Crossover Step: Lateral First-Step Starts

Learning the crossover step to explode to one side: from an athletic stance, turn the hips and cross the opposite leg over to accelerate. It's the first step basketball defenders, tennis players, and baseball players use, and it sharpens lateral reaction.

How to play

1. Groups of 4 in a line with a cone 5 m to each side of the start spot; two students work at a time, 4 m apart.
2. Slow technique (2 min): from an athletic stance, turn the hip and foot toward the target side and cross the other leg over in front; jog 3 steps to each cone, 4 per side.
3. Compare (1 min): start toward the same cone with a side shuffle and then with a crossover step, and talk with your group about which is faster.
4. On the signal (2 min): the teacher points to one side; explode with a crossover step and sprint 5 m; 4 reps each.
5. Mirror duel (2 min): pairs face each other 1 m apart; the attacker breaks to one side whenever they want and the defender must beat them to their cone using the crossover.
6. Easy finish (1 min) jogging between cones.

Rules

• Full-speed sprints only for 5 m; stop within 3 steps before the cone.
• In the duel, each player stays on their own side with no contact.
• At least 20 seconds of rest between starts to keep quality high.
• Dry surface and no loose balls in the sprint area.

Variations

Adaptations

• Wheelchair users: work on the trunk turn and a strong push toward the called side.
• Deaf or hard of hearing: use an arm signal, never the whistle.
• Lower fitness: 3 reps per side over 3 m.

Learning goals

• Use the crossover step as the first step of a lateral start.
• Compare two starting techniques through hands-on testing.
• React quickly to visual signals.

Equipment for a class of 25

• cones: 18

Teacher tip

The usual mistake is a small 'false step' backward before crossing; ask for the turning foot to pivot in place. Timing 5 m with both techniques usually convinces the skeptics.

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