How to Perform Basketball Tricks

Co-authored by Ryan Tremblay

Last Updated: June 7, 2024

While fundamentals of basketball are essential, performing an array of different legal (not street-ball) basketball tricks can make winning a game or blowing by a defender much easier. Plus the flashiness of the moves are what draw many people to basketball games.

Method 1

Method 1 of 5:

Crossover

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Then, when the ball reaches your hand, bounce it toward your left hand.
2
Let the ball bounce into your left hand and start dribbling with your left hand.
- Always try to dribble below the knee—if it's bouncing all the way up to your shoulder, you won't have as much control.

Method 2

Method 2 of 5:

Between the Legs

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You should touch the basketball not on the top but more on the side away from you (in this example, on the right side). The ball should be more in your palm than usual and closer to your arm.
Your upper body should follow including your arms. The ball should be moving in your hand and not coming out.
If done correctly, it should be one fluid motion rather than traveling.

Method 3

Method 3 of 5:

Behind the Back (no bounce)

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You should touch the basketball not on the top but more on the side away from you (in this example, on the right side). The ball should be more in your palm than usual and closer to your arm.
Your hand might need to grasp the ball slightly under it, but not enough to constitute carrying (a violation in basketball).
The ball should flow forward off your fingertips and bounce in front of you.

Method 4

Method 4 of 5:

Knee Dribble

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Do whichever is comfortable.

Method 5

Method 5 of 5:

Pebble Throw

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Hold it high above your head and quickly drive the ball through the air and score. It's the best way to tackle hard blockers. ^{[1]
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Question

What other basketball tricks can I learn?

Community Answer

Try combining basic tricks or throw in a fake move or a double crossover.

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Question

How many tricks can you do in basketball?

Community Answer

A lot. Just practice a lot, you will get the hang of it. Practice different tricks and combine tricks to make them better and improved. There are a lot of possibilities.

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How long does it take to learn all the tricks?

Community Answer

As long as it takes you to commit to the drive, because all of these tricks are teaching you how to get open to drive and stay open on the drive. As soon as you practice and commit to a drive (let yourself take hits but still make the shot), you will be plowing through defenders.

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Tips

Practice everyday as often as you can.

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Have a good strive when crossing on a crossover and remember to drop the knee.

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Stay low.

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Warnings

Always be mindful of basketball rules as carrying, traveling, double-dribbling, and other similar violations are easy to commit while attempting to perform a trick.

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If a move causes you any pain, stop and do not attempt the move again until you have had enough time to recover.

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The tricks are intended to improve your game... not become it.

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Do not perform any move if you suspect that it will injure you.

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Do not become arrogant because of your new moves. Remember, there will always be someone better than you.

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How to Perform Basketball Tricks

Steps

Crossover

Between the Legs

Behind the Back (no bounce)

Knee Dribble

Pebble Throw

Community Q&A

Tips

Warnings

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