Crossover Step, Agility & Defense

The video below demonstrates the difference in speed in driving off your lead leg with a crossover step as opposed to stepping with your lead leg first. In the example, the athlete is faster using a crossover step than he is turning to sprint. This is not a perfect example to the difference between a crossover step and a traditional defensive slide, but it makes a compelling argument that the crossover step should be the dominant footwork for defensive footwork.

By Brian McCormickAuthor, Cross Over: The New Model of Youth Basketball DevelopmentDirector of Coaching, Playmakers Basketball Development League