basketball-dribbling Archives * flexco.com

How To Dribble Between Your Legs

Mastering the art of dribbling between your legs is a game-changer for any basketball player. Not only does it leave your opponents in the dust, but it also showcases your exceptional footwork and ball-handling skills.

The technique of dribbling between your legs, often referred to as the “figure eight” or “crossover,” involves alternating the ball between your right and left hands while dribbling it through your legs. It’s a challenging move to execute, but once mastered, it can become an unstoppable weapon in your arsenal of offensive moves.

To begin, start by dribbling the ball comfortably with one hand. As you start to feel confident, gradually lower the ball towards the ground. Simultaneously, use your other hand to reach behind your first hand and grab the ball. Continue to dribble the ball between your legs, alternating hands swiftly and maintaining control of the ball. Practice this motion repeatedly until it becomes fluid and second nature. Remember, patience and repetition are key to perfecting any basketball skill, including the “figure eight” dribble.

The Crossover Dribbling

The crossover dribble is a fundamental basketball move that allows players to change direction quickly and deceive opponents. It involves crossing the ball over from one hand to the other in front of the body. Here’s a detailed step-by-step guide on how to perform the crossover dribble:

Step 1: Position and Preparation

Start with the ball in one hand, extended slightly away from the body.
Keep your feet shoulder-width apart and slightly bent for balance.
Look ahead at your defender to anticipate their next move.

Step 2: Cross the Ball

Simultaneously dribble the ball with your left hand and pull it across your body with your right hand.
Keep your dribbling motion low and quick to avoid losing control.
As you cross the ball, step forward with your right foot to maintain momentum.

Step 3: Return the Ball

Once the ball has crossed over, dribble it back with your left hand.
Keep your eyes focused on your defender and anticipate their reaction.
Protect the ball with your body by keeping it close to your legs.

Tips:

Practice the crossover dribble in both directions (left-to-right and right-to-left).
Use a low dribble to make it more difficult for defenders to steal the ball.
Keep your head up to maintain awareness of the court and your opponents.

Pro	Con
Effective against aggressive defenders	Can be predictable with repeated use
Allows for quick change of direction	Requires good ball-handling skills
Can create scoring opportunities	Can lead to turnovers if not executed properly

The Behind-the-Back Dribbling

The behind-the-back dribble is a flashy move that can leave defenders in the dust. It’s also surprisingly easy to do once you get the hang of it. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

Start with the ball in your dominant hand.
Cross your non-dominant hand over your dominant hand and reach behind your back.
Scoop the ball with your non-dominant hand and bring it back between your legs.
Switch hands and continue dribbling.

The key to the behind-the-back dribble is to keep the ball low to the ground. If you lift the ball too high, it will be easy for defenders to steal.

The In-and-Out Dribbling

The In-and-Out Dribbling is a classic dribbling move that can be used to beat defenders and create space. It involves dribbling the ball between your legs in one direction, then quickly changing direction and dribbling the ball back in the opposite direction.

Steps

Start by dribbling the ball with your dominant hand.
Cross your non-dominant leg over your dominant leg and dribble the ball between your legs.
As you dribble the ball between your legs, quickly change direction and dribble the ball back in the opposite direction. Here’s a step-by-step guide to executing this step:

As the ball passes your non-dominant leg, quickly switch your dominant hand to the other side of the ball.
Simultaneously, step forward with your dominant leg and dribble the ball in the opposite direction.
Keep your head up and maintain eye contact with the defender throughout the move.

Continue dribbling the ball between your legs in alternating directions until you have created space to make a move towards the basket or pass the ball to a teammate.

The In-and-Out Dribbling is a versatile move that can be used in a variety of situations. It can be used to beat a defender one-on-one, create space to shoot, or drive to the basket. With practice, you can master this move and use it to improve your dribbling skills and overall basketball game.

The In-and-Out Crossover Dribbling

Step 1: The Crossover

Start by dribbling the ball in front of you with your right hand. As you approach the defender, quickly cross over with your right foot, stepping in front of the ball with your left foot. Push the ball slightly to your right with the left side of your right foot.

