
Double dribbling is a violation in basketball that occurs when a player dribbles, pauses, and then dribbles again. This is a common mistake that can be avoided with practice and coaching. It is important to understand the rules of basketball to play the game effectively and fairly. Double dribbling results in a turnover, with the ball being awarded to the opposing team. To avoid double dribbling, players must remember that once they start dribbling, they cannot stop and start again; they must pass or shoot the ball instead. This foundational rule encourages ball movement and pace in the game.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Definition | A double dribble is a violation that occurs when a player dribbles, pauses, and then dribbles again. |
| Rules | Once a player starts dribbling, they cannot stop and start dribbling again. They must pass or shoot the ball. |
| Rules | A player cannot dribble with both hands simultaneously. |
| Rules | A dribble starts when a player, having gained control of a live ball, throws, taps, rolls, or bounces it on the floor and touches it again before it touches another player. |
| Rules | A dribble ends when the player touches the ball with both hands simultaneously or allows the ball to come to rest in one or both hands. |
| Rules | A player can switch the hand they are dribbling with, but they cannot touch the ball with both hands simultaneously to bounce it. |
| Rules | A player can dribble again if they lose control of the ball due to a shot for a field goal, a touch by an opponent, or a pass or fumble touched by another player. |
| Rules | Under NCAA, NFHS, and FIBA rules, if a double dribble violation occurs, the ball is awarded to the opposing team out of bounds nearest the violation. |
| Rules | Under NBA rules, the ball is awarded to the opposing team at the nearest spot, but no closer to the end line than the free-throw line extended. |
| Coaching | Coaches should reinforce the rules around double dribbling during practices and scrimmages to help players avoid committing violations. |
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What You'll Learn

Understand what a double dribble is
Understanding the rules of basketball is essential to playing the game well. One of the most important rules to know is that of the double dribble, a violation that can significantly impact the flow of the game.
A double dribble occurs when a player dribbles, pauses, and then dribbles again. The dribble starts when a player, having gained control of a live ball, throws, taps, rolls, or bounces it on the floor and touches it again before it touches another player. The dribble ends when the player touches the ball with both hands simultaneously or allows the ball to rest in one or both hands. It is important to note that a player cannot dribble with both hands at once.
There are, however, some exceptions to this rule. For example, if a player loses control of the ball due to a shot for a field goal, a touch by an opponent, or a pass or fumble that has been touched by another player, they are allowed to dribble again. This is not considered a double dribble. Additionally, accidentally losing and then regaining control of the ball is considered fumbling, which is not a violation.
Double dribbling is a foundational rule of basketball that encourages ball movement and pace. It is important for players, coaches, and parents to understand this rule to avoid committing violations during a game. With practice and guidance from coaches, players can easily learn to avoid double dribbling.
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Learn how to dribble correctly
Learning how to dribble a basketball is usually the very first skill a player learns. Here are some tips to help you get started on learning how to dribble correctly:
Stance
Spread your feet shoulder-width apart and bend your knees. Drop your hips back slightly, as if you were about to sit in a chair. Keep your head up and shoulders square. Avoid bending at the waist or adopting a tall, vertical posture, as this makes it easier for the ball to be stolen.
Hand Position
Hold the ball so that your fingertips are the only part of your hand that is touching it. Avoid using your palm to control the ball, as this can result in a violation. Keep the ball low to the ground and about 3 inches away from your side as you move.
Dribbling
Bounce the ball off the ground firmly and use your fingertips to catch it as it bounces up, before pushing it back down again. When dribbling, you can take as many steps as you like, as long as the ball is not in contact with your hand. Keep your head up and avoid looking at the ball, so that you can see your teammates and the defensive players.
Protection
Use your body and your non-dribbling arm to shield the ball from defenders. Turning your back or shoulder towards the on-ball defender will also make it harder for them to tap the ball away without fouling.
Practice
Practice dribbling in a small area, using different dribbling moves. Learn to dribble with both hands, as this will give you more opportunities in a game.
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Know the rules of a turnover
A turnover is when the offensive team loses possession of the ball without attempting a shot. This can occur due to a violation or a player error. Here are the rules regarding turnovers:
Violations
Violations are rule-breaking actions that result in turnovers. Some common violations include:
- Traveling: Illegally moving the pivot foot before or after dribbling, or taking too many steps without dribbling.
- Double dribbling: Dribbling with two hands or dribbling again after stopping.
- Carrying: Placing the hand palm-up under the ball while dribbling.
