
Double dribbling in basketball is a violation that occurs when a player starts dribbling, stops, and then resumes dribbling without losing possession. This rule applies even if the player stops moving while still bouncing the ball. Once a dribble has been picked up by a player, it's illegal for them to dribble again. This rule is important to follow as it helps to maintain a balance between offense and defense during play, preventing any unfair advantages. While it may be a challenging concept for young players to grasp, it is a foundational rule that shapes the game's dynamics and should be taught early on to avoid common mistakes and create attractive steal opportunities.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Controlled dribble | Once a player starts a controlled dribble, they cannot pause and then dribble again. |
| Touching the ball | Touching the ball is not enough to constitute a double dribble. If a player knocks the ball out of an opponent's hands, they can start dribbling. |
| Losing possession | A player can avoid a double dribble by losing possession after stopping a dribble. |
| Switching hands | Players can switch the hand they dribble with, but they cannot touch the ball with both hands simultaneously. |
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What You'll Learn

Avoid dribbling, stopping, then dribbling again
Avoiding dribbling, stopping, and then dribbling again is a fundamental rule in basketball that shapes the game's dynamics. This rule is one of the easier ones for referees to get right, and its enforcement is much easier than other violations like traveling.
To avoid committing this violation, basketball players must understand that once they start dribbling, if they stop, they have to pass or shoot the ball. They cannot dribble again unless they lose possession first. This rule applies even if the player stops moving while still bouncing the ball.
It's important to note that dribbling with two hands is also not allowed. Players can only switch the hand they're dribbling with by bouncing the ball with one hand and then the other. They cannot touch the ball with both hands in between bounces.
Young players and beginners often struggle with this rule, as they may not know what to do after dribbling. Coaches and parents play a crucial role in teaching these players how to avoid double dribbling and develop good habits that will improve their overall gameplay.
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Don't touch the ball with both hands
It's a common mistake made by young players, and it can be a tricky rule to enforce for referees, especially in the fast-paced flow of a professional game. However, it is important to learn this rule early on to avoid giving the opposing team steal opportunities. It is also important to note that the double dribble rule applies even if the player stops dribbling but continues to bounce the ball.
The double dribble rule is an important foundational tool for players to master. It helps to create a balance between offense and defense, preventing players from gaining an unfair advantage. It also encourages players to be more creative and strategic in their play, developing good habits and improving their overall gameplay.
Coaches and parents can help young players avoid double dribbles by teaching them single-hand control and pivot foot awareness. This will help players understand the dynamics of the game and how to use their dribble effectively without violating the rules. It is also important to provide immediate feedback during practice games to help players understand the consequences of their actions and encourage them to avoid making the same mistakes in future games.
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Don't dribble with two hands at once
When playing basketball, it's important to remember that you can't dribble with two hands at once. This is a fundamental rule of the game and one of the first things players are taught. Not only will dribbling with two hands at once make you look foolish, but it is also a violation of the rules.
A double dribble occurs when a player makes a controlled dribble, pauses, and then dribbles again. This can also happen if the player touches the ball with both hands simultaneously between bounces. So, while switching the dribble from one hand to the other is allowed, touching the ball with both hands at the same time is not.
To avoid a double dribble, once you start dribbling, you must continue until you decide to pass or shoot. If you stop dribbling, you cannot start again. This is a simple rule that even young players are expected to know and one that referees are usually quick to spot.
It's worth noting that some sources suggest that touching the ball with two hands simultaneously may not be prohibited if done skillfully. However, the general consensus is that it is illegal, and it's best to avoid doing so to prevent any violations during a game.
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If you stop dribbling, pass or shoot
Once a player starts dribbling, they must not stop and then start again. If you stop dribbling, you must pass or shoot. You cannot dribble again. This is called a double dribble and it is a violation in basketball.
A double dribble is when a player makes a controlled dribble, pauses, and then dribbles again. This is illegal and is a violation that is usually easy for referees to spot. It is a common mistake made by young players who are still learning the game and developing their foundational skills. Coaches play a vital role in teaching players to avoid double dribbling, which can be a long and frustrating process.
If a player starts dribbling and then stops, they must either pass the ball to a teammate or shoot. If they pass, the teammate can then start dribbling. If the player shoots and misses, they cannot then start dribbling again. If they shoot and the shot is blocked or deflected, they can start dribbling again if the ball does not go out of their control.
It is important to note that a player can switch the hand they are dribbling with. However, this must be done by bouncing the ball with one hand and then the other. A player cannot touch the ball with both hands in between bounces, as this would be a double dribble.
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Teach young players the rules
Teaching young players the rules of basketball is essential to their development as players and will help them avoid common mistakes. One of the most important rules to teach is that of the double dribble, a fundamental violation in the game.
The double dribble is a violation that occurs when a player starts dribbling, stops, and then resumes dribbling. This can be with one hand or two, but either way, it is illegal. It is important to note that simply touching the ball is not enough to constitute a double dribble—if a player has picked up their dribble and is holding the ball, another player must knock it out of their hands for a double dribble to be called.
Young players should be taught that once they start dribbling, they must not stop unless they are passing or shooting. They can switch the hand they are dribbling with, but this must be done by bouncing the ball from one hand to the other without touching it with both hands at the same time. This is a tricky rule to enforce for coaches, especially with younger players, but it is essential to keep reinforcing it during practice and scrimmages.
Parents can also help their children learn the rules and avoid double dribbles by providing immediate feedback during practice games. This will help children understand the implications of their actions and encourage them to follow the rules. It is also important for parents to understand the rule themselves so they can effectively teach their children how to avoid double dribbles.
By teaching young players the rules of basketball, including the double dribble, coaches and parents can help them develop good habits and improve their overall gameplay.
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Frequently asked questions
A double dribble is a violation that occurs when a player dribbles, stops, and then dribbles again without losing possession.
Double dribbling disrupts the gameplay balance by creating an unfair advantage for the offence.
If a double dribble violation occurs, the ball is awarded to the opposing team. The exact spot of the turnover varies depending on the league.
No, dribbling with two hands is not allowed. You can only switch the hand you're dribbling with by bouncing the ball with one hand and then the other.
To avoid double dribbling, focus on developing single-hand control and pivot foot awareness. Practice makes perfect, so constant reinforcement during scrimmages is key.










































