top of page

Dribbling the ball

​

24.1. Definition

​

24.1.1. A dribble is the movement of a live ball caused by a player in control of that ball who throws, taps, rolls the ball on the floor or deliberately throws it against the backboard.

​

24.1.2. A dribble starts when a player, having gained control of a live ball on the playing court, throws, taps, rolls, dribbles it on the floor or deliberately throws it against the backboard and touches it again before it touches another player. A dribble ends when the player touches the ball with both hands simultaneously or permits the ball to come to rest in one or both hands (See Photo of the 2017 Hawthorn CC player for example). During a dribble the ball may be thrown into the air provided the ball touches the floor or another player before the player who threw it touches it again with his hand. There is no limit to the number of steps a player may take when the ball is not in contact with his hand.

​

24.1.3. A player who accidentally loses and then regains control of a live ball on the playing court is considered to be fumbling the ball.

 

24.1.4. The following are not dribbles:

  • Successive shots for a field goal.

  • Fumbling the ball at the beginning or at the end of a dribble.

  • Attempts to gain control of the ball by tapping it from the vicinity of other players.

  • Tapping the ball from the control of another player.

  • Deflecting a pass and gaining control of the ball.

  • Tossing the ball from hand to hand and allowing it to come to rest in one or both hands before touching the floor, provided that no travelling violation is committed.

 

24.2. Rule


A player shall not dribble for a second time after his first dribble has ended unless between the 2 dribbles he has lost control of a live ball on the playing court because of:

​

  • A shot for a field goal.

  • A touch of the ball by an opponent.

  • A pass or fumble that has touched or been touched by another player.

​

We encourage you to pre and post game ask the Umpire-In-Charge (this is their role) how they determine this call and keep open respectful conversation with the Umpire-In-Charge

bottom of page