Interpretations

Article 24

Dribbling

24-1Statement

It is not a dribble if a player deliberately throws the ball against either the opponents’ or the team’s own backboard.

24-2Example

A1 has not yet dribbled and is standing still when A1 deliberately throws the ball against a backboard and catches or touches the ball again before it touches another player.

Interpretation

This is a legal play by A1. After catching the ball, A1 may shoot, pass the ball or start a dribble.

24-3Example

After ending a dribble either in a continuous motion or standing still, A1 deliberately throws the ball against the backboard. A1 catches or touches the ball again

  • (a) after it has bounced on the court and starts a dribble.
  • (b) before it touches any other player.
Interpretation

In (a) this is a double dribble violation by A1. A1 shall not dribble for a second time after the first dribble has ended. In (b) this is a legal play by A1. After catching or touching the ball, A1 may shoot or pass but shall not start a new dribble.

24-4Example

A1’s shot for a goal misses the ring. A1 catches the ball and deliberately throws it against the backboard, after which A1 catches or touches the ball again before it touches any other player.

Interpretation

This is a legal play by A1. After catching the ball, A1 may shoot, pass or start a dribble.

24-5Statement

It is not a double dribble violation if the player has lost control of a live ball on the court because of one of the following:

  • A shot for a goal.
  • The ball is touched by an opponent.
  • On a pass or fumble the ball touches or is touched by another player.
24-6Example

A1 dribbles and comes to a legal stop.

  • (a) A1 then loses the balance and without moving the pivot foot, A1 touches the court with the ball once or twice while holding the ball in the hands.
  • (b) A1 then tosses the ball from 1 hand to another without moving the pivot foot.
Interpretation

In both cases, this is a legal play by A1. A1 did not move the pivot foot.

24-7Example

A1 starts a dribble by throwing the ball

  • (a) over the opponent.
  • (b) a few meters away from an opponent. The ball touches the court, after which A1 continues to dribble.
Interpretation

In both cases, this is a legal play by A1. The ball touched the court before A1 touched the ball again on a dribble.

24-8Example

A1 ends a dribble and deliberately throws the ball against B1’s leg. A1 catches the ball and starts to dribble again.

Interpretation

This is a double dribble violation by A1. A1’s dribble ended as the ball was not touched by B1. It was the ball which touched B1. A1 may not dribble again.

24-9Example

A1 ends a dribble and fumbles the ball. The ball then touches the leg of either B2 or A2 and returns to A1, who starts a new dribble.

Interpretation

This is a legal play. After the fumble, the ball touched another player. A1 lost control of the live ball on the court and may therefore start a new dribble.

24-10Example

A1 ends a dribble and passes the ball to A2. The ball accidentally touches the body of B2. After that, the ball touches the floor, A1 catches it and starts to dribble again.

Interpretation

This is a legal play. A1 may dribble again as after the first dribble the ball has touched another player.

24-11Example

After ending a dribble, A1 has the ball in the hands when B1 touches the ball.

Interpretation

A1 is still in control of the ball, therefore A1 cannot start to dribble again.