Mastering the In and Out Push Cross for Explosive Finishing
Goal:
This drill focuses on attacking a stationary defender with speed and precision, utilizing the In and Out Push Cross to create space and drive to the basket. The move is designed to break down defenders quickly and efficiently, leading to a fast, powerful finish at the rim. Coaches and players can use this drill to develop a dynamic attacking option for transition play and half-court situations.
Setup:
Players: You will need a basketball, a partner (if available), and three cones to set up the drill.
Positioning: Start at the top of the key or anywhere on the court where you would typically attack a defender in transition.
Space: Set up three cones to act as obstacles. These cones simulate defenders or areas where players need to maneuver quickly to break free and finish strong.
Step-by-Step Execution:
Starting the Drill:
Begin with the ball in your dominant hand (right or left). Position yourself at the top of the key, facing your defender.
Begin attacking with full speed, as if driving in a game situation.
Performing the In and Out:
Execute a quick in and out dribble with your dominant hand to fake out the defender. The goal is to shift their weight to one side, making them think you are going that way.
Perform this move early enough that the defender doesn't have time to react or load up to block you. The in and out should be quick and smooth, preparing you for the next move.
Push Cross:
After the in and out dribble, immediately execute a push cross dribble to switch hands and continue attacking downhill. The push cross should be done at full speed, ensuring the ball is pushed across your body to create separation from the defender.
This allows you to blow by the defender and head towards the basket.
Attacking the Cones:
As you move past the stationary defender, head toward the first cone, using your inside hand to navigate around it. This part of the drill focuses on maintaining control and making sure your hand placement is effective in creating space.
Finish the move by pushing off the last cone and driving to the basket with a strong left-hand finish (or right-hand if you switch sides).
Repetition with Both Hands:
After finishing the first side, repeat the same movement with your opposite hand. If you started with your right hand, now do the same move with your left hand.
This repetition helps develop ambidextrous control, allowing you to be effective with both hands while driving to the basket.
Coaching Tips:
Speed and Aggression: Ensure that players are not slowing down during the move. The faster they can execute the in and out and push cross, the more effective the move becomes.
Footwork and Explosiveness: Focus on quick, tight steps around the cones. Keep your steps short and explosive to avoid losing momentum.
Shielding the Ball: As you push cross, make sure to keep the ball tight to your body to avoid turnovers, while using your body to shield the ball from defenders.
Finish Strong: The final part of the drill is all about finishing. Make sure players attack the basket aggressively after the push cross, finishing strong with either a layup or a pull-up jump shot, depending on the situation.
Full Breakdown:
The In and Out Push Cross is one of the most effective and versatile moves in basketball. It’s a quick-change-of-direction move that’s great for attacking stationary defenders in transition or on a fast break. The key to this move is the combination of faking direction with the in and out dribble and then exploding past the defender using the push cross. The push cross allows for a fast blow-by, making it easier to get to the basket for an open shot.
By adding cones as obstacles, players simulate a real-game scenario where they need to change direction quickly and navigate around defenders or screen situations. The cones also help in practicing footwork and maintaining speed, which are essential for this move's effectiveness. After the cones, attacking the basket with a reverse layup or finishing with a pull-up jumper creates opportunities for players to adapt the move in various situations on the court.
Variations and Progressions:
Full-Court Drills: Once the player becomes comfortable with the stationary attack, progress to a full-court scenario where they are attacking in transition. This will help them develop speed and control while navigating the entire court.
Change of Pace: You can vary the speed of the move to help the player practice different scenarios. For instance, slowing down the initial attack can give players a chance to focus on footwork, while speeding it up will help them work on the explosiveness of the push cross.
Finish with Contact: To simulate in-game pressure, encourage players to finish with contact or a defender closing in on them. This will improve their ability to finish strong despite obstacles.
Common Errors and Fixes
| Error | Description | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Slow In and Out | The in and out dribble is too slow, allowing the defender to react. | Encourage faster, more explosive movements to shift the defender and gain separation. |
| Overstepping with the Push Cross | Players overstep or take large steps after crossing the ball, losing momentum. | Focus on tight, controlled steps after the cross to maintain speed and direction. |
| Not Using the Inside Hand Effectively | The inside hand isn't used properly to navigate around the cone. | Emphasize using the inside hand quickly to guide the ball around the obstacle while maintaining speed. |
By incorporating these drills into your training, you can develop a quick, dynamic move that will allow you to break down defenses effectively. The In and Out Push Cross is a great tool to have in your offensive arsenal, especially when attacking stationary defenders or when looking to create space in transition. With consistent practice, this move will become second nature, allowing you to attack with confidence and finish at the rim under control.
