Three Kyrie Irving‑Style Ankle‑Breaking Moves You Can Add to Your Game

Introduction

If you want to score more points and leave defenders clutching at air, borrowing a few of Kyrie Irving’s signature moves can give you the edge. Coach Jesse Mitchell breaks down three relatively simple yet highly effective techniques that rely on timing, misdirection, and quick hand‑to‑hand work. Below is a step‑by‑step guide you can practice on the court today.

Move 1 – The High Bounce Fake

• What it looks like: While driving toward the basket, bounce the ball high and let it roll away from you for a split second.
• Why it works: The defender’s eyes follow the loose ball, assuming a steal opportunity. Because your hands are free, you can slip to the opposite side without the ball.
• Key points to execute:
• Bounce the ball high enough that the defender reacts, but not so high that it’s easily stolen.
• As the defender watches the ball, make a quick jab step to the opposite side.
• Keep the step sharp, abrupt, and low to force the defender to shift weight.
• Immediately retrieve the ball and choose your next action – drive past, pull up for a shot, or transition into a crossover.
• Options after the fake: Any of the ten crossover drills linked at the end of the video can be added as a finishing move.

Move 2 – Inside‑Out Low‑Drop Crossover

• Setup: Begin with an inside‑out dribble (ball moves from the inside of your body to the outside) to make the defender think you’re heading one way.
• The surprise element: Push the ball further outward, then bring the opposite hand over the top and pull the ball low across your body.
• Execution steps:
• Perform the inside‑out dribble to get the defender’s attention.
• Push the ball outward, creating a fake direction.
• Bring your other hand over the top of the ball on the opposite side.
• Drop the ball low, protecting it with your body as you continue moving forward.
• Switch hands quickly while maintaining forward momentum; the ball stays shielded from the defender.
• Result: The defender is forced to react to a low, protected ball, giving you space to drive past or set up another crossover.

Move 3 – Rapid‑Fire Double Crossover Combo

• When to use it: Ideal at arm’s length or closer to a defender, where every micro‑movement forces a reaction.
• Sequence:
• Start with a tight inside‑out dribble and a slight shoulder lean.
• Perform a first crossover from knee‑height to hip‑height.
• Immediately pop the ball back low for a second, faster crossover (double‑rhythm cross).
• Add a subtle shoulder lean or dip on the second move to confuse the defender’s balance.
• Why it’s effective: The rapid change of rhythm and the added shoulder movement create a “shifty” feel, making the defender hesitate or freeze, opening a clear path to blow by.

Practice Tips

• Start slow: Master each component at half speed before adding full‑court speed.
• Focus on footwork: Quick, decisive steps are more important than ball handling alone.
• Use a wall or partner: Practice the high bounce fake against a wall to gauge ball height and timing.
• Combine moves: After mastering each move, string them together for a fluid, unpredictable attack.

Bonus Resources

• A curated YouTube playlist of 10 nasty crossover drills is linked in the original video description. These drills pair perfectly with the moves above and can be added as finishers.

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By mastering these three Kyrie‑inspired moves— the high bounce fake, the inside‑out low‑drop crossover, and the rapid‑fire double crossover—you’ll add unpredictable misdirection to your game, making defenders think twice and giving you more scoring opportunities.