Crossover dribble
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A crossover dribble is a basketball maneuver in which a player dribbling the ball, typically a point guard, switches the ball rapidly from one hand to the other. In a typical example the player heads upcourt, dribbling the ball in (say) the left hand, then makes a wide step left with a good head fake. If the defender is deceived, the player can then switch to dribbling with the right hand and pass the defender. When employed near the top of the key, the crossover can allow the player an open short jumper or a clear path to the basket.
There are three basic types of crossover:
- Normal Crossover: In a normal crossover the player quickly changes direction while switching the ball to the opposite hand. This move relies primarily on speed.
- Killer Crossover: In this move the player fakes in one direction, generally with a wide step and a head fake and usually from a standstill. The player then switches the dribble to the other hand between his legs and moves in that direction. This is one of the most effective methods of escaping a defender who is guarding closely. It is also popular in streetball because it can cause the defender to lose balance and fall in trying to react too quickly.
- Double Crossover: This move can be considered a feigned crossover. The offensive player crosses the ball over (as with a normal or killer crossover) then quickly crosses the ball back to its original position. The double crossover is not aimed at breaking free of the defender so much as causing confusion and breaking the defender's balance.
The original crossover move has been used by point guards for decades in professional and amateur play. Oscar Robertson was known to do the move as early as the 1960's, but Tim Hardaway is credited with popularising the killer crossover in the NBA, while Allen Iverson has popularised the double crossover.
