Why is Double Dribble Illegal in Basketball?

To score in basketball games, players must dribble, pass, and shoot the ball. Violations occur when players do not follow the rules, just as they happen in the normal flow of action throughout a match.

A double dribble is an illegal action in basketball made when a player dribbles the ball with two hands simultaneously or continues to dribble after allowing the ball to come to rest in one or both hands.

A double dribble violation is a violation that occurs less frequently in the NBA / WNBA, but more frequently in other leagues. So, what does a double dribble violation in basketball entail?

Here’s all you need to know about double dribbling: what it is, when it happens, how refs call it, and more!

What is a Double Dribble Violation in Basketball?

A double dribble violation is a prohibited ball action in which a player stops dribbling and then restarts.

According to most dribbling rules, a player cannot stop or hold the ball with two hands while dribbling. Because there is a first dribble, a pause, and then a second dribble, double dribbling earns its name.

Double dribbling can also occur if the ball comes to a stop while a player is in possession of it. A double dribbling call may be issued if a player in possession of the ball touches it twice before it lands on the ground.

Examples of a Double Dribble in Basketball:

A player commits a double dribble violation when he or she stops and holds the ball in one or both hands before resuming dribbling. This start-and-stop behaviour can occur in a variety of circumstances.

One example is if a player receives a pass, dribbles, stops, and then dribbles again to get around a defensive player. Another example of a double dribble is during a fake ball moment.

Imagine if a player dribbles, then fake a pass attempt to their teammate, and then dribbles again. In that scenario, the player had a stop in dribble, so they can’t resume it again without getting that penalty.

Why is Double Dribble Illegal in Basketball?

In order to have a thrilling game, players are expected to pass the ball frequently. When a player holds on to the ball at one spot for too long, the game may not be energetic or exciting as expected.

Hence, the rule of double dribbling is enacted to ensure that players always thinks of passing instead of holding on to the ball at one spot for a long time.

The majority of penalties, such as traveling, are designed to keep the game flowing and encourage ball movement between players. If a player keep the ball and continue to dribble his incentive to pass to his teammate is reduced.

Limiting players’ ability to move with the ball encourages more fluid play and frequent passing. Dribble regulations also allow teams to play good defense, resulting in a steal or fumble during the passing game.

What Happens If a Player Double Dribbles?

During a game, if a double dribble occurs, the defensive team immediately takes possession of the ball. Several leagues, on the other hand, have varied rules about where a team can receive the ball.

The defensive team can, for example, throw the ball in at the point on the court nearest to where the infringement happened in the NCAA, FIBA, and NFHS (the regulatory body for high school basketball).

In the meantime, NBA players can only inbound the ball in the middle of the floor. Teams in possession of the ball cannot inbound the ball between the baseline and the free-throw line after a double dribble infraction.

Players would have immediate access to the net if they inbound at this position, resulting in immediate scoring opportunities.

Difference Between Double Dribble and Carrying:

Other illegal dribble fouls, like carrying, are extremely comparable to this foul. The main difference between double dribbles and carrying is that carrying frequently requires one hand to be under the ball.

While the dribbler is in motion, that hand will hold the ball for a longer amount of time.

Difference Between Double Dribbles and Travelling:

A double dribble is when you dribble the ball, pick it up with both hands, and then dribble again. A travel is when you pick the ball up and take a step that is not a pivot.

There are several types of traveling violations, but they all involve illegally taking steps while in possession of the ball and not dribbling the ball. Most forms of traveling focus on taking steps with both feet when not dribbling.

You are allowed to basically rotate and step with one foot as long as your “pivot foot” doesn’t move (other than rotating).

Controversy Regarding Double Dribbles in the NBA:

Double dribbles, like many other dribbling fouls, are under-called in NBA games, according to critics. This under-calling irritates spectators who are versed in the rules and can spot this kind of violations quickly.

Because the concept of double dribble is so straightforward, it’s simple to spot this foul during a basketball game. In FIBA and other basketball regulatory organizations, dribbling, carrying, and traveling offenses are more common.

That means that when NBA players participate in games that follow those regulations (like the Olympics), they are more likely to be penalized.

Some fans attribute this to the recent struggles of NBA players from the United States in foreign competition. Because penalty calls are so rare, there isn’t often a lot of external pressure to change harmful habits.

Players must prioritize fundamentals and solid ball-handling skills if they wish to focus on moving successfully with the ball.

EndNote: What is Double Dribbling in Basketball?

Double dribbling is a simple basketball rule that applies when a player dribbles the ball, pauses, and then dribbles the ball again.

Other movement fouls, such as traveling and carrying, are similar to this one. Many fans, however, believe that these restrictions are not enforced frequently enough in the NBA.

Now that you’re familiar with the regulations, you may watch your favorite game and look for the telltale signs of double dribbling. With any luck, you’ll be able to spot it before the referee.