A basketball player can only dribble the ball one time per individual possession. Players are prohibited from dribbling a second time once they stop their dribble. This is an important question especially for beginners. I have good news! Players can dribble again but one of several actions must happen. In this article, I will discuss what must happen before a player can start dribbling again.
Double Dribble
Have you ever coached a group of younger players who are just learning the game of basketball? If you have then I am sure you have witnessed a player or two who immediately pick up their dribble when challenged by a defender. The players do this to protect the ball while they adjust their positioning and then they start dribbling again in a different direction. This is of course a dribbling violation called the “DOUBLE DRIBBLE“.
Once the player picks up his or her dribble that player is not authorized to dribble the ball again or they will be in violation of the double dribble rule. The player must lose and then regain possession of the basketball before dribbling again. Here are five ways the player can lose possession of the basketball:
- The player can shoot the ball.
- The ball can be knocked out of bounds.
- The player can get fouled.
- The player can foul another player.
- The player can pass the ball to another teammate and then receive a passback.
What is it Called When you Stop Dribbling And Then Start Again?
If the player picks up the dribble and starts dribbling again this is considered a double dribble violation. Referees may be lenient for younger players but it’s important to correct this by teaching your players how to react with different individual dribbling techniques and/or passing.
So What Happens If You Stop Dribbling In Basketball?
Ok, so now we know that players can’t start dribbling again once they pick up their dribble. What should players do if they stop dribbling? Players have two options: Pass or shoot the ball.
The player or coach could also call a timeout if they are under pressure from a double team or at risk of getting a five second call. If a timeout is called the player can continue dribbling once the ball is inbounded-of course.
What happens if the Player Violates the Double Drill Rule?
Let’s say a player stops dribbling to protect the ball from their opponent and then starts dribbling again. The referee immediately blows the whistle and signals a double dribble violation. What happens? First, it’s not a big deal. The offending player’s team will lose possession and the referee will give the ball to the other team to inbound. The game will continue and the player will get a chance to redeem him or herself.
Key Facts:
- Players should never pick up their dribble until they are ready to either pass or shoot.
- Players can only dribble the ball once per every individual possession.
- The double dribble violation may be called if a player stops and then starts dribbling again.
- Referees may not call every double dribble violation for younger players.
- Most youth players and beginners stop dribbling to protect the ball.
Frequently Asked Questions:
If A Player Touches The Ball After They Pick Up Their Dribble Can You Dribble Again?
No, the offensive player must lose possession of the ball before dribbling again. The defensive player touching or grabbing the ball is not enough to allow the offensive player to continue dribbling.
In this scenario, the offensive player could let go of the ball after the defensive player touches it. That would be considered losing possession and if the offensive player retrieves the ball he or she can start dribbling again.
Can a player self pass after holding the ball?
No self-pass is not authorized in a game of basketball. The offensive player can toss the ball off of a defender’s back or other body part. This is risky but If the offensive player regains possession he or she can start dribbling again.
Can You Stop Moving And Dribble?
Yes, you can stop moving but continue your dribble.