The crossover is an effective basketball dribbling move that is used to get past defenders. The move has gained popularity in the professional ranks of the NBA, with many point guards effectively using the crossover to beat their man. There are different variations to the standard crossover, such as the hesitation crossover and double crossover.
Basic Crossover
The basic crossover is a switching of the ball from one hand to the other while dribbling. Effective basic crossovers are achieved when leaning slightly over and dribbling the ball low to the ground. A quick bounce pass from one hand to the other switches your momentum from one direction to the other, which is effective in getting past your defender. Make sure you plant your foot in the direction you are initially headed, in order to easier shift your weight to change your momentum. Cross the ball in front of your body, switching the ball from one hand to the other on the bounce. Cross your leg over in front of the defender, in the direction you want to go.
Hesitation Crossover
The hesitation crossover is very similar to the basic crossover. The main difference is when you plant your foot in the initial direction you are headed, take a slight pause with the ball in your hand. The defender will hopefully lean in this direction, at which point you quickly change your direction and get past your defender.
Double Crossover
The double crossover is essentially the basic crossover, but with the added move of quickly shifting the ball back to the hand you started with. By deceiving the defender as to which way you are headed, his balance should be off and you can dribble past him in the way you were initially headed, which is most likely your strong hand. The double crossover is a little more difficult than the basic crossover, but the reward can be much greater.
