Stationary two-ball basketball dribbling drills are an excellent resource for players to work on handling the basketball. Great offensive players must be able to dribble the basketball with both hands well. This basketball drill will challenge players to push beyond their comfort zone with the addition of a second basketball.
Good defenders in basketball will pressure and force the offense to use their weak hand. The ability to execute the between the legs crossover move will allow players to create separation from the defense. This separation will give the player time and space to make a good decision and get by the defense. Basketball dribbling drills like this are an effective tool for players to maximize repetitions and become exceptional ball handlers.
Basketball Drill Overview
Drill Name: Two Ball Between the Legs Crossover Basketball Dribbling Drill
Equipment Needed: 2 basketballs.
Similar Basketball Drills and Resources
- Two-Ball Kill the Grass Basketball Dribbling Drill
- Between The Legs Two Ball Basketball Dribbling Drill
- Two-Ball Behind the Back Crossover Basketball Dribbling Drill
- Reverse Between the Legs Crossover Two Ball Basketball Dribbling Drill
Goals of the Drill
- Work on the between the legs crossover move and being able to sell it against a defender.
- Work on ball handling and developing both hands so that a player is comfortable using both hands equally.
- Increase speed and control with the basketball.
Coaching Points
- Players should pound the ball hard with each dribble, especially on the crossover.
- Players need to keep their eyes up throughout the entire drill.
- Encourage players to push beyond their comfort zone. It is okay for players to turn the ball over 2-3 times if they are challenging themselves and getting out of their comfort zone.
- Players need to maintain a low, athletic stance throughout the drill (30 seconds in each direction).
- Keep the between the legs crossover sequence low, tight, and quick. The ball should bounce below their knees.
- Focus on the reception of the ball from the between the legs move into the double crossover. Fingers should be pointing down toward the floor. Make sure the ball is received cleanly from one hand to the other.
Basketball Drill Instructions
- The player will start with a basketball in each hand.
- To establish a rhythm, the player will take one stationary dribble with both basketballs. With their right hand, the player will do between the legs dribble (ball 1). While the between the legs dribble is going from right to left hand, the basketball that began in the player’s left hand will be crossed over in front to their right hand (ball 2).
- As soon as the between the legs dribble is completed and is received into the player’s left hand, they will immediately execute a crossover dribble to get it (ball 1) back to their right hand. At the same time, they will be making another crossover dribble with the other basketball (ball 2) to get it from their right hand back to their left.
- The player will essentially make two basketball crossover dribbles in front (balls 1 and 2) immediately after completing the between the legs move (ball 1).
- Continue this sequence for the desired amount of time, then switch and have the left hand start the between the legs move.
Recommended Time, Scoring, and Repetitions
- The recommended time for this stationary ball handling basketball drill will be a total of 60 seconds, 30 seconds for each direction. After completing the moves in one direction for 30 seconds, the player can take a brief break before completing the same drill beginning with the opposite hand.
- To vary the drill, add or reduce the time to 30 seconds.
- You can modify the basketball drill by having the players pass one of the basketballs (ball 2) across the front of their body to switch from one hand to the other, rather than executing two crossover dribbles in front. The player would still do combination ball-handling moves with ball 1 but would pass ball two across from one hand to the other rather than dribble it.
- If the player is advanced, they can walk forward while executing the move.
- If needed, the player can add in 1-3 stationary dribbles in between the combination moves. This will help less advanced players gain rhythm and control.
Two-Ball Between the Legs Crossover Basketball Dribbling Drill Conclusion
The key to building confidence for any player is repetition. Basketball players who maximize repetitions and consistently work on their craft will become confident in their skills. As a basketball coach, one of your jobs to provide opportunities to help your players develop these quality repetitions. The more of these opportunities you provide, the more chances for growth your players will have.
This is also an excellent two ball basketball dribbling drill to encourage your players to do on their own. So once you have explained it to them, challenge them to work on it on their own.
