Learning to dribble properly is one of the first steps in basketball for children. At the adult level, referees are known to let some dribbling violations go and let players get away with traveling violations and double dribbles. However, at the youth level, the key is to dribble properly. Players who dribble with two hands or start and stop their dribbles will be called for these violations.
Two-Handed Dribble
One of the ways players commit a double-dribble violation is to dribble with two hands. Players who are past the third- or fourth-grade levels rarely commit this violation because by then they can dribble with one hand. However, indecisiveness or a quick change of direction might cause the problem. A player can dribble with only one hand on the ball at a time. He can go from left hand to right hand from dribble to dribble, but he can't put both hands on the ball at the same time.
Discontinued Dribble
A discontinued dribble is a problem that affects many youngsters who are learning the game. The dribble must be continuous. If a player is dribbling the ball, she must continue to dribble as she moves down the court. If she stops dribbling, she must shoot or pass the ball to a teammate. If she stops her dribble and then starts again without having passed or shot, it is a discontinued dribble, a violation that results in the opponent gaining possession.
Penalty for Violation
The double dribble is a violation of the rules of basketball. It is not a foul, and players will not be penalized for breaking this rule. However, the referee will award the ball to the opposition. If a player is angered by the call or embarrassed and starts to argue vociferously, a referee may call a technical foul, which will give the opponent a free throw.
Referee Signal
When a player commits a double-dribble violation, the referee blows his whistle and indicates the call by placing his arms in front of his midsection and alternately pumping his arms up and down, with the palms extended. This is the American and international signal for a double dribble.
Member Comments