Shooter Unintentionally Drops the Ball

[Nevadaref]

Originally Posted by Johnny Ringo

O.K. The play: A1 takes two dribbles from the top of the key towards the wing...jumps (jumpshot) for a try and the basketball rockets out of his hands straight up in the air.

NOTE: A1 was in the air when this happened.

A1 returns to the floor and then catches the ball (first to touch).

Is this legal? If so are they allowed to pivot, dribble, shoot, pass, etc ...

Depends...
1. on whether this is an NCAA or NFHS game
2. on whom you ask

Go read the old thread. Tony posted a link to it. Within that one is another old thread on this. Read that one too. Then you can answer your own question.

[just another ref]

How do we draw the line between a fumble and a shot that "came out of his hand funny?" If it has been established that A1 "went up for a shot," then who are we to critique the quality of his release?

[Johnny Ringo]

Nobody really knows what the call is here?

[Adam]

Originally Posted by Johnny Ringo

Nobody really knows what the call is here?

I wouldn't say that. What I would say is there is no consensus on this play. Some know but disagree with others who know.

[Johnny Ringo]

If that play happens in your game: what's your call?

[Adam]

Travel. The restrictions on what a player may do after lifting his pivot foot are explicit, and the rule doesn't allow for a player to lift his pivot foot and then fumble.

[Johnny Ringo]

O.K. New play, same situation:

A1 comes to a stop after dribbling. Shot fakes, with both feet on the ground (feet never leave ground, i.e: he does not appear to be jumping for a try) ... the ball rockets out and straight upward.

Can A1 move and catch the ball and if so do what?