Magnity

The crossover is an essential move to any basketball player. Even though only the guards will need it most, knowing it is always an added bonus.

You should have it in your arsenal.

To achieve a crossover, you do a feint likely to sucker a defender into committing their foward momentum in that direction, and then make a lunge for free space.

Put more simply, persuade the defender to go one way, as you go the other.

The move is also known as an "anklebreaker".

This guide takes you through the steps of making a good crossover. As the move requires a good level of balance, fitness and practice, the rest is up to you.

STEP :

1. Dribble the ball in your strongest hand as you approach the defender.
2. Pause here and focus on your dribbling while keeping your D at bay.
3. Push the ball to the side you're dribbling it in and if your defender moves with you, quickly bounce it in the other direction and move towards the net before the D catches up. Try to run in front of the D; so that when he chases you, if the player goes for the ball, it's a foul.
4. A good way to know if your defender bites is if their balance is shifted (i.e. if he's bending right, go left FAST... and vice-versa).
5. For this move to be effective, it must be done with speed and control.
6. A variation is to bounce the ball hard and hop slightly in one direction and when the D shifts his weight, go quickly in the other direction.
7. Try to keep your eyes locked on your defenders mid section. Sometimes your eyes can drift and you'll focus on that instead. Never lose concentration on your defender as you approach.
8. When dribbling/crossing over don't look at the ball.

Remember: You control where the ball goes.