Quote:
Originally posted by Hawks Coach
Quote:
Originally posted by theboys
I think an even more difficult call to make is the pass that bounces off the receiver's hand, hits the floor, then is caught by the receiver. The difficult part is whether to call a double dribble when the ball handler then puts the ball on the floor and takes off.
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This should be an easy call, but many refs use the "when in doubt, it's a dribble" mentality. It's always important to remember that a ball hitting the floor is not the same thing as a dribble. And most offensive players try to catch then dribble, so a pass going off hands and to the floor is almost always a fumble - it should clearly be a dribble to be ruled as such.
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A lot of this is fed by the mistaken impression fans and coaches have of the rules. Some of them become referees and continue to have this mistaken impression, I think.
Two plays last night:
(1) Pass to a player driving down the lane. Ball hits players hands and it takes four steps for him to (finally) gain control. Looked ugly as can be. Home coach wanted a travel, home fans wanted a travel, but no whistle. Coach asked me while I was passing by and I explained that you can't have traveling without possession.
(2) Pass in to a post player who momentarily loses control of the ball. Without this loss of control, it WOULD'VE been a travel as he dragged his "pivot" foot. But the loss of possession eliminated the pivot foot or any chance of a travel call. I was almost sucked in on this one as the loss of possession was very quick and very slight, but there nonetheless. No call. Same reaction from crowd and coach.
Rich