I frequently see players accidentally contact the ball on their hip or thigh while dribbling. When the ball is in contact with the hand and the hip simultaneously, and the player then dribbles again, is this a double dribble?

The reason I ask this is that I see players do this all the time, but rarely see a violation called. Is this considered a fumble or interrupted dribble or something?

I also see this happen from time to time and I think a more senior member will say that unless the ball comes to rest that the dribble has not ended, therefore no violation. I see nothing in the rules saying incidental contact with a dribblers body is a violation.

Shot in the dark.

What level of ball is this? It's a violation, but I don't always call it at the lower levels. High school, I'll call it if I see it.

Good shot too. Judgement call. If the ball comes to rest---> violation if they continue to dribble or if they travel while the ball is pinned. Just hitting or brushing the body doesn't end the dribble.

How is this different than hitting or brushing the other hand? Other than the obvious, of course?

The rule states that the dribble ends when the ball comes to rest in "one or both hands." As long as the ball doesn't come to rest in the hand when it contacts the hip, nothing illegal has occurred. That's why Jim isn't seeing a violation called.

If the the ball hits the dribbler leg than you have an interrupted dribble. If the ball comes to rest on a knee or hip since the dribble is not continous you could call a double dribble.

Really? Got a rule reference to back that up?

Go one further
 

You know, I like these questions because it forces you to take a real close look at thses rules.

I think now we should understand that that ball brushing against a hip or knee is ok, (see last post) but consider this now:

Let's say the dribbler DOES unintentionally brush the ball against the OTHER hand on the way to the floor after the ball leaves the hand. 4-15 art .4 (c) says "The dribble ends when: The dribbler simultaneously touches the ball with both hands". It would look weird but would it be a violation if it not simultaneous?

I will say not.

Somebody turn on the light.

Re: Go one further
 

Makes no difference whether he touched it unintentionally or not, it would be a violation. Violations have nothing to do with intent.

Re: Go one further
 

Case book 4.15.4.D (a) answers your question.

Thanks, I see the light!