Step 2: The Hesitation

After crossing over, take a half-step forward with your right foot. This will create a momentary hesitation, making the defender think you’re about to drive to the hoop.

Step 3: The Reverse Crossover

As the defender bites on the hesitation, quickly reverse the crossover by stepping back with your left foot and crossing the ball back with your right foot. Bring the ball in close to your body and keep it low.

Step 4: The Between-the-Legs Dribbling (Detailed Explanation)

Keep the ball close to your body and dribble it through your legs with your left hand.

Move your right foot quickly to the right, creating a gap between your legs.

Immediately push the ball through the gap with your right hand as you step through with your left foot.

Use your right hand to keep the ball at your right side.

Take a step forward with your left foot, dribbling the ball between your legs.

Once the ball is on your left side, crossover back to your right hand.

The Double Crossover Dribbling

The double crossover dribbling is a more advanced dribbling move that involves crossing over twice in a row. This move is effective for creating space and getting past defenders.

How to Do the Double Crossover Dribbling

Start with the ball in your right hand.
Cross over to your left hand, dribbling the ball between your legs.
Immediately cross over back to your right hand, dribbling the ball between your legs again.
Take two power dribbles forward with your right hand.
Change direction and dribble back between your legs with your left hand.
Take two power dribbles forward with your left hand.
Repeat steps 5-6 until you reach the basket.

Tips for the Double Crossover Dribbling

Keep your head up and your eyes on the basket.
Cross over quickly and smoothly.
Use power dribbles to accelerate past defenders.
Practice this move regularly to improve your skills.

Step	Description
1	Start with the ball in your right hand.
2	Cross over to your left hand, dribbling the ball between your legs.
3	Immediately cross over back to your right hand, dribbling the ball between your legs again.
4	Take two power dribbles forward with your right hand.
5	Change direction and dribble back between your legs with your left hand. Make sure your weight is on the opposite foot of your dribbling hand. Keep your body low in an athletic stance. Cross over aggressively with good hip rotation to generate power.
6	Take two power dribbles forward with your left hand.
7	Repeat steps 5-6 until you reach the basket.

The Hesitation Dribbling

The hesitation dribble is a great way to create space and get past defenders. It’s a relatively simple move to execute, but it can be very effective. To perform the hesitation dribble, take a step forward with your outside foot and then quickly stop. As you stop, bring your inside foot back and dribble the ball between your legs. As you dribble, take a step forward with your inside foot and then push off with your outside foot to continue your dribble.

Key Points

Start by taking a step forward with your outside foot.
Quickly stop and bring your inside foot back.
Dribble the ball between your legs.
Take a step forward with your inside foot.
Push off with your outside foot to continue your dribble.

Common Mistakes

Not stopping quickly enough.
Not bringing your inside foot back far enough.
Not dribbling the ball between your legs.
Not taking a step forward with your inside foot.
Not pushing off with your outside foot.

Tips

Practice the hesitation dribble in slow motion at first.
Once you have the basics down, you can start practicing at game speed.
Use the hesitation dribble to create space and get past defenders.
Don’t overuse the hesitation dribble, as it can be predictable.

Advantages	Disadvantages
Creates space	Can be predictable
Gets past defenders	Can be difficult to execute at game speed

The Ankle-Breaking Dribbling

The ankle-breaking crossover is a devastating move that can leave defenders on the floor. It requires quickness, agility, and a bit of showmanship.

Start by dribbling the ball with your left hand.
Quickly cross your right foot over your left foot, bringing the ball behind your right leg.
As your right foot crosses over, simultaneously push the ball forward with your left hand.
Keep your right foot planted on the ground and use your left leg to step around your right foot.
Drive hard to the basket with your left hand.
As you approach the basket, cross your right foot over your left foot again, this time bringing the ball in front of your body.
Finish strong with a layup or dunk.

The key to executing the ankle-breaking crossover is to keep your movements fluid and your body low to the ground. You should also be confident in your ability to make the move and not hesitate when you’re doing it.

