Jumping before dribbling
 

Seems like I've started running across instances with players who like to jump into the air before releasing the ball for a dribble. No advantage being gained, just a habitual motion, where they receive the pass, hop into the air slightly and then push the ball to the floor.

This is occurring without defensive pressure, usually guards in the backcourt. Is it some sort of timing thing for them? Call it? (i haven't) or wait for a sitch with defensive pressure?

It is traveling when the pivot foot leaves the floor before the ball is released for a dribble. There are many that say not to consider violations on a advantage/disadvantage basis because you are putting the defensive team at a disadvantage by not calling the violation and giving them the possession.

Guarantee if you call it, this bad habit will end even if no one is around early in the game.

Absolutely. Start calling it, and you'll be surprised how fast they change their ways. I tend to call this stuff probably more often than most especially for the younger kids. The sooner they learn, the sooner they can correct it...

A hunert years ago, I spent my Junior year in high school doing that. Nobody told me why I was being called for traveling.

These days, after I have called "Traveling" three or more times on the same player, I may walk by him during a dead ball and explain that he's taking a hop before each start of a dribble.
Twice this year the players have said, "Oh, thanks."

I did that once in the 6th grade. I heard the whistle, asked what I did, was told I jumped before I dribbled and never did it again!

No Pivot Foot To Lift ???
 

I believe that it would be legal for a player, while in the air, to secure a rebound, or catch a pass, and start a dribble before either foot has touched the floor. Am I correct?

Billy:

Yes you are correct, because the player has yet to establish a pivot foot before returning to the floor.

MTD, Sr.