Double dribble

For other uses, see Double Dribble (disambiguation).

In the game of basketball, a double dribble is a violation in which a player dribbles the ball, clearly holds it with a combination of either one or two hands (while either moving or stationary), and then proceeds to dribble again without first either attempting a field goal or passing off to a teammate. Double dribbling can also occur if a player tries to dribble using both hands at the same time.

Official NBA rules

In the National Basketball Association, a dribble is movement of the ball, caused by a player in control, who throws or taps the ball into the air or to the floor.^[1]

The dribble ends when the player:^[2]

1. Touches the ball simultaneously with both hands
2. Permits the ball to come to rest while he/she is in control of it
3. Touches the ball more than once while dribbling, before it touches the floor.

Officials' hand signals

If a double dribble occurs, the official will first blow his whistle. To signal the violation of a double dribble, the official will place both hands straight with fingers straight out in front of him/her palms facing the ground and move one hand up and the other hand down.^[3] The double dribble sign is called the "illegal dribble" sign in the rule book.

Penalty

If a double dribble violation occurs, then the ball is awarded to the opposing team out of bounds nearest the point where the violation took place under NCAA and NFHS rules.^[4] Under NBA rules, the ball is awarded to the opposing team at the nearest spot but no closer to the baseline than the free throw line extended.^[5]

References

1. ^ NBA Official Rules (2009-2010) Rule 4, Section II, A. Retrieved July 26, 2010
2. ^ NBA Official Rules (2009-2010) Rule 4, Section II, a. Retrieved July 26, 2010
3. ^ Official Referee Hand Signals: Illegal Dribble
4. ^ 2009-2011 Men's & Women's Basketball Rules Rule 9, Section 15, Article 1. Retrieved July 26, 2010
5. ^ NBA Official Rules (2009-2010) Rule 10, Section II, e, Penalties