Pros	Cons
Can create a lot of space	Can be difficult to control
Can lead to easy layups or dunks	Can be risky if not executed properly

The Drag-Back Dribbling

The Drag-Back Dribbling is a great move that can help you get past defenders and create scoring opportunities. Here’s how to do it:
1. Start by dribbling the ball in front of you with your dominant foot.
2. As you’re dribbling, drag the ball back with your non-dominant foot and bring it behind your standing leg.
3. Quickly push the ball forward with your dominant foot, while simultaneously stepping forward with your non-dominant foot.
4. Continue dribbling the ball forward, keeping it close to your feet.

Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of the Drag-Back Dribbling:

Step	Description
1	Start by dribbling the ball in front of you with your dominant foot.
2	As you’re dribbling, drag the ball back with your non-dominant foot and bring it behind your standing leg.
3	Quickly push the ball forward with your dominant foot, while simultaneously stepping forward with your non-dominant foot.
4	Continue dribbling the ball forward, keeping it close to your feet.

The Fake Crossover Dribbling

The fake crossover is a variation of the regular crossover dribble that adds a deceptive element. It’s designed to trick defenders by making them believe you’re about to cross over to their side, but instead, you quickly change direction and continue dribbling on the same side.

Step-by-Step Guide:

Start with the ball in your dominant hand and take a small step forward with the same foot.
Next, quickly cross your other foot over your dominant foot and tap the ball with the outside of your other foot.
As your other foot crosses over, quickly change the ball to your dominant hand and continue dribbling forward.
Keep your dribbling low and use quick, deceptive movements to sell the fake.
Change direction suddenly to catch the defender off guard.
Practice regularly to develop the necessary coordination and deception.

Tips for Success:

Use the fake crossover sparingly, as it can be predictable if overused.
Be confident in your dribbling abilities and execute the move quickly and smoothly.
Study the defender’s body language and anticipate their movements.
Don’t over-dribble or hesitate; the fake crossover should be executed quickly.

Advantages	Disadvantages
Catches defenders off guard	Can be predictable if overused
Creates space for shots or drives	Requires good coordination

The Triple Crossover Dribbling

The Triple Crossover Dribbling is a flashy move that can leave defenders in the dust. It’s a great way to create space and get past opponents. To perform the Triple Crossover Dribbling, follow these steps:

Start with the ball in your right hand.
Cross your right hand over your left hand, bringing the ball to your left side.
Quickly cross your left hand over your right hand, bringing the ball back to your right side.
Cross your right hand over your left hand again, bringing the ball to your left side.
Push off with your right foot and drive to the basket.

The key to performing the Triple Crossover Dribbling is to keep your dribbles low and tight. You also need to be quick with your crossovers. If you’re too slow, the defender will be able to catch up to you and block your shot.

The Triple Crossover Dribbling is a great move to use when you’re trying to get past a defender who is guarding you closely. It can also be used to create space for a shot.

Tips for performing the Triple Crossover Dribbling:

Keep your dribbles low and tight.
Be quick with your crossovers.
Push off with your right foot and drive to the basket.
Practice the move regularly to improve your timing and coordination.

The Triple Crossover Dribbling is a challenging move to master, but it’s definitely worth practicing. With enough practice, you’ll be able to use it to create space and get past defenders with ease.

Step	Description
1	Start with the ball in your right hand.
2	Cross your right hand over your left hand, bringing the ball to your left side.
3	Quickly cross your left hand over your right hand, bringing the ball back to your right side.
4	Cross your right hand over your left hand again, bringing the ball to your left side.
5	Push off with your right foot and drive to the basket.

How to Dribble Between Your Legs

Dribbling between your legs is a stylish basketball move that can help you create space and beat your defender. It’s a relatively easy move to learn, but it takes practice to master. Here are the steps on how to do it:

Start with the ball in front of you, with your feet shoulder-width apart.
Cross your left foot behind your right foot.
Dribble the ball between your legs, using your right hand.
Cross your right foot back in front of your left foot.
Continue dribbling the ball in front of you.

You can practice this move by dribbling the ball between your legs while walking or jogging. Once you get the hang of it, you can start to add some variations, such as dribbling between your legs while moving backward or side-to-side.

