Travel
 

If I haven't started a dribble and jump to shoot and I see the defender is going to block my shot. Can I drop the ball to start a dribble? If I do is it a travel or double dribble? Or is it legal play? Or do I have to pass or shot once I jumped into the air lifting my pivot?

Violation.

Sent from my SM-N950U using Tapatalk

Travel.

Or, you could request a TO.

When starting a dribble, the ball must be released from the hand before the pivot foot is lifted.

And, in fact, I believe this is the only play in which it's a travel to lift the pivot foot. In all other cases, it's not a violation until the pivot returns to the floor. (I think. . .)

Well, there are other traveling violations that don't depend on moving the pivot foot (e.g., attempting to get up from the floor). But hopefully, you get what I mean.

Airborne Player ...
 

When an airborne player tries for goal (or pass), sees that the try (or pass) will be blocked, purposely drops the ball, and touches the ball after it hits the floor, that player has traveled by starting a dribble with the pivot foot off the floor.

Mind Reading ...
 

We've discussed and debated this many times here on the Forum over (at least) the past seventeen years.

By a strict literal reading of the relevant rules and definitions, Scrapper1 may be correct.

However, in a real game situation, I'm not gong to attempt to "read a player's mind" that he wanted to and intended to start a dribble.

I'll wait to see what happens next.

If the ball is next touched by a teammate, it was a bounce pass.

Or, was it?

Exception ...
 

Oldest Trick In The Book ...
 

https://tse2.mm.bing.net/th?id=OIP.A...FB&pid=Api&P=0

Reminds me of the Old Flamingo Play.

4.44.3 SITUATION B: A1 receives a pass and establishes the right foot as the pivot. While faking a pass or try, A1 lifts the pivot foot and stands on the left foot alone while undecided as to what to do. Has A1 traveled? RULING: No. Traveling would occur only if A1 begins a dribble or returns the pivot foot to the floor. While in this position A1 may pass, try for goal or request a time-out.

https://tse2.mm.bing.net/th?id=OIP.w...AA&pid=Api&P=0

Not Intentional ???
 

What if it's not on purpose? What if it's a fumble?

2000-2001 NFHS Basketball Interpretations Supplement #1 Situation 1: A1 is an airborne shooter preparing to release the ball on a shot attempt. Instead of releasing the ball on the try, A1 fumbles the ball (while still in the air) and drops it. A1 then returns to the floor and secures possession of the ball. Ruling: Traveling violation. While airborne the ball must be released for a try or pass.

Floor ...