There is no limit to how skillful dribbling can improve your basketball abilities. Ball control allows you to penetrate into open lanes. It keeps your defender off of you, increasing your ability to look around the court. Movement and vision together allow for efficient passing, and more scoring opportunities. Perfecting the crossover dribble in particular is a great way to juke your defender and move across the court with ease.
Ambidexterity Required
The crossover dribble is a useful skill to have, and takes time to build. Begin by dribbling 100 times a day, or more, with your left hand. Dribbling is only useful if you can do it at any speed, however. For the first 25 dribbles, walk up and down the court. For the next set of 25 dribbles, increase your speed to a jog. Sprint with the ball for the final 50 dribbles. Repeat the dribbling exercise with your right hand.
Never Off Balance
When you are comfortable dribbling with both left and right hands, it is time to work on the crossover dribble. Ideally, you want to be poised and collected no matter where the ball is positioned. Begin by alternating your dribble from the left to right hand 20 times each, with the ball at waist height. Then, repeat the same dribble while moving with the ball at your knees. When you are comfortable with that exercise, walk up and down the court while your crossover dribble is two or three inches from the ground. This dribble prepares you for when the ball is knocked out of your hands. Maintaining control prevents costly turnovers during games.
Flashy Style Has a Purpose
When a professional basketball players dribble between their legs or behind their back, it usually isn't showboating --- it's the perfection of the crossover. Dribbling gives your opponent the opportunity to steal the ball with a well-timed swipe. Transferring the ball from hand to hand during the crossover even allows for a moment when you're not in control of the ball. You're also not keeping the ball away from your opponent with a crossover --- you're putting it right there in front of him. For this reason, you need to learn to dribble between your legs and behind your back. The easiest way to learn is through repetition. Start by dribbling between your legs at least 100 times per day. Put your other foot forward and repeat. When comfortable, dribble the ball in a figure-8 pattern. Add in walking to increase the difficulty, and finish your practice routine by dribbling behind the back 50 times.
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