Double Cross-over
What
is a double-crossover in basketball dribbling
As the name suggests, it is a basketball move which is constituted of two back-to-back crossovers. In essence, it is a controlled, low, and small crossover followed by a quick, huge crossover.
What does it take to do a double-crossover in basketball dribbling
Exceptional ball-handling skills: This is a must for executing the double crossover because the ball is likely to be still in motion when you are performing your second crossover. You need to develop total control over the basketball before you can attempt to use this move. Ambidexterity is a necessary condition for this move.
Hand-mind coordination: The hardest part of executing the perfect double-crossover is that basketball players tend to wait too long for the ball to stabilize after the first small cross. This will give enough time for the opponents to get back into position even if he bites on your bate cross. To perform this move flawlessly, you need to react very quickly. As soon as your mind realizes that the ball is close to stabilizing, your receiving hand with respect to the bouncing ball should have already started to counteract the force of the first small cross and initiate the second big cross.
Two equally strong thighs: To convince your defender that your first cross is sincere, you need to push really hard with one leg. Then, when you perform your second big cross for the win, you need to push equally strong, if not stronger, with the other leg to counteract your original momentum.
General step-by-step guide to doing a double-crossover in basketball
- Dribble towards your opponent while slightly leaning towards the right
- Get your opponent to follow you and move slight to your right
- Do a sudden small cross to the left and swing your shoulder also to the left so that you look more sincere
- If your opponent jumps right at your lane, counteract your momentum by pushing hard with your left leg towards the right side
- Perform a vigorous, quick crossover in front to get past your opponent
- Full steam ahead along the open lane
What are the useful basketball combination moves that incorporates the double crossover
- (Before initiating dribble) Right shoulder fake > Swing ball over to the left > Head fake > Double crossover (left-right-left) > Drive
How and why useful? The constant changes in direction and intention mesmerize the enemy. You have faked 5 directions before you drive. If executed correctly, you opponent will most probably be frozen on the ground. *Notice that (left-right-left) means that your cross the ball from left to right and then from right to left in two crossovers
- Freestyle dribbling > Double crossover (quick and small) > Swing your head as if looking for someone to pass > Double crossover (quick and huge) > Drive
How and why useful? You are creating a situation where your defender will be off-guard because you have conditioned him or her to think that your double crossover has no ensuing actions and you take advantage of it. *The freestyle dribbling is for loosening up your opponents
In what situations do I perform the double-crossover in basketball dribbling
Checklist about your defender
-
When your defender is allergic to crossovers (i.e. reacts greatly to crossovers)
-
When your defender is one arm length away from you
-
When your defender place his arms on the side for coverage instead of stealing
-
When your defender is prone to losing balance due to an over-weighted upper-body.
-
When your defender defends by focusing on your arms swinging movement
-
When the position of your defender's feet are leveled (i.e. both feet are equidistant from you)
-
When your defender gives you distance but jumps as soon as you try to square up
Checklist about the setting
-
When your team decides to play isolation for you because a double crossover takes time to set up
-
When no other defenders are nearby you to perform help defense
-
When the targeted side of where your double-crossover is finally heading is unpopulated or near a boundary
Pros-n-cons about doing the double-crossover basketball move
|
Pros |
Cons |
|
|
Return to the BASKETBALL DRIBBLING PAGE
Click here for basketball instructional videos to help improve players of all ages
