Expert: Michael Muro - 8/15/2005

Question
hello, when you are dribbling does it matter how many steps you make with your legs and feet. my second question: How many seconds can you have the ball in your hand when you are dribbling?
my last question:Is it possible when you are bouncing the ball and catching the ball with your hand to grab the ball first at the bottom side of the ball and then bounce the ball and then grab the ball at upper side and then bounce again?


Answer
Hi Omer,

As long as you are dribbling the ball you can take as many steps as you want....You can dribble the ball as long as you want if there is no defense of man guarding you within a arms length. If there is a man on you, you have 5 seconds until a violation is called. You can stop the 5 count by the ref by creating more then a arms length space between you and your defender. Of course depending on what level you are playing you have a shot clock so that comes into play also.....I think what you are describing is carrying over the ball. This is a violation..