Handles AI
Ball-handling drill
How to do a between-the-legs crossover
The between-the-legs crossover is a two-move combo: you switch hands through your legs, then cross the ball back in front. It moves the ball twice in two bounces and is one of the most common combos in the game.
What is the between-the-legs crossover?
People use the term two ways. Some mean a single between-the-legs dribble used to change direction, which is covered on the between the legs page. This page covers the combo: a between-the-legs dribble from one hand to the other, followed immediately by a crossover in front of your body back to the first hand.
The combo works because of what each half does. The between-the-legs switch is protected, so it is a safe way to start while the defender is close. The crossover that follows is fast, so it catches the defender while they are reacting to the first switch.
Many players also use it the other way around: crossover first, then between the legs. Both are worth learning, but the between-first version is the one most players start with because it begins with the protected move.
When to use it in a game
Use it to get a defender moving side to side, then attack when they lean. A between-cross-go is a common way to set up a drive from the top or wing. It is also a strong rhythm setter before a pull-up or a pass.
If the defender is reaching at the ball, the between-the-legs half keeps it safe. If they are sitting back, the crossover half gives you a quick change of direction to attack the space they are giving you.
Do not turn it into a dance in front of a set defender. Two or three combos with no purpose just give the defense time. Use the combo to create a lean, then go.
How to do it, step by step
- Get in a staggered stance with the ball in your right hand and your left foot forward. Knees bent so there is room under your body.
- Push the ball down through your legs, aiming the bounce at the midpoint between your feet.
- Catch it with your left hand behind your left leg, fingers spread.
- As the ball comes up in your left hand, bring your feet back to a more square stance so you have room to cross in front.
- Push the ball low across your body from left hand to right hand, landing just outside your right foot.
- Catch with your right hand and either reset into the next combo or push off your left foot and drive right.
- Once the rhythm is clean, run it starting from your left hand too.
Common mistakes
- Feet stuck in the stagger. If your feet stay staggered after the between, the cross hits your front knee. Square up slightly before you cross.
- Pause between the moves. The value of the combo is that the two moves come back to back. If you hold the ball in between, it becomes two separate, slow moves.
- Bouncing too far forward. A between-the-legs bounce in front of your lead foot squirts away. Keep it in the middle.
- Rising up on the cross. Players often stand up after the between. Stay at the same low height through both moves.
- Weak-hand side rushed. Most players run the combo cleanly from their strong hand and sloppily from the other. Give the weaker version at least as many reps.
Three progressions
- Slow two-count. In place, say “through, cross” on each rep at a slow, even rhythm. Count only sets where neither bounce touches your legs.
- Continuous combo. Run the combo nonstop for 30 seconds, then switch which hand starts. Speed up only when it stays clean.
- Combo and go. One between-cross, then two hard dribbles forward. Mix in the reverse order (cross, then between) to build both versions.
5-minute between-the-legs crossover workout
Stay in one spot for most of this workout. The combo is about rhythm, so a steady, even bounce matters more than speed at first.
How Handles AI coaches it
In Combo Lab, Coach Ace strings calls together, such as between the legs into a crossover, and the calls speed up as you improve. The app tracks the ball and your body on your iPhone and grades each rep Clean, Nice work, or Next rep.
Combos also earn XP and feed your Coordination and Creativity ratings, which are part of your Ball Handler Score.
Prop up your iPhone and let Coach Ace call the reps. Your first 20-second session is free.
Download on theApp StoreFAQ
Is a between-the-legs crossover one move or two?
It is commonly used for both. As a combo, it is a between-the-legs dribble followed by a crossover in front, which is what this drill teaches.
Which should come first, between or cross?
Either works. Between first is safer when a defender is close; cross first is quicker in space. Learn both orders.
Why does the ball hit my knee on the crossover part?
Your feet are probably still staggered from the between-the-legs dribble. Square up a little before you cross.
How fast should I do the combo?
Only as fast as you can keep every bounce off your legs. A clean combo at medium speed is more useful in a game than a fast one that slips away every few reps.
What other combos should I learn next?
Try cross into behind the back, or a double crossover. The dribble combos guide has more.