Dribbler

[bsilliman]

As Bart said it is legal to put out your arm to keep a defender away from you and the ball.
However, the key is when does the actions of the dribbler illegally keep the defender away. Pushing, swinging, holding...these all would dictate a 'player control' foul against the dribbler.
There are other situations which people do not understand such as a player moving down the court or setting a screen for a dribbler. Until there is contact the action is not illegal. When the defender makes contact, then the action is illegal and a foul should be called.
It is good that players also try to learn the rules. It imcreases their knowledge of the game and improves the overall quality of the sport.