What “Changing Direction” Really Means
Changing direction is the skill of moving the ball from one side of your body to the other while your feet and hips redirect your path. The goal is not to “do a move,” but to create a new driving lane, protect the ball from a defender’s reach, and stay balanced enough to accelerate after the change.
Every direction change has three parts:
- Sell: show the defender you are going one way (eyes, shoulders, pace).
- Transfer: move the ball to the other hand with control and protection.
- Go: explode into the new lane with one or two powerful dribbles.
Key ideas that apply to every move
- Ball stays tight: keep the dribble close to your body; wide dribbles get stolen.
- Change speed, not just direction: a slow-to-fast burst is what creates separation.
- Outside foot plants: the foot opposite the new direction typically becomes your push-off foot (e.g., crossing to your left often means pushing off your right).
- Protect with your body: your shoulder/hip should get between the defender and the ball during the transfer.
The Crossover (Front Crossover)
The crossover is the fastest way to switch hands in front of your body. It’s best when you have space in front of you and want a quick lane change.
When to use it
- Defender is squared up and reaching with the lead hand.
- You want a quick change to beat the defender’s top foot.
- You’re in open space (top of the key, transition, perimeter).
Step-by-step: stationary to live
- Start with a controlled dribble in your right hand at about knee height.
- Sell right: take a small “attack” step to your right and dip your right shoulder slightly.
- Plant and load: your left foot becomes your plant as your hips turn slightly.
- Snap the ball across: push the ball from right to left with your fingertips (not a slap), keeping it low and in front of your toes.
- Catch on the outside: receive the ball with your left hand slightly outside your left knee, ready to protect.
- Go: take a strong first step left and add 1–2 hard dribbles to separate.
Coaching cues
- “Low, quick, and tight.” If the ball rises above your thigh, it’s easier to steal.
- “Cross then push.” The move is useless without acceleration after the transfer.
- Eyes up. Use peripheral vision to track the ball.
Common mistakes and fixes
| Mistake | Why it fails | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Wide crossover | Defender’s hand has a straight line to the ball | Cross in front of your toes, not outside your feet |
| Standing tall | Slow transfer, weak first step | Lower hips before the cross; think “sit into it” |
| No speed change | Defender slides with you | Slow dribble into the move, then burst out |
Between-the-Legs
Between-the-legs is a protected hand change. The ball travels through your stance, and your legs act like a shield. It’s ideal when a defender is close and reaching.
When to use it
- Defender is tight and active with hands.
- You want to change direction without exposing the ball in front.
- You’re setting up a drive or re-centering after a stop.
Step-by-step: right-to-left between-the-legs
- Dribble in your right hand at knee height.
- Step with your left foot forward (slightly), creating a “gate” between your legs.
- Drop your hips so the ball can travel low through the gap.
- Push the ball through from right to left, aiming the bounce point just inside your left foot.
- Receive with your left hand behind your left leg, immediately bringing your body between the defender and the ball.
- Go left with a strong first step and a protective dribble.
Coaching cues
- “Step, then bounce.” The step creates the lane; without it, the ball hits your leg.
- “Bounce under the knee.” Lower bounce = harder to steal.
- “Catch behind the leg.” Don’t reach forward to catch; let it come to you.
Common mistakes and fixes
| Mistake | Why it fails | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Ball hits the thigh/shin | No space between legs | Widen stance slightly and step forward more |
| Ball bounces too far forward | Defender can poke it | Aim bounce point closer to your lead foot |
| Slow transfer | Defender recovers | Use fingertips to “push” sharply, then accelerate |
Behind-the-Back
Behind-the-back is a strong protection move when the defender is on your hip or reaching from the side. Your body fully shields the ball during the transfer.
Continue in our app.
- Listen to the audio with the screen off.
- Earn a certificate upon completion.
- Over 5000 courses for you to explore!
Download the app
When to use it
- Defender is riding your side as you drive.
- You need to change hands without bringing the ball in front.
- You’re escaping pressure near the sideline or in traffic.
Step-by-step: right-to-left behind-the-back
- Drive or dribble with your right hand slightly outside your right hip.
- Plant your left foot to prepare the direction change (your body begins to turn left).
- Wrap the ball behind you: push the ball with your right hand behind your back toward your left side. The motion is a firm “push,” not a big swing.
- Aim the bounce behind your heels (slightly to the left), so the ball arrives at your left hip.
- Receive with your left hand near your left hip, keeping your shoulders between the defender and the ball.
- Go left immediately with a strong step and one hard dribble.
Coaching cues
- “Hip-to-hip.” Think of the ball traveling from one hip pocket to the other.
- “Small wrap.” Big arm swings are slow and telegraphed.
- “Turn your body with it.” The move works best when your torso rotates into the new lane.
Common mistakes and fixes
| Mistake | Why it fails | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Ball bounces too far behind | Hard to reach; turnover risk | Bounce closer to your back foot/heel line |
| Ball bounces too wide | Defender can steal from the side | Keep the bounce tight to your body |
| Looking down/pausing | Defender times the steal | Practice slow reps first, then add speed while keeping eyes up |
Putting the Moves Into Game Context
Reading the defender’s position
- Defender in front with space: crossover is often fastest.
- Defender close and reaching: between-the-legs keeps the ball protected.
- Defender on your hip: behind-the-back shields the ball during the switch.
Simple decision rule
Use this quick mental check:
If the ball would be exposed in front → choose between-the-legs or behind-the-back. If you have clear space in front → crossover. If the defender is on your side/hip → behind-the-back.Practical Drills (Progressions)
1) “Sell–Transfer–Go” reps (no defender)
Purpose: connect the move to acceleration.
- Start at the top of the key.
- Jog forward, then sell with a slight lean, transfer (choose one move), then go for 2 hard dribbles.
- Finish with a controlled stop or layup depending on space.
- Do 5 reps each: crossover, between-the-legs, behind-the-back (both directions).
2) Cone lane change
Purpose: train tight angles and foot plants.
- Place 3 cones in a straight line, about 2–3 meters apart.
- Dribble to cone 1, change direction; to cone 2, change direction; to cone 3, change direction.
- Rule: the ball must stay below the knee on every transfer.
3) Partner “shadow” pressure (light defense)
Purpose: choose the right move under realistic spacing.
- Partner mirrors you at arm’s length, hands active but not reaching across your body.
- Your job: take 2–3 dribbles, then change direction and burst past the partner’s outside shoulder.
- Rotate roles every 30–45 seconds.
4) Sideline escape series
Purpose: use behind-the-back and between-the-legs to avoid traps.
- Start near the sideline as if you’re being pinned.
- Take one dribble forward, then escape back toward the middle using behind-the-back.
- Next rep: escape using between-the-legs.
- Focus on keeping your body between the ball and the sideline pressure.
Quality Checklist (Self-Coaching)
- Did I change speed after the move?
- Was the ball tight to my body during the transfer?
- Did my feet and hips redirect with the ball (not after)?
- Could I do the move without looking down?
- Did I finish with a purposeful lane (not drifting sideways)?
