Is it legal to dribble with two hands?
David Perry
Updated on August 20, 2026
Nothing in the rulebook that says a player cannot start a dribble with two hands. A dribble can end when touching both hands simultaneously, but a single dribble is OK as long as you catch the ball.
Is it legal to dribble with two hands at the same time?
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. The ball being touched with both hands simultaneously (dribble with both hands) is a double dribble.
What is it called when you dribble with 2 hands?
Definition of double dribble
: 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.
How many hands are you allowed to dribble with?
Dribbling is a repetitive action in which a player uses one hand to bounce the basketball continuously, that is, without interruption, on the court.
Can you pound dribble with two hands?
After receiving a pass or executing a pump fake, an offensive player slams the ball with two hands for one dribble. (This is the only time a basketball player may bounce the ball with two hands and not be called for a double dribble violation).
21 related questions foundWhy is double dribble not allowed?
Why is Double Dribbling Illegal in Basketball? Most movement penalties, like traveling, control the game's flow and encourage ball movement between players. If a player can hold the ball and continue to dribble, it reduces the incentive to pass it to a teammate after surveying the field.
Can you catch with two hands in basketball?
You can catch a basketball using either a two-handed or a block-and-tuck method. In the two-handed method, both hands contact the ball simultaneously. In the block and tuck method, one hand contacts the ball, followed immediately by the other.
Can you dribble stop and dribble again?
A player may not dribble a second time after he has voluntarily ended his first dribble. A player who is dribbling may not put any part of his hand under the ball and (1) carry it from one point to another or (2) bring it to a pause and then continue to dribble again.
How many points is a free throw?
A free throw is worth one point. Free throws are awarded to a team according to some formats involving the number of fouls committed in a half and/or the type of foul committed.
How many seconds are you allowed to be in the key?
The three seconds rule (also referred to as the three-second rule or three in the key, often termed as lane violation) requires that in basketball, a player shall not remain in their team's foul lane for more than three consecutive seconds while that player's team is in control of a live ball in the frontcourt and the ...
How many seconds do you have to inbound the ball?
When inbounding, the referee hands you the ball as you stand out of bounds. You have five seconds to inbound the ball. If you are unable to make an inbound pass, call a timeout. Otherwise, it's a turnover.
Can you take 3 steps in the NBA?
In the NBA and FIBA, players are also given a "gather step". When a player has taken more than three steps without the ball being dribbled, a traveling violation is called.
What are the rules for double dribbling?
In basketball, an illegal dribble (colloquially called a double dribble or dribbling violation) occurs when a player ends their dribble by catching or causing the ball to come to rest in one or both hands and then dribbles it again with one hand or when a player touches it before the ball hits the ground.
Is dragging your foot a travel?
This is a traveling violation. Once the offensive player establishes a pivot foot, he may move his other foot as many times as he chooses, but the ball must be out of his hands to pass or shoot before he moves his pivot foot.”
Is Sliding traveling in basketball?
Traveling (part 2): Player dives across the floor to gather in a loose ball and slides several feet once control of the ball is attained. By rule, this is not a travel. There are restrictions on what the player can and cannot do while in control and laying on the floor.
Can you pump fake a free throw?
In the NBA, you are not allowed to pump-fake a free throw, that's considered a violation.
What is the speed dribble?
This exercise involves dribbling the length of the court with one hand and, then, dribbling back with the other. In essence, the speed dribble involves pushing the ball ahead of you and chasing it. Consequently, no matter how fast you run, you can never catch it.
How do you do a high dribble?
To execute a high dribble, keep you torso erect and push the top of the ball forward, well ahead of your body. The bounce of the ball should reach anywhere from between your upper thigh to slightly above your waist.
What is the penalty for double dribbling?
Penalty. If a player begins a second dribble illegally, the referee will call a 'double dribbling' violation and that player's team will lose possession of the ball. The opposing team will gain possession of the ball at the sideline nearest the violation but no closer to the baseline than the foul line extended.
Can you block in basketball?
A block in basketball is a successful deflection of an attempted shot by a defender. Defenders often play with their hands up or out, ready to stop any pass or shot attempts by an offensive player. Blocks can be made anywhere on the court, but are most commonly seen at the low post, close to the basket.
Why is Euro step not a travel?
The NBA rulebook established a two-step rule in 2009, which permits a ball handler to take two steps in performing a layup or dunk. Since the Euro step is an offensive move that does not exceed the allotted two steps, it does not constitute a traveling violation.
Can you pivot after a jump stop?
When receiving a pass with a jump-stop, you can pivot after the jump-stop and either foot can become the pivot foot. A perimeter player can catch the ball with a jump-stop, and the pivot into triple-threat position if necessary and use the non-pivot foot for executing jab-step fakes or a drive step.
What is a double foul?
Definition of double foul
: two personal fouls in basketball committed by opponents against each other at the same time.