5 Essential Drills to Master the Between-the-Legs Dribble

Mastering the in-between-the-legs dribble is a fundamental skill in basketball that elevates dribbling prowess. This elusive maneuver allows players to swiftly change direction while maintaining possession of the ball, leaving defenders perplexed and creating scoring opportunities. The in-between-the-legs dribble, commonly referred to as a “crossover,” is a staple of streetball and professional play alike, its effectiveness undeniable. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you conquer this essential basketball technique.

To initiate the in-between-the-legs dribble, begin by dribbling the ball steadily with one hand. As you take a step forward with the same foot as the dribbling hand, bring the ball behind your planted leg and swiftly transfer it to the other hand. Simultaneously, step forward with the opposite foot and dribble the ball through your legs. The key is to maintain a low center of gravity and execute the transition between hands seamlessly. Practice regularly to develop the coordination and muscle memory necessary for efficient execution.

Once you have mastered the basic mechanics, you can incorporate the in-between-the-legs dribble into your game. Use it to change direction abruptly, leaving defenders in your wake. Combine it with other dribbling moves to create elaborate combinations that will keep opponents guessing. Remember, the in-between-the-legs dribble is not only about flair; it’s a practical skill that can significantly enhance your on-court performance. With consistent practice and dedication, you can elevate your dribbling abilities and become a more dynamic and effective basketball player.

The Basic In-between Legs Dribble

The in-between legs dribble is a fundamental move in basketball that allows players to protect the ball from defenders while advancing up the court. Master this technique by following these steps:

Footwork

– Start with your dominant hand on top of the ball.
– Step forward with your non-dominant foot, crossing it over your dominant foot.
– Simultaneously, bring your dominant foot backward, bringing the ball behind your legs.
– Step forward with your dominant foot, passing the ball between your legs and in front of your body.
– Continue dribbling with your dominant hand as you advance.

Body Movement

– Keep your back straight and your head up.
– Bend your knees slightly and lean forward to maintain balance.
– Use your off-hand to protect the ball from defenders as it crosses between your legs.

Ball Handling

– Keep the ball low and in control throughout the move.
– Use a quick, flicking wrist action to guide the ball between your legs.
– Avoid overdribbling or bouncing the ball too high.

Practice the basic in-between legs dribble in various drills and game situations to improve your ball-handling skills and create opportunities to advance with the ball.

The Cross-Over Dribble

The cross-over dribble is a flashy move that can be used to get past defenders and create scoring opportunities. It is performed by crossing the ball over from one hand to the other while dribbling. The cross-over dribble can be done with either hand, but it is most effective when done with the non-dominant hand.

To perform the cross-over dribble, start by dribbling the ball with your dominant hand. As you bring the ball up to your waist, cross your non-dominant hand over your dominant hand and grab the ball. Then, quickly pull the ball back across your body with your dominant hand.

The cross-over dribble is a difficult move to master, but it can be very effective when used correctly. Here are some tips for performing the cross-over dribble successfully:

Tip 1: Practice, Practice, Practice
The cross-over dribble takes time and practice to master. Don’t get discouraged if you can’t do it right away. Just keep practicing and you’ll eventually get the hang of it.
Tip 2: Use the correct technique
Make sure you’re crossing the ball over with your non-dominant hand. Also, be sure to pull the ball back across your body quickly and smoothly.
Tip 3: Be creative
Once you’ve mastered the basic cross-over dribble, you can start to experiment with different variations. For example, you can try crossing the ball over behind your back or between your legs.

The Behind-the-Back Dribble

The behind-the-back dribble is a flashy move that can leave defenders in the dust. It’s a great way to create space and get around your opponent. To perform the behind-the-back dribble, follow these steps:

Start with the ball in your dominant hand.
Cross your non-dominant hand over your dominant hand, reaching for the ball.
Use your non-dominant hand to scoop the ball up and over your dominant hand, bringing it behind your back.
Catch the ball with your dominant hand and continue dribbling.

The behind-the-back dribble is a challenging move to master, but it can be a very effective tool in your arsenal. Keep practicing and you’ll eventually be able to pull it off with ease.

The Double Crossover Dribble

The double crossover dribble is more advanced than the standard crossover, but it can be devastatingly effective if executed correctly. It involves dribbling the ball with both hands while making two quick crossovers, creating the illusion that the ball is going one way before suddenly reversing direction. The second crossover creates a more unpredictable movement, making it harder for defenders to anticipate your move.

