Basketball Instruction/High Dribble

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Expert: - 1/27/2010


Question
I was playing a pick up game when a player was driving towards the basket.  He bounced the ball hard on the floor and lost his footing.  The ball went above his head and he ran 4 or 5 small steps and caught it.  Is this a violation?  

Answer
Hi Scott,

This sounds like a situation where it's tough for me to answer it, and it's one of those plays where I'd have to see it. But I will tell you this. There is no rule that states the ball cannot be bounced higher than a certain distance. So just on that merit alone, it was a legal play.  It sounds like he "lost the handle" on the ball, which means he lost control of it, took a few steps then re-gained control. If that is the case, then no violation took place. I'm trying to visualize what happened, and I would be inclined to say what he did was legal.

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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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