Crossover Cones

Skill drill

Sharpen a low, quick crossover with a change of speed.

6 min any Half court
Ball-handlingU8U10U12U14U16

Technique guide

Any group size · 1 ball each, cones

Get everyone ready

Attack the first coneDribble hard at the cone with your outside hand. 1

● Player / attackGold: ball

Illustrated steps · 5 seconds per step at 1×

Set up

Set 4 cones in a line about 8 feet apart.

Look for: Cross the ball low, below the knees.

Playback options
Illustrated steps · 5 seconds per step at 1×
Coach’s notes & group organisation

Set 4 cones in a line about 8 feet apart.

  1. Dribble at the first cone, crossover in front to the other hand.
  2. Change direction and accelerate past the cone.
  3. Repeat at each cone down the line.
  4. Finish with a crossover into a layup.

Suggested reset

The finisher retrieves their own ball and returns outside the cone lane. Waiting players advance one place and the next player starts only once the lane and basket are clear. Repeat with the opposite starting hand after everyone has had turns.

Coaching cues

  • Cross the ball low, below the knees.
  • Change speed after the cross — 'slow to fast'.
  • Protect with the off-arm.

Adapt the challenge

Easier: Walk it slowly to learn the footwork.

Harder: Add a trailing defender who can poke at the ball on every crossover.

In-and-Out to Cross: Fake an in-and-out at the cone before the crossover to sell the first move.

Watch it runAI-generated demonstration
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.

What good looks like
  • 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

  1. 1Dribble at the first cone, crossover in front to the other hand.
  2. 2Change direction and accelerate past the cone.
  3. 3Repeat at each cone down the line.
  4. 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

Easier

Walk it slowly to learn the footwork.

Harder

Add a trailing defender who can poke at the ball on every crossover.

In-and-Out to Cross

Fake an in-and-out at the cone before the crossover to sell the first move.

Related drills

Coaching notes that use this drill