To perform the double crossover dribble:

Start by dribbling the ball with your right hand.
As you reach the defender, quickly crossover the ball to your left hand.
Immediately crossover the ball back to your right hand, making sure to keep the ball close to your body.
To complete the move, make a sharp cut to the basket or pass the ball to a teammate.

Extra Detail for Subsection 4

The final step of the double crossover dribble, making a cut to the basket or passing the ball, is crucial for capitalizing on the move. If you execute the dribble correctly, you will have created a significant amount of space between yourself and the defender. This gives you the opportunity to take an open shot, drive to the basket, or pass the ball to a teammate in a better scoring position.

Option	When to Use
Cut to the basket	When you have a clear path to the basket and can beat the defender with speed or strength.
Drive to the basket	When you have a defender on your back and need to create more separation.
Pass the ball	When you have a teammate in a better scoring position or if the defense has collapsed on you.

The Hesitation Dribble

The hesitation dribble is a deceptive move that can leave defenders flat-footed. To perform the hesitation dribble, take one step forward with your left foot and bring the ball back with your right foot. As the defender commits to your left, quickly step forward with your right foot and crossover with the ball in your left hand. Be sure to keep the ball low and change direction quickly to catch the defender off guard.

Here are some tips for executing a hesitation dribble effectively:

Keep your dribbles low to the ground. This will make it harder for the defender to anticipate your move.
Change direction quickly. The key to the hesitation dribble is to keep the defender guessing.
Be patient. Don’t rush the move. Wait for the defender to commit to one side before crossing over.
Practice regularly. The more you practice, the more comfortable you will become with the hesitation dribble.
Here are some additional tips that can help you improve your hesitation dribble:

| Tip | Benefit |
|—|—|—|—|
| Use a crossover move. | This will make it harder for the defender to predict your next move. |
| Use a behind-the-back move. | This is a great way to surprise the defender and create space. |
| Use a between-the-legs move. | This is a flashy move that can be very effective if executed correctly. |

The Speed Dribble

The speed dribble is a great way to quickly move the ball up the court and get past defenders. To perform the speed dribble, start by dribbling the ball with your right hand. As you dribble, quickly cross your left foot over your right foot and plant it in front of you. Then, dribble the ball with your left hand and cross your right foot over your left foot. Continue dribbling back and forth between your hands and feet, keeping the ball close to your body.

Tips for Performing the Speed Dribble

Keep your head up and your eyes on the court.
Dribble the ball with your fingertips, not your palms.
Cross your feet quickly and smoothly.
Keep the ball close to your body.
Practice regularly to improve your speed and control.

Benefits of the Speed Dribble

Can quickly move the ball up the court.
Gets past defenders.
Creates scoring opportunities.

The speed dribble is a valuable skill for any basketball player. By practicing regularly, you can improve your speed, control, and ability to get past defenders.

Skill	Description
Speed Dribble	Dribbling the ball quickly back and forth between your hands and feet while crossing your feet over each other.

The Bounce-Back Dribble

The bounce-back dribble is a more advanced variation of the between-the-legs dribble. It’s commonly used by guards and forwards to create separation from their opponents while dribbling up the court. To perform the bounce-back dribble:

Start with the ball at your waist, in front of your body.
Push the ball forward slightly, then bounce it between your legs.
As the ball bounces up, keep your hands low and close together.
Let the ball bounce off your fingertips and back into your hand.
Quickly pull the ball back up to your waist, in front of your body.
Repeat steps 2-5 as you dribble up the court.
Advanced Techniques:
a. **Double Bounce:** Bounce the ball twice between your legs before pulling it back up. This gives you more time to control the ball and create space.

b. **Change of Direction:** As you bounce the ball between your legs, quickly change direction to surprise your opponent. This can be done by dribbling in one direction and then suddenly changing to the other.

c. **Crossover Bounce-Back:** Combine the bounce-back dribble with a crossover dribble. Start by dribbling the ball between your legs, then cross it over to your other hand while pulling it back up.