- Out of bounds: Going out of bounds with the ball.
- Three-second violation: Remaining in the team's frontcourt lane area for more than three seconds.
- Five-second violation: Failing to execute certain actions within five seconds, such as inbounding the pass or shooting while being closely guarded.
- Eight-second violation: Remaining in continuous possession of the ball within the backcourt for more than eight consecutive seconds.
- Ten-second violation: Failing to get the ball across half-court within ten seconds.
- Backcourt violation: Bringing the ball back into the backcourt after establishing possession in the frontcourt.
- Shot clock violation: Failing to attempt a shot before the shot clock reaches zero.
- Charging foul: Charging into a defender who has an established position.
Player Errors
Player errors are mistakes made by players that result in turnovers. These can include:
- Dribbling mistakes: Losing control of the ball, dribbling against a defender, or not practicing enough.
- Inaccurate passes: Failing to practice passing skills against a live defense.
- Stolen passes: Passes that are intercepted by opponents.
- Failing to take advantage of scoring opportunities: Not recognizing or capitalizing on chances to score.
To avoid turnovers, players should focus on developing their skills through live dribbling and passing drills. Coaches can help by designing drills that mimic game situations, such as dribbling against a defender and passing drills with real defenders.
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Avoid common mistakes
Double dribbling is a common mistake in basketball, especially for beginners. It occurs when a player dribbles, pauses, and then dribbles again. To avoid this, remember that once you start dribbling, you cannot stop and then start dribbling again. You must either pass or shoot the ball.
It's important to note that you can switch the hand you're dribbling with, but you must do it by bouncing the ball with one hand and then the other. You cannot touch the ball with both hands simultaneously or use both hands to bounce the ball.
Another common mistake is deliberately throwing the ball at an opponent to regain control and start dribbling again. This is not allowed, and the player must touch the ball directly, not the ball touching the opponent.
Understanding the dribbling rules is crucial to avoiding double dribbling. Coaches play a vital role in teaching young players how to avoid this violation, and constant reinforcement during practices is essential. While it may be frustrating at first, with practice and guidance from a coach, players can easily learn to avoid double dribbling.
Additionally, it's important to remember that accidental loss of control is not a violation. If a player accidentally loses control of the ball and regains it, this is considered fumbling, which is allowed. However, if the player knocks the ball out of their hands and an opponent retrieves it, the player can regain control and start dribbling again.
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Practise, practise, practise
The best way to avoid double dribbling is to practise. It is a foundational rule of basketball that encourages ball movement and pace, so it's important to master it early on.
To avoid double dribbling, players must be able to dribble confidently and competently. Practise dribbling with both the left and right hands, keeping the ball low to the ground and controlled. Focus on maintaining a low stance, with knees bent, to ensure the ball doesn't travel too far from your body.
Drill different dribble techniques, such as the cross-over dribble, behind-the-back dribble, and the inside-out dribble. The more comfortable a player becomes with dribbling, the less likely they are to make mistakes that lead to double dribbles.
Additionally, work on dribble combinations. For example, start with a simple right-hand dribble, then switch to a cross-over dribble, and finish with a behind-the-back dribble. The more players practise these combinations, the easier it will be to avoid double dribbles in game situations.
It's also important to practise in game-like situations. Set up drills where players must dribble through cones or obstacles, simulating defenders. This will help players learn to control the ball under pressure, reducing the likelihood of double dribbles.
Finally, work on decision-making skills. A lot of double dribbles occur when players are unsure of what to do with the ball. Practise passing, shooting, and dribble moves in various scenarios to improve decision-making. For example, set up a drill where players must dribble towards a defender and then decide whether to pass, shoot, or use a dribble move to beat the defender. The more players can refine their decision-making, the less likely they are to make mistakes that lead to double dribbles.
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Frequently asked questions
A double dribble is a violation that occurs when a player dribbles, stops dribbling, and then starts dribbling again. This can also occur if a player dribbles and then touches the ball with both hands before dribbling again.
When a double dribble is called, the ball is turned over to the opposing team. The location of the turnover depends on the league and level of play.
Once you start dribbling, if you stop, you must pass or shoot the ball. You cannot dribble again unless the ball is touched by an opponent or another player after you stop dribbling.
Other similar violations include carrying (placing your hand palm-up under the ball while dribbling) and travelling (taking steps with the ball without dribbling).











































