A crossover dribble is a dribbling maneuver where the ballhandler quickly shifts from one hand to another. The purpose of this move is to change direction, leaving the defense in the dust rapidly.
What is a crossover dribble in basketball?
A crossover dribble, or known as the crossover, is a move executed by an offensive player to change direction. To do this, he must swiftly flick the ball from one hand to the other. While any player with the ball can pull off this move, ballhandling guards often use this dribble to free themselves up from the defender.
Key Takeaways
- The basic idea of the crossover dribble is to fake one way and go the other. Since the defense is always in a reactionary position, a player carrying out this move frees himself up for an opportunity to create for others or to score.
- There are several types of crossover dribbles. Among them are called the “in and out,” the “double crossover,” the “behind-the-back crossover,” the “Shammgod,” and so on.
- The crossover dribble was pulled off long before the modern NBA. However, it was Tim Hardaway who was credited to have popularized the move.
- While quickness is one way to pull off an effective crossover dribble, make sure to use your eyes. You can sell the move more persuasively just by looking one way and going another.
- The most effective distance to do the crossover is an arm’s length away from the defender. At this distance, defenders often react aggressively to prevent the offensive player from blowing by.
The crossover dribble is probably the most utilized dribble move in the modern basketball game. As mentioned above, it has evolved into a simple hand-switching dribble to a weapon of many variations. First, let’s take a look at how you can pull off a crossover dribble.
How to Do A Crossover Dribble
For an accomplished basketball player possessing a strong crossover dribble is a must. Here are steps to consider when executing the move.
1.) Develop an attacking mindset
Kyrie Irving. Tim Hardaway. Allen Iverson. What do those three have in common? Yes, these guards attack with reckless abandon. They also happen to be the players associated with the crossover. What makes their crossover dribble so effective is that they are aggressive.
One quick step and they’re gone, forcing the defense to react to whatever they do. If you develop an aggressive reputation, defenders will bite hard into your feints, including the crossover dribble.
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2.) Stay Low to the Ground
In executing the crossover, it is imperative to stay low to the ground. Otherwise, pesky defenders could steal your candy before you even know it. From this position, switch the basketball over from one hand to the other, dribbling in front of your body.
3.) Move your shoulder past the defender’s hip
You don’t do the crossover just for the heck of it. The idea is to pull the move to get past the defender. As soon as you quickly switch the ball from one hand to the other, attempt to move your shoulder past the defender’s hip. He is probably leaning in the opposite direction at this stage, so aim to take advantage and blow by the opposition.
4.) Explode
As soon as you sense the advantage, push off your back foot to create more separation. If done correctly, at this point, the defender is already scrambling to recover. This allows you to make plays, either by scoring yourself or creating for others.
Remember: You’re not just switching hands. You are explosively changing directions on the court to blow past your opponent. Also, watch how some of the best players implement the move for successful drives.
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NBA Crossover Videos
1.) Tim Hardaway is considered the king of the crossover. Here are some of his crossover highlights dating back in the early 90s with the Warriors Run TMC squad.
Tim Hardaway Mix Video
2.) Kyrie Irving has arguably the best handles in NBA history. Part of his dribbling staple is the crossover dribble, and perhaps the reason why he can score against the best of them.
Kyrie Irving’s Best Crossover Video
3.) Allen Iverson was the one who made the crossover look cool. It is quite different than Hardaway’s tight crossover, but it is still very effective.
Allen Iverson Ultimate Crossover Video
4.) One of the flashiest variations of the crossover is called the Shammgod. Although it was named after and popularized by GodShammgod (real name Shammgod Wells), the first was the Serbian basketball legend Dejan Bodiroga. Bodiroga’s move was called “El Latigo” or “The Whip.”
El Latigo Video
Best Shammgod Crossovers Of All Time Video
Watching these videos makes you want to go out and work on your own crossover. Which isn’t a bad idea. Possessing a great crossover move with both hands takes a fair amount of practice for most players.
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