How to Do a Crossover in Basketball

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Also known as an ankle-breaker, the crossover is a dribbling technique used to create space between yourself and a defender. It involves faking to one side and getting the defender to follow you before bouncing the ball back over to your other hand. This leaves the defender off balance and out of position, and leaves you open to take a shot, drive the lane, or pass. With enough practice, the crossover can be a deadly offensive weapon. To do an accurate-looking fake, push the ball to the side you're dribbling it in. Step the way you fake, and lean that way, too. Keep your eyes focused on the defender's hips and midsection, rather than the hands or legs, which the defense will use for distraction. When the hips turn in the direction you're faking, that's when you'll know you've faked effectively. [1]

  • Watch videos of great crossover players to practice and imitate their hesitation move. Be careful not to palm the ball, or you'll be whistled for a dribbling violation.
Since the move involves bouncing the ball in between you and the defender, you'll want to make sure that you're low to the ground and that you're leading with the foot on your dominant side. [2] Allen Iverson was great at keep the ball very far away from his body, but still totally controlling its bounce. You want to look as much like you're heading to that direction as possible. Don't open yourself up to a steal. [3]