[APHP]

If this touching is a controlled act and it gives the ball an intended direction--it is the beginning of a dribble. There is a case play somewhere (I'm too lazy to look it up) that goes something like this: Situation #1--A1 makes a pass to A2. The ball is off to the side of A2 and A2 touches the ball in attempting to gain control. This touching is not the start of a dribble. Situation #2--A1 makes a pass to A2 and A2 taps the ball giving it direction, this is the start of a dribble.

It seems obvious to me if the initial touching of the ball is a "controlled" act intended to give the ball "direction" it is the beginning of a dribble.

If the initial touching of the ball in the case above was a controlled act--it was the beginning of a dribble. Just as if when a player who is falling out of bounds hits/bats the ball to keep it inbounds as he is falling out of bounds, he may return inbounds and continue the original dribble..but not touch the ball with both hands and begin a second dribble.