Basketball Instruction/self pass

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Expert: - 4/17/2011


Question
I know there is no such thing as self pass in the books, but what if the player passes the ball to himself.. for example, the player stops dribbling and passes the ball over the head of the defender and runs and catches the ball, can he catch it or catch it and dribble again?

Answer
Hi Mike,

The answer to your question is no the player cannot do that. once a player makes a legitimate pass attempt, he/she cannot be the first player to touch the ball again. In a situation where a player "loses the handle" on the ball, or fumbles it, he/she can re-gain possession of the ball and even dribble again.

Thanks for the 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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