If you're a basketball fan who was of age in the 90's, you remember this.

It still gets shown today: Allen Iverson crossing over Michael Jordan.

While it is an iconic moment, you should be careful in trying to emulate it.

Why? Let me explain.

Why Allen Iverson's Iconic Move Might Not Work for You

It's not just MJ and AI. You can find hundreds of videos online of people getting crossed up.

These make for great highlights. However, don't be fooled.

The crossover is a great move. For most players, it's the first change of direction move they are able to execute.

It remains valuable in many contexts.

It's especially valuable in space. When you are not closely guarded and want to change directions, the crossover is the preferred move. This is because you can do it without slowing down.

If you are attacking a backpedaling defender in transition, the crossover is a great move. It allows you to overtake them with speed as you change directions.

But those same advantages don't apply when you're closely guarded. Here's why. . .

2 Major Flaws of the Crossover in Close Quarters

For all the highlights you see of players getting crossed up, there are many crossovers that end in turnovers.

There are two primary drawbacks to using the crossover when closely guarded:

1. The ball is exposed to the defender - When you perform a crossover, the ball is in front of you. In space, that's fine, but when there's a defender right in front of you, that's a problem.

Many coaches have their defenders play with one hand low to take away a crossover dribble. If you try to crossover in that situation, you'll dribble right into their hands.

It's also easy for the defender to poke the ball away as it comes up to your other hand. This results in steals and transition opportunities for your opponent.

2. Your body is moving more E/W than N/S - when you change direction, you generally want to go past your defender.

A crossover doesn't put your body in the best position to do this. When you perform a crossover, your feet stay square to the target and are positioned next to each other.





Thus, while it might help you gain space laterally, it usually doesn't propel you past your defender. Even in the Iverson video, he ends up shooting a long pullup 2 pointer, a low percentage shot.

There are some players who do look to create lateral space for a shot. But those players are extremely high level. Most players should be looking to change directions to go past their defender.

The 2 Moves You Should Master for Changing Directions in Tight Spaces

There are two moves that allow you to change direction effectively in tight spaces - between the legs and behind the back.

Here's why:

1. They protect the ball -with both moves, the ball is better protected. First, the ball is not dribbled in front of you. In both moves, your body helps shield the ball from the defender. This reduces the likelihood of a turnover.
2. They take you towards the rim - with both moves, you are moving towards the basket. When you go between the legs or behind the back, you end up in a staggered stance.




For instance, if performing the move from right to left, you'll step with your left foot. That forward step helps you go past your defender.

Your body is in a forward lean position, ready to push off your right foot and explode to the rim.

It's important you remember this when you go behind the back. Many players end up going side to side behind the back and not stepping forward. This brings their body to a stop and prevents them from going by their defender.

A Drill To Work On Change Of Direction Moves

The 2-1-0 drill is a great drill to work on your change of direction moves. Once you master it while stationary, you'll want to start using them on the move.

Zig zagging through cones is a good way to work on this.

As you make your moves at the cone, be sure to continue moving forward. You don't want to just move laterally, or you won't get past the defense.

After that, you'll want to incorporate these moves into play.

A way to do that is by not allowing yourself to use your crossover in half court play or drills.

If you're playing 1v1 in the half court, only allow yourself to change direction with a between the legs or behind the back.

This may take some time to master, but once you do, you'll find yourself protecting the ball better against pressure.

Why Learning These Moves Is Easier Than You Think

Many players are more comfortable with a crossover than between the legs or behind the back dribble. However, remember this:

The dribble is exactly the same in all three moves!

When you go between the legs, it's essentially a crossover dribble in a staggered stance. When you go behind the back, it's a crossover dribble behind your feet instead of in front of them.

Grasping that commonality should make you more comfortable using between the legs and behind the back dribbles in games.

And as you find yourself going by your opponent and getting to the basket, you'll be glad you did!

What do you think? Let us know by leaving your comments, suggestions, and questions...

Comments Most Likes First   Oldest First   Newest First Aidan Ellerkamp says: 11/19/2024 at 9:25:45 PM Could you guys do a video on dribbling in transittion on fast break plays Like     login   register

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