Expert: Bret Temple - 8/26/2008

Question
What is it called when someone shoots at the basket with the ball. And then misses everything and then that same person catches it before it hits the ground(i know it doesn't matter if it hits the ground or not, it is a violation I believe if know one else touches it). What is that called?
One more question
Is it a double dribble if someone is dribbling then fumbles the ball and goes after it and picks it up and then dribbles again is that legal? And what if someone goes up for a shot and fumbles the shot then picks it up and dribbles or shoots? or does someone else have to touch the ball after a fumble? Thank you

Answer
Hi Chris,

What your explaining is actually a legal play. A player may catch their own rebound whether it hits rim, backboard, or an air-ball as long as it is a legitimate shot attempt. There would be no violation call made.

In your second question, if a player "Loses the handle" on the ball, and then recovers it, there is NO call made. That is perfectly legal to recover your own fumble so to speak. And lastly, if a player goes up for a shot and fumbles it in the air, and they come down with the ball without anyone touching it, it's a traveling violation. Once you leave the ground, you have to release the ball before you come down, unless someone else touched it. If someone else touches it and you come down with it still in your hand, it's normally called a jump ball.

I hope that cleared up some questions for you.