How to Perform Basketball Tricks

Co-authored by Ryan Tremblay

Last Updated: February 10, 2023

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

1
Dribble the basketball in your right hand. Then, when the ball reaches your hand, bounce it toward your left hand.^{[1]
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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

1
Familiarize yourself with the motion.
2
Dribble the ball using your right hand.
3
When the ball is about to reach your hand, position your hand on the farther side of the ball. 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.
4
The moment the ball reaches your hand, pivot on your left leg and swing your right leg 180 degrees clockwise. Your upper body should follow including your arms. The ball should be moving in your hand and not coming out.
5
When your right leg hits the ground, start to dribble the ball.
6
Go for a fluid motion. If done correctly, it should be one fluid motion rather than traveling.^{[2]
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7
Continue to practice the move and increase the degrees you spin up to 360 degrees.

Method 3

Method 3 of 5:

Behind the Back (no bounce)

1
Dribble the ball in your right hand.
2
When the ball is about to reach your hand, position your hand on the farther side of the ball. 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.
3
The moment the ball reaches your hand, swing your arm clockwise around your body with the ball still in your hand. Your hand might need to grasp the ball slightly under it, but not enough to constitute carrying (a violation in basketball).
4
When the ball is close to your left hip, make sure it naturally flows forward. The ball should flow forward off your fingertips and bounce in front of you.
5
Continue to dribble.

Method 4

Method 4 of 5:

Knee Dribble

1
Dribble with your left or right hand. Do whichever is comfortable.
2
Then dribble the ball under your bent knee and catch it with the opposite hand.

Method 5

Method 5 of 5:

Pebble Throw

1
Hold the ball in 4 fingers, not your thumb. 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.^{[3]
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Community Q&A

Question

What other basketball tricks can I learn?

Community Answer

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

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.

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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Helpful 87 Not Helpful 22
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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