[APHP]

A1 passes to teammate A2. A2 instead of catching the ball, intentionally bats (giving the ball direction) the ball towards his basket. After the ball has bounced on the floor A2 catches the ball with both hands and begins to dribble. Is this a double dribble. 4.15.3---"The dribble may be started by pushing, throwing or "batting" the ball to the floor". 4.31----A pass is movement of the ball caused by a player who throws, "bats" or rolls the ball to another player. I think it is obvious that a dribble or pass may be started by a "bat". It seems pretty clear to me that if A2's "bat" is to a teammate (whether it be frontcourt or backcourt) is a controlled act then it is a pass. I can argue also, that if A2's "bat/pass" is from frontcourt to backcourt--then it is a violation if a team A player is first to touch the ball. The bat must be a controlled act and not a wild uncontrolled slap/bat.