Double dribble
A basketball violation for dribbling with two hands at once, or for dribbling again after picking up the ball.
Overview
A player may dribble the ball with one hand at a time. A double dribble is called either when the player uses both hands on the ball during a dribble, or when they stop their dribble by catching the ball and then start dribbling again.
Like traveling, a double dribble is a violation rather than a foul and results in a turnover, with the ball awarded to the opposition from the sideline.
Key points
- Only one hand may control the ball on each dribble.
- Once a dribble is picked up, the player may pass or shoot but not dribble again.
- Touching the ball with both hands ends the dribble.
- A double dribble is a violation, not a personal foul.
Where it’s used
Sports that use double dribble:
Related rules
Traveling
A basketball violation for moving illegally with the ball without dribbling it.
Shot clock
A timing rule that requires the attacking basketball team to attempt a shot within a set number of seconds.
Backcourt violation
A basketball rule breach for returning the ball into a team's own defensive half after it has crossed into the attacking half.
How it connects
The meaning-bearing relationships that place Double dribble in the wider knowledge graph — each one with the reason it exists.
Frequently learned together
Taught side by side in the same stage of a learning path.
- TravelingBoth are taught in the “Get to know the game” stage of the Basketball learning path.
- Shot clockBoth are taught in the “Get to know the game” stage of the Basketball learning path.
- Backcourt violationBoth are taught in the “Get to know the game” stage of the Basketball learning path.
- GoaltendingBoth are taught in the “Get to know the game” stage of the Basketball learning path.
- Personal fouls and free throwsBoth are taught in the “Get to know the game” stage of the Basketball learning path.
Explore across the knowledge base
Follow the threads that connect Double dribble to the rest of SocialSportHub.
Officiating
- Penalty SignalA standardized hand or flag signal an official uses to announce a foul, penalty, or restart so players, teammates, and spectators can read the call.
- Foul callA foul call is an official's ruling that a player broke a rule of contact or conduct, triggering a penalty such as a free kick, free throw or penalty.
Positions
- Point guardThe point guard is basketball’s primary ball-handler and playmaker, running the offence and setting up teammates to score.
- Shooting guardThe shooting guard is a perimeter player whose main role is to score, especially from mid-range and beyond the three-point line.
- LiberoThe libero is a defensive volleyball specialist who wears a contrasting shirt, plays only in the back row, and cannot attack the ball above the height of the net.
- Goal shooterThe goal shooter is a netball attacker who scores goals and is one of only two players allowed to shoot, working within the attacking goal third and circle.
- Centre (netball)The centre is netball’s link between attack and defence, the only player allowed in every third except the two goal circles, and the player who takes the centre pass.
Knowledge Atlas
Equipment
- BasketballA large, inflated ball with a dimpled surface used to play basketball.
- VolleyballA soft, inflated ball struck with the hands and arms in volleyball.
- Football (soccer ball)A round, inflated ball used to play association football and futsal.
- Tennis racquetA strung frame with a handle used to hit the ball in tennis.
- Pickleball paddleA solid, flat paddle used to hit the perforated plastic ball in pickleball.
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How this page is maintained
- Content type
- Rule
- Provenance
- Tier A — evergreen educational
- Verified external sources
- 0
- Content updated
- 2026-07-09
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