Crossover Dribble In Basketball

One of the most common dribbles executed by basketball players of all levels is the crossover dribble. It is a basic dribbling technique that is effective in confusing defenders and creating open space. Read on to learn more about crossovers in basketball.

What Is a Crossover Dribble in Basketball?

A crossover dribble in basketball is when a ball-handler bounces the ball rapidly from one hand to the other. This is typically done in one bounce in front of a player. However, there are several types of crossovers that include dribbling the ball behind the players back or through their legs.

Crossover dribbles are very popular in basketball, with almost every player on the court executing some sort of crossover in every game. Crossovers can confuse defenders and provide open space for the ball-handler to move to, and are thus a valuable tool in any basketball player’s arsenal.

Types of Crossover Dribbles

Crossover dribbles can differ in style, speed, and direction with each variation giving the offensive player a different weapon. There are five main types of crossover dribble, which we will highlight in greater detail below. They are:

• Standard
• Hesitation
• Behind-the-Back
• Through the Legs
• Shammgod

Standard

Your standard or “basic” crossover is just bouncing the ball with one hand over to the other in front of your body. It can be added to by dribbling the ball from hand to hand more than once. That is called a double or triple cross.  

Hesitation

A hesitation crossover uses timing as an advantage; the offensive player hesitates for a split second before doing a crossover to keep the defense guessing. The reasoning is that only the offensive player (ball handler) knows when they will execute the move.

Behind-the-Back

A behind-the-back crossover is the same as a standard crossover except it takes place behind the back of the dribbler. This is harder to do, but it is less likely the ball will be stolen by the defender.

Through the Legs

Through the legs is a crossover done in between your legs. It requires a wide stance as the ball needs to fit underneath your legs. This move is done more so for style than it is for effectiveness.

Shammgod

A “Shammgod” is a move that was first done by basketball player God Shammgod and has been copied by many players since. It is an extremely flashy crossover move that only needs one hand to complete. The first part is the same as the standard crossover, and the ball is “crossed over,” but before it gets to the other hand, you snatch it back the other way.

Basketball Crossover Drive

A crossover drive in basketball is when a player conducts a crossover dribble move and drives to the basket in the same motion. This is a common move because it surprises the opponent and forces them to follow the ball, which travels from one side to the other.

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