Double dribble

For other uses, see Double Dribble (disambiguation).

In the game of basketball, a double dribble is a violation in which a player dribbles the ball, clearly holds it with a combination of either one or two hands (while either moving or stationary), and then proceeds to dribble again without first either passing off to a teammate or attempting a field goal. Double dribbling can also occur if a player tries to dribble using both hands at the same time.

Official NBA rules

In the National Basketball Association, a dribble is movement of the ball, caused by a player in control, who throws or taps the ball into the air or to the floor.

The dribble ends when the player:

1. Touches the ball simultaneously with both hands
2. Permits the ball to come to rest while they are in control of it
3. Touches the ball more than once while dribbling, before it touches the floor.

Officials' hand signals

If a double dribble occurs, the official will first blow his whistle. To signal the violation of a double dribble, the official will place both hands straight with fingers straight out in front of him/her palms facing the ground and move one hand up and the other hand down. The double dribble sign is called the "illegal dribble" sign in the rule book.

Penalty

Under NCAA and NFHS rules, if a double dribble violation occurs, then the ball is awarded to the opposing team out of bounds nearest the point where the violation took place. Under NBA rules, the ball is awarded to the opposing team at the nearest spot, but no closer to the baseline than the free throw line extended. Penalties such as this may cause for the opposing team to be rewarded a free throw when the team gets 7 penalties in one half.