Crossover Cones
Sharpen a low, quick crossover with a change of speed.
What this drill teaches
A low, tight crossover joined to a change of speed. The cones supply the trigger points, and the slow-to-fast rule teaches the real secret: the move doesn't beat the defender — the acceleration after it does.
In games: Gives players an answer when a defender cuts off their path on game day — instead of picking the ball up or turning their back, they can change hands and go.
- Ball crossing below the knees, not looping at the waist
- A visible gear change immediately after each cross
- Off-arm up protecting the ball through the move
U8–U10: walking-pace crossovers that bounce high — keep lowering it. U14–U16: expect low, snappy crosses at speed, sold with an in-and-out fake.
Equipment
1 ball each, cones
Setup
Set 4 cones in a line about 8 feet apart.
Steps
- 1Dribble at the first cone, crossover in front to the other hand.
- 2Change direction and accelerate past the cone.
- 3Repeat at each cone down the line.
- 4Finish with a crossover into a layup.
Coaching points
- Cross the ball low, below the knees.
- Change speed after the cross — 'slow to fast'.
- Protect with the off-arm.
Why kids love it
A tight crossover feels like an ankle-breaker move — kids love practising something 'cool'.
Variations
Walk it slowly to learn the footwork.
Add a trailing defender who can poke at the ball on every crossover.
Fake an in-and-out at the cone before the crossover to sell the first move.