Great ball handlers are able to breakdown a defender off of the dribble. Every one of these players does this by being able to change up their speeds. Yes, they are quick and fast, but it is really about how well they can shift gears from slow to fast and back again.
This basketball training video will teach players how to set up their defender with one move at about quarter speed. After that, they will then crush them with a second counter move at full speed. This is a great drill for helping players first learn about changing up their speeds and then also allow them to get repetitive practice at it. This one ball basketball dribbling drill also strengthens their overall ball-handling skills as well.
Basketball Drill Overview
Drill Name: Moving Slow to Fast Crossover Between the Legs Basketball Dribbling Drill
Equipment Needed: 1 basketball.
Similar Basketball Drills and Resources
- Slow to Fast Between the Legs Behind the Back Dribbling Drill
- Slow to Fast Behind the Back Crossover Drill
- Slow to Fast Between the Legs Crossover Dribbling Drill
Goals of the Drill
- Strengthen a player’s ball-handling skills.
- Work on a player’s ability to change up their speeds, using the crossover between the legs combo move.
- Develop a player’s mindset to use one move to set up their defender for a second move.
Coaching Points
- The player must stay in a low athletic stance the whole time while they are handling the basketball.
- Have them really lock in on the details of the move and changing up your speeds.
- They need to focus on mastering their ball handling to be able to put a move together fluidly.
- Use your eyes and your shoulders to help sell the first move. A defender who is not expecting the second move will be more vulnerable to that move.
Basketball Drill Instructions
- The player is going to start on the baseline with a basketball in their hand.
- They will begin dribbling the basketball while stationary with their right hand.
- Moving forward, the player will make a crossover move to their left hand at about 1/3 speed setting up the imaginary defender.
- As soon as the ball touches their left hand, though, they will snap it back to their right hand as quickly as they can using a between the legs move.
- The player will take a stationary dribble and then repeat the same move.
- Continue this pattern for the desired amount of repetitions or time and then have the player reset and execute the move starting with their left hand.
Recommended Time, Steps, Scoring, Repetitions
- The player can perform this starting at the baseline and finishing at half court. They will then turn around and go back, starting with the other hand. Do this for a desired number of repetitions.
- This basketball drill can be done for a two minute time period going back and forth.
Moving Slow to Fast Crossover Between the Legs Basketball Dribbling Drill Conclusion
This one ball dribbling drill allows a player to focus on mastering their ball-handling but also changing speeds. A point guard or any player playing one speed can be easily guarded, but a player who changes speeds can surprise a defender.
This basketball drill also forces the player to think ahead. Combination moves at different speeds requires a player to have an idea of what they will do before they do it. This is a part of the mental toughness needed in this game that gives you the advantage while placing your defender at a disadvantage.
