Can you dribble after holding the ball?
James Craig
Published Jan 15, 2026
A double dribble violation is an illegal ball motion that generally involves a player pausing while dribbling and then starting again. Dribbling rules generally suggest that a player can't stop or hold the ball with two hands to continue dribbling.
Can you hold the ball and then dribble in basketball?
In basketball, an illegal dribble (colloquially called a double dribble or dribbling violation) occurs when a player ends their dribble by catching or causing the ball to come to rest in one or both hands and then dribbles it again with one hand or when a player touches it before the ball hits the ground.
How long can you hold the ball before dribbling?
A player shall not hold the ball for 5 seconds or dribble the ball for five seconds while closely guarded. A player is considered to be closely guarded if they have control of the ball in the front court, and is guarded by an opponent who is within 6 feet of the player with possession.
Can you dribble after picking up the ball?
If you have an open shot, a pass that could lead to a shot, or need to avoid a turnover, pick up your dribble! But remember, you cannot dribble again once you have picked up your dribble.
What is an illegal dribble in basketball?
Illegal Dribble
Dribbling is when the ball is bounced with one hand onto the floor. Putting two hands on the ball ends the dribble. The player can change the hand they are dribbling with, but after the ball hits one hand it must hit the floor next to be a valid dribble.
41 related questions foundWhy is double dribble not allowed?
Why is Double Dribbling Illegal in Basketball? Most movement penalties, like traveling, control the game's flow and encourage ball movement between players. If a player can hold the ball and continue to dribble, it reduces the incentive to pass it to a teammate after surveying the field.
Can you dribble with two hands?
Youth basketball coaches should teach players to use only one hand when dribbling. Starting the dribble with two hands is a violation of basketball rules.
How many step can you take without dribbling?
A player who gathers the ball while progressing may (a) take two steps in coming to a stop, passing or shooting the ball or (b) if he has not yet dribbled, one step prior to releasing the ball to start his dribble.
How many times can you dribble?
You only get to dribble once in basketball. If you stop dribbling you have to pass it to another player or shoot the ball. If you start dribbling again, this is called double dribbling. Offensive players are not allowed to stay in the free throw lane, or key, for more than three seconds.
Who is usually the tallest player on the team?
The center (C), or the centre, also known as the five, is one of the five positions in a basketball game. The center is normally the tallest player on the team, and often has a great deal of strength and body mass as well. In the NBA, the center is around 7 feet (2.13 m) tall.
What is the 3 seconds rule in basketball?
The O3 rule states that an offensive player cannot be in the lane for more than three seconds while his team has control of the ball.
How many seconds can you hold the ball without dribbling moving passing or shooting * 1 point?
On an inbound pass, a player may only hold on the ball for a maximum of 5 seconds. In the game, if a player is closely guarded, they must start dribbling, passing the ball or attempting a shot within five seconds.
Are you allowed to dribble stop and then dribble again?
A player may not dribble a second time after he has voluntarily ended his first dribble. A player who is dribbling may not put any part of his hand under the ball and (1) carry it from one point to another or (2) bring it to a pause and then continue to dribble again.
Can you take 3 steps in the NBA?
In the NBA and FIBA, players are also given a "gather step". When a player has taken more than three steps without the ball being dribbled, a traveling violation is called.
Is dragging your foot a travel?
This is a traveling violation. Once the offensive player establishes a pivot foot, he may move his other foot as many times as he chooses, but the ball must be out of his hands to pass or shoot before he moves his pivot foot.”
Is Sliding traveling in basketball?
Traveling (part 2): Player dives across the floor to gather in a loose ball and slides several feet once control of the ball is attained. By rule, this is not a travel. There are restrictions on what the player can and cannot do while in control and laying on the floor.
Is stepping on someone's foot a foul in basketball?
Stepping on someone's foot is considered a foul in basketball. It is a common foul and is usually called a player stepped on another player's foot. Stepping on someone's foot is not only unsportsmanlike, but it is also dangerous. When playing basketball, you must always look where you are stepping.
Can you switch hands while dribbling in basketball?
NBA rules today state that this is not legal.
What is eurostep?
To perform the Euro step, the offensive player with the ball takes long steps in an angle toward the basket while picking up their dribble or landing in a “jump stop” position. The player counters a second step or side step in the opposite direction to create space from the defender for an open layup or dunk.
How many points do you get for making 1 free throw?
A free throw is worth one point. Free throws are awarded to a team according to some formats involving the number of fouls committed in a half and/or the type of foul committed.
How many steps is a mile?
2,000 steps
An average person has a stride length of approximately 2.1 to 2.5 feet. That means that it takes over 2,000 steps to walk one mile and 10,000 steps would be almost 5 miles. A sedentary person may only average 1,000 to 3,000 steps a day.
What is the first thing you should do when dribbling?
Start by only using your right hand and dribble the ball side-to-side in front of your body. This should make a V. Your upper body should move with the rhythm and the ball should go side to side. Switch over to your left hand and repeat.
What position does most of the dribbling?
The point guard runs the offense and usually is the team's best dribbler and passer.
How many seconds are you allowed to be in the key?
The three seconds rule (also referred to as the three-second rule or three in the key, often termed as lane violation) requires that in basketball, a player shall not remain in their team's foul lane for more than three consecutive seconds while that player's team is in control of a live ball in the frontcourt and the ...
How much time does a team have to attempt a shot?
The 'shot clock' shall refer to the timing device that displays a countdown of the time within which the team possessing the ball must attempt a field goal. The shot clock shall start at 24 seconds unless otherwise provided in Rule 7.