The Euro Dribble

The Euro Dribble, also known as the Crossover Dribble, is a fancy dribbling move that allows players to quickly change direction and beat defenders. It is a combination of the In-and-Out and In-Between-the-Legs Dribbles, and it requires good ball handling skills and coordination. Follow these eight steps to master the Euro Dribble:

Start with the ball in your right hand and your feet shoulder-width apart.
Dribble the ball in front of you with your right hand.
As the ball reaches its highest point, quickly cross your right hand over your left and dribble the ball behind your back with your left hand.
Bring the ball back in front of your body with your right hand.
Dribble the ball in front of you with your left hand.
As the ball reaches its highest point, quickly cross your left hand over your right and dribble the ball behind your back with your right hand.
Bring the ball back in front of your body with your left hand, and change direction with your dribble.
Continue dribbling and changing direction as needed.

To better visualize the move, here is a tabletop demonstration:

Step	Description
1	Start with the ball in one hand, palm down, on the table in front of you.
2	Quickly flip your hand over and dribble the ball behind your back with your other hand.
3	Bring the ball back in front of your body with your first hand and change direction with your dribble.

Practice the Euro Dribble regularly to improve your ball handling skills and agility. With time and effort, you will be able to use this move to create scoring opportunities and beat defenders.

The Rock the Baby Dribble

The rock the baby dribble is a fancy dribbling move that can be used to break down an opponent or create space for a shot. Here’s how to do it:

Start by dribbling the ball between your legs with your dominant hand.
As you bring the ball up, cross your non-dominant hand over the top of your dominant hand.
Use your non-dominant hand to push the ball back down between your legs.
Repeat steps 1-3, rocking the ball back and forth between your legs.
As you rock the ball, use your body to lean into the defender.
When you’re ready to make a move, explode towards the basket or pass the ball to a teammate.

Here are some tips for performing the rock the baby dribble effectively:

Tip	Description
Keep your eyes up	This will help you see what the defender is doing and anticipate their next move.
Use your body	Lean into the defender to create space for yourself.
Be quick	The faster you can execute the move, the more effective it will be.

The Ankle Breaker Dribble

The Ankle Breaker Dribble is a flashy move that can leave your opponents in the dust. It’s a great way to get past defenders and create scoring opportunities.

How to Do the Ankle Breaker Dribble

Start by dribbling the ball in front of you with your right hand.
As you dribble, quickly cross your right foot over your left foot and behind the ball.
At the same time, scoop the ball up with your left hand and bring it behind your right knee.
Now, quickly cross your left foot over your right foot and in front of the ball.
As you do this, bring the ball back up with your right hand and dribble it in front of you with your left hand.
Repeat steps 2-5 as many times as necessary to beat your defender.

Tips for the Ankle Breaker Dribble

Practice the move slowly at first.
Once you have the hang of it, try it at different speeds.
Use the move to change direction quickly.
Be careful not to cross your feet too far over the ball.
If you practice enough, you’ll be able to master the Ankle Breaker Dribble and leave your opponents in the dust.

Here is a table of the key steps for the Ankle Breaker Dribble:

Step	Description
1	Start by dribbling the ball in front of you with your right hand.
2	Cross your right foot over your left foot and behind the ball.
3	Scoop the ball up with your left hand and bring it behind your right knee.
4	Cross your left foot over your right foot and in front of the ball.
5	Bring the ball back up with your right hand and dribble it in front of you with your left hand.

How to Dribble In Between Legs

Dribbling between the legs is a flashy and effective dribbling move that can be used to beat defenders and create scoring opportunities. It is a relatively simple move to learn, but it takes practice to master.

To start, stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and the ball in your dominant hand. Dribble the ball in front of you with your non-dominant hand, and as the ball bounces up, bring your dominant hand over the ball and between your legs. As you do this, scoop the ball up with your non-dominant hand and continue dribbling.

Practice dribbling between your legs for 10-15 minutes each day, and you will soon be able to master this move. Here are a few tips to help you:

Keep your head up and your eyes on the defender.
Move quickly and fluidly.
Don’t be afraid to make mistakes.
Practice in front of a mirror so you can see your form.