Expert: Bret Temple - 2/10/2011

Question
QUESTION: Hi Brett,

If a player is dribbling the ball and then catches it and fumbles while passing without the opposite team tipping him, he catches it again, isn't that double dribble? Also while catching the ball in a pass if he uses his hands to protect himself and the ball hits his hands and pitches once and then he catches the ball, can he dribble again? He has already made a dribble isn't it?

ANSWER: Hi Sudarsan,

if a player is dribbling and then catches the ball, but then fumbles the ball, or "loses the handle" on the ball, they may pick up the ball and dribble again without a traveling or double dribble call. In order for either of those violations to be called, a player must have control of the ball. once a player loses control, they can no longer be called for a violation. I'm sorry I don't really understand the second part of your question. If you would like to try and re explain it, I would be happy to try and answer it for you. Thank you for the questions.


---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hi Brett,

As I understand your reply, if i fumble with the ball after dribbling and catching it and regain possession then it is not a double dribble. In that case I can fumble on purpose every time and that would provide me with infinite dribbles. In the fumble, the opponent player doesn't touch the ball. It was because of me and me only. The second part is that a player while receiving a pass touches the ball, then the ball dribbles down and then he catches it. Is he allowed to dribble the ball again?

ANSWER: What you are describing is basically correct. As far as fumbling the ball purposely, I suppose you could, but it has to be in the Official's opinion that it was done accidently. You can't just drop the ball, and make it look like you fumbled it. Most of the time a player fumbles the ball as they are driving to the basket, not just standing around. But hey, if you can sell it to the official, more power to you. In an answer to the second part of your question, yes he can dribble again. It all has to depend on whether the player has control of the ball. If he/she never has control, then a Traveling violation cannot occur.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: As far as traveling is concerned, how many steps are we allowed before we pass or shoot or even dribble? and which leg is the pivot leg?

Answer
Once a player picks up their dribble, technically they are allowed two steps, as long as they are in motion. Once a player is standing still and then picks up their dribble, they can no longer take any steps, rather just pivot.

Once a player terminates their dribble, and they are standing still, they have a choice of whichever foot they wish to use as their pivot foot by moving the other foot or leg. Once that are foot has left the ground, the opposite foot automatically becomes the pivot foot.