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Expert: - 3/2/2009


Question
A player is dribbling the ball into the lane.  He picks it up and attempts to pass it back out with one hand.  As he passes it he loses control of the ball (basically it slips from his grasp as he's doing his passing motion).  It bounces away and he picks it back up.  Nobody else touched it.  Then, he passes it to another player.  Could he actually touch the ball again after attempting a pass even if it slipped from his grasp?

Answer
Hi Pol,

What you are explaining to me is when a player "loses the handle" on the ball as it is called often. If a player legitimately loses control of the ball, they in fact pick the ball back up and dribble again. So what you described to me sounds like a legal play. Thanks for your question.

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Bret Temple

Expertise

My expertise is in the art of Officiating Basketball and I can answer questions pertaining to basketball rules; youth level through CIF High School, NCAA college and NBA rules as well. I can either help define a specific rule for you, or interpret a specific rule to clarify how other officials and I view and call the game.

Experience

I have been a Basketball Official now for over 19 years, officiating at all levels. I have attended numerous training camps throughout the years in an attempt to constantly become a better official. I have been evaluated by top Officiating organizations and I've had the honor of being selected to officiate at the highest levels including former Division 1 College and NBA players.

Organizations
NASO (National Association of Sports Officials) CBOA (California Basketball Officials Association)

Education/Credentials
El Sorrino Officials Association Accreditation CIF Certified(California Interscholastic Federation) WCPBL(West Coast Professional Baskeball League) The NBA Developmental League training

Past/Present Clients
Los Angeles City Parks and Recreation, Calabasas Basketball League, Calabasas Semi-Pro Men's League, AYBA California Interscholatic Federation, ARC League , (WCPBL)West Coast Professional Basketball League, Gary Grant Youth Basketball Program

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