Content

• Method 2 of 2: Performing Different Crossover Variations
• Tips

1 Develop your dribbling skills. Before attempting a crossover, make sure you have enough arm strength for powerful dribbling and complete control of the ball. A good crossover requires you to be good at dribbling with both hands and be able to change direction from any position.

2 Make a deceptive move towards a position that is advantageous to you. To perform a precision feint, push the ball in the direction you are dribbling. Focus your gaze on the movement of the defender's hips and torso, not the arms or legs that he will use as a distraction. If your hips rotate in the direction of your false lunge, then you already know that you have coped with the task effectively.

• Also consider the possibility of performing feints from the uncomfortable side for you, then transferring the ball to the dominant hand and further passing from the strongest position. Leave the defender guessing about your next move.

3 Make swinging movements. This is the most important and convincing element of the crossover. When the ball is flying from above, some players will make a small jump, as if they are about to quickly move into an area convenient for them. The ball will be in the palm of your hand at this point, so all you have to do in such a situation is not to dribble, but rather to simulate such gestures.

• Watch videos of the great crossover performers to practice imitating their deceptive steps. Be careful not to keep the ball longer than the prescribed time, otherwise the referee will whistle for dribbling (running).

4 Stand in a wide, low stance. Since crossover involves bouncing the ball between you and your opponent, you need to make sure you are low enough to the ground and point your foot toward a vantage point. Allen Iverson was able to keep the ball very far from his body, but still had complete control over its bounce. You must estimate how much you can achieve in this direction. Don't open up so hard that you might lose the ball.

• Do not look at the ball when performing steps. Concentrate on the action of the defender and the court as a whole to assess possible open areas, find free teammates, or come up with other play possibilities.

5 Move the ball back and forth. When the defender guarding you has turned in the direction you want, dribble quickly and powerfully, tossing the ball to your other hand. At this very moment, you must be open to make a jump shot or pass the ball to your team-mate. This will happen in an instant, so be ready to act as soon as you finish moving.

Method 2 of 2: Performing Different Crossover Variations

1. 1 Go forward, hiding the ball behind your back. Instead of directing the ball between you and the defender, who can be a cunning and dangerous opponent, dribble it behind your back to change direction on occasion. Use your torso to shield the ball and leave opponents with a nose.
   • Be sure to practice dribbling the ball backwards before attempting this movement in play. You can't see where the ball is going, so this can be a tricky maneuver to learn.
2. 2 Learn to dribble between your legs. Another effective defensive technique is dribbling the ball between the legs. The most common way is when you dribble the ball over your unsupported leg and catch it with your uncomfortable hand. But you are free to improvise in many different ways.
   • Try walking backwards from an uncomfortable position to an advantageous position, as if you are performing a deceptive maneuver, bluffing in the direction of a comfortable zone, and then suddenly dribble the ball back between your legs.
3. 3 Learn to double crossover. If the opponent, while remaining in the central position, holds you and, accordingly, does not allow you to perform a feint, then move the ball back to your supporting hand and move in the direction where you initially made a false lunge. This double crossover is often used to confuse the defender. This movement has coined such a term as "ankle-breaker".
4. 4 Get creative. Try different combinations of foot movement and direction changes to improve your offensive play. A simple crossover is really just simple fast dribbling, but when you master it well enough, your attacking play will be limited only by your imagination!

Tips

• Remember to lower your shoulders to look more confident. In this case, your opponent is likely to take your feint.
• If you dribble the ball under your knees, your opponent is less likely to steal the ball from you.
• If you are not fully aware of this, the defender can steal the ball.