handed layup.

Grab hold of the ball as it passes through the basket ring and move to the adjacent baseline while standing behind the goal.

From there, dribble towards the top with the left hand and cross the ball over into the right hand upon reaching the cone again.

This signals the completion of the drill by dribbling and scoring at the rim with the left hand and the right hand.

Nevertheless, it is possible to keep doing the drill over and over for a certain amount of time or a specific number of repetitions.

Crossover + Floater

This next drill seeks to develop the standard crossover as well as floaters, which could be used against a rim protector or against a defender that tries to take charges when the opportunity presents itself.

Similar to the previous drill, instructions are given with a cone as the primary object to simulate a defender at the center of the free throw line.

Start at the top behind the three-point line. Take one or two basic dribbles with the right hand towards the cone and then cross over the ball into the left hand.

Continue dribbling with the left hand towards the lane and then shoot a left-handed floater before getting too close to the restricted area.

If the floater misses, then grab the offensive rebound and score via a left-handed layup. Alternatively, it is also not a problem to shoot a left-handed floater again until it goes into the hoop.

In either case, grab the ball once it passes through the basket ring and move to the adjacent baseline while standing behind the basketball goal.

Next, dribble towards the top with the right hand and cross the ball over into the left hand upon reaching the cone again near the center of the free throw line.

Following that, start the drill again, but this time, dribble towards the cone with the left hand and cross the ball over into the right hand.

Keep dribbling with the right hand towards the lane and shoot a right-handed floater before getting too close to the restricted area.

Grab hold of the ball as it passes through the basket ring and move to the adjacent baseline while standing behind the goal.

From there, dribble towards the top with the left hand and cross the ball over into the right hand upon reaching the cone again.

This signals the completion of the drill by dribbling and shooting floaters with the left hand and right hand.

However, it is possible to keep doing the drill over and over for a certain amount of time or a specific number of repetitions.

Crossover + Jump shot

This variation of the drill emphasizes the standard crossover dribble as well as the potential development of the mid-range jump shot.

Furthermore, instructions are given once again featuring a cone as the primary object to simulate a defender at the center of the free throw line.

Start at the top behind the three-point line. Take one or two basic dribbles with the right hand towards the cone and then cross over the ball into the left hand.

Next, take a mid-range jump shot near the left side high post elbow area. If the jump shot is not made, then grab the offensive rebound and score via a left-handed layup.

Alternatively, it is also not a issue to take another mid-range jump shot until it goes into the hoop.

In either case, grab the ball once it passes through the basket ring and move to the adjacent baseline while standing behind the basketball goal.

Next, dribble towards the top with the right hand and cross the ball over into the left hand upon reaching the cone again near the center of the free throw line.

After that, start the drill again, but this time, dribble towards the cone with the left hand and cross the ball over into the right hand.

This time, take a mid-range jump shot near the right side high post elbow area. Also, once again, if the jump shot is not made, then grab the offensive rebound and score via a right-handed layup.

Alternatively, it is also not a problem to take another mid-range jump shot until the ball goes into the hoop.

Either way, grab the ball once it passes through the basket ring and move to the adjacent baseline while standing behind the goal.

Next, dribble towards the top with the left hand and cross the ball over into the right hand upon reaching the cone again near the center of the free throw line.

This signals the completion of the drill by dribbling with either hand and taking mid-range jump shots near the left and right high post elbows.

However, it is possible to keep doing the drill over and over for a certain amount of time or a specific number of repetitions.