When is a dribble a dribble?

[BktBallRef]

Originally Posted by jkjenning

Are you thinking of Case 4.15.1? That's the closest I see at a first look. The key point stressed is the dribble does not begin until A1 has gained control. If a player has enough control to keep the ball away from defenders, then there certainly is enough control to consider it the start of a dribble, imo. Are you referring to a more specific statement?

4-15-4
NOTE 2: A player is not dribbling while slapping the ball during a jump, when a pass rebounds from his/her hand, when he/she fumbles, or when he/she bats a rebound or pass away from other players who are attempting to get it. The player is not in control under these conditions.

Does that help you at all?

Also, look at 4-15-1:

A dribble is ball movement caused by a player in control who bats (intentionally strikes the ball with the hand(s)) or pushes the ball to the floor once or several times.

Again, if there's any doubt as to whether there is control or not, you err on the side of no control.