The crossover dribble, often referred to as a cross, is one of the most effective moves for any basketball player. The move is used to create an opening for the dribbler to pass, shoot or drive to the basket. A player who is able to cross somebody at any time in a basketball game is a great asset to his team because he is difficult for any defender to cover.
Keep Your Head Up
When dribbling the ball, a player must know where all other players are located on the court. That means you need to keep your head up while dribbling. This is vital for the crossover, which requires the dribbler to read the defender's body language and eyes to determine the best time to execute the move. If you sense or see the defender is about to move closer, it gives you the opportunity to use the crossover, moving the ball quickly from one hand to the other to get past the aggressive defender.
Maintain Aggressiveness
Executing a crossover dribble requires an aggressive body position, staying low to the ground and leaning forward with your upper body. The crossover is best used when the defender is expecting you to dribble straight ahead. When dribbling with your left hand, quickly move to your left with a dribble. If the defender doesn't try to get in front of you, just continue going past because you have gained the desired advantage. If the defender reacts by moving into your path, it gives you a prime opportunity to use the crossover. Push the ball quickly to your right hand and change your path to the right as you do so. This move should give you the desired opening to drive to the basket, make a pass or take a shot.
Footwork is a Key
The best ballhandlers are equally adept at dribbling with either hand, and that will help you execute the crossover. Footwork, however, is often the key component of a successful crossover dribble. If dribbling with your left hand, take a step forward with your left foot while dribbling the ball at about knee height. Push hard off your right foot to make the defender believe you are going to the left. Plant your left foot a bit outside your hip to provide more leverage and power. Lower your left shoulder to further "sell" the move. As soon as the defender moves to your left, change direction by pushing hard off your left foot and simultaneously switch the ball to your right hand with a low dribble. Move your left leg in front of the defender as you take a quick dribble with your right hand. The key to a successful crossover dribble is quick, decisive movement while keeping your body and the ball under control. These crossover dribble fundamentals can be reversed when switching from dribbling in your right hand to the left.
After the Crossover
Crossing your defender will give you an opening to make a play. You must react quickly to take advantage of the space you have created from the defender by driving to the basket, passing or shooting. If the dribbler hesitates, the defender can neutralize the advantage of a crossover dribble by moving back in front of the dribbler.
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