You know, justa makes an interesting point.
Have I been miscalling this play for years?
I always thought the play he describes was legal, but perhaps not.
The dribble deflecting off the opponent's foot isn't a:
1. bat = An opponent bats (
intentionally strikes the ball with the hand(s)) the ball. (4-15-4d) So rule 9-5-2 doesn't apply, neither does 4.15.4 Sit F.
2. pass = A pass is movement of the ball caused by a player who throws, bats or rolls the ball to another player. (4-31) So rule 9-5-3 and 9.5.3 don't apply.
3. fumble = A fumble is the accidental loss of player control when the ball unintentionally drops or slips from a player's grasp. (4-21) A1 didn't have the ball in his grasp. He was dribbling. So rule 9-5-3 still doesn't apply.
Does it fit under the definition of an
interrupted dribble which "occurs when the ball is loose after deflecting off the dribbler or after it momentarily gets away from the dribbler."
I never thought about this before, but it seems that by a strict reading of the rules
in this situation the dribbler may only catch up to the ball and continue his dribble or end it by picking up the ball. If he dribbles a second time that seems to be a violation.
It's late. I'm tired. I'm now quite confused.
