The Crossover vs. Slipping are they One in the Same?

If you look carefully, you can learn a helpful tip or two by watching the crossover executed by a basketball player. Put simply, crossover is a tactic to hoodwink the defender and get a shot at the basket. Crossover is in short, deception at its best. In order to execute a crossover maneuver, you need to convince the defender that you are going one way and then quickly decide to go the other way leaving him high and dry. Keep a watch over the midriff of the defender. One sure way to know if he has swallowed your bait is if he shifts his balance. In general, alertness, speed and control are essential to the success of the crossover.

Similarly, the concept of slipping in boxing is about getting out of the way of the punches of your opponent. Slipping is of course not an easy art to master. Like crossover in basket ball it only comes with years of practice. You have to develop the habit of hoodwinking your opponent. In boxing, it is useful to understand both the timing and the choice of punches usually thrown by your opponent. In the boxing ring, it is advisable to use your feet and shift a bit to the outside when your opponent throws his punches. This immediately places one of his hands at a disadvantage and you can take the opportunity to mount a quick counter attack of your own if you are fast enough. Amateurs often make the mistake of returning their head to the starting position – something an experienced opponent is sure to take advantage of and use it to land a heavy punch. Speed and an ability to think on the feet are as vital to the crossover tactic in basketball as it is to slipping in boxing and they both maintain the same purpose and that is misdirection and surprise, throw off a fighter or a defender and their weaknesses are exposed.