What is a dribble

[MiamiWadeCounty]

Originally Posted by just another ref

This has been debated at length before. Nearly everyone disagreed with me.
(imagine that) Read the definition of a dribble.


".....when a player pushes the ball to the floor...."

No subsequent touch is mentioned in the definition.

Situation: A1, isolated against B1, has used his dribble. There is a pause. A1 gives a head fake, then puts the ball on the floor in an attempt to drive past B1.
Before the ball is touched again by A1, B1 reaches out and swipes at the ball, knocking it out of bounds.

What is the call? Whose ball is it?

Well, that is the definition of a dribble. But the rules also mentioned that the dribble MAY BE STARTED by pushing, throwing, tapping or batting
the ball to the playing court. Since it doesn't say that "the dribble SHALL BE STARTED," I take it that it's not necessarily a double dribble if a player decides to bat the ball directly next to him for a second time, even if there isn't a teammate near him.

[just another ref]

Originally Posted by MiamiWadeCounty

Well, that is the definition of a dribble. But the rules also mentioned that the dribble MAY BE STARTED by pushing, throwing, tapping or batting
the ball to the playing court. Since it doesn't say that "the dribble SHALL BE STARTED," I take it that it's not necessarily a double dribble if a player decides to bat the ball directly next to him for a second time, even if there isn't a teammate near him.

What rule are you quoting?

[MiamiWadeCounty]

Originally Posted by just another ref

What rule are you quoting?

RULE 4 / DEFINITIONS

Section 21. Dribble

Art. 2. The dribble may be started by pushing, throwing, tapping or batting
the ball to the playing court.