Learn Double Dribble Basketball Rules for Kids

You've seen your child dribbling down the court, eyes full of excitement as they play basketball. But then comes the whistle – a double dribble basketball violation. This common error can be confusing for young players just learning the arcade game. So, let’s break down what exactly a double dribble is, why it’s a penalty, and how to help your budding basketball star avoid this frustrating foul.

• Understanding the Dreaded Double Dribble
  • Why Double Dribble is Against the Rules
• Common Double Dribble Scenarios
  • Scenario 1: Changing the Pivot Foot
  • Scenario 2: Losing Control
  • Scenario 3: Fakes and Hesitations
• Helping Young Players Avoid the Double Dribble
  • Practice Dribbling Fundamentals
  • Emphasize Decision-Making
  • Play Games That Reinforce the Rule
  • Don't Forget to Watch NBA Games Together.
• Conclusion 

Imagine this: a player bounces the ball, picks it up, then bounces it again before passing or shooting. That’s a double dribble. The rule itself is simple:

• Once a player stops dribbling and holds the basketball with two hands (or their dribbling hand is on top of the ball), their dribble is “used.”
• If they touch the ball with their dribbling hand again to start a new dribble, it’s a double dribble violation.

This rule might seem nitpicky to a beginner, but it exists for important reasons. Here's why double dribbling in basketball is against the rules:

• Fairness: It gives the defense a chance to guard the offensive player effectively. When a player dribbles, the defense needs to react quickly.
• If the player could dribble, stop, and then dribble again, it would be challenging for the defender to keep up, creating an unfair advantage.
• Flow of the game: Double dribbling would lead to a very slow and choppy game. The game relies on players passing and moving without the ball.
• This constant movement and passing are what make basketball exciting. Without a double dribble rule, the game would be full of pauses and hesitant plays.

Now that you have a basic understanding, let's take a look at some scenarios where a double dribble is most likely to occur:

A player catches the ball and establishes their right foot as their pivot. While holding the ball, they lift their right foot and put it down again, all while still holding the basketball.

Even though they didn't dribble, moving their pivot foot is considered a travel violation. They cannot dribble after this.

Your child dribbles down the court but loses control of the ball. It bounces off their foot, but they manage to get it back before it goes out of bounds.

Since they didn't mean to stop their dribble, can they continue to dribble? Unfortunately, no. Even accidental contact with the ball while not dribbling ends their dribble.

They can't start another one after regaining possession.

As players improve, they learn more advanced moves like fakes and hesitations. While these can make a defender stumble, they also create more chances for double dribbling.

If, after a fake, a player pauses for even a moment with their dribbling hand on top of the ball, they’ve ended their dribble.

So, how do you coach a young player out of this habit? Repetition and positive reinforcement are key:

Before mastering fancy moves, focus on the basics. Have your child practice dribbling with both hands simultaneously without looking at the ball.

This develops comfort and confidence in ball-handling.

Many double dribbles happen because a player dribbles without a plan. Teach your child to dribble with a purpose. Encourage them to think about their next move – passing, shooting, or driving – before they start dribbling.

This forward-thinking helps them maintain control.

Games like “Sharks and Minnows,” where dribblers have to avoid defenders, can make learning the rules fun. With younger kids, make it clear that even if they 'mess up', they still have a chance to improve.

Constant encouragement, as opposed to focusing only on mistakes, can make all the difference.

It's helpful to learn from the pros. While it might seem like NBA players get away with 'double dribbles' sometimes, that's not actually the case.

In high-pressure games with players moving at incredible speeds, it’s more common for a referee to miss a violation in the NBA. Use these moments as teaching opportunities; pause the game and see if you and your child can spot any potential violations.

Double dribble basketball, though a basic rule, can be tricky for beginners to grasp. However, with a little patience, practice, and maybe some fun arcade games, they'll get the hang of it. And who knows? You may have just helped launch the next Steph Curry.

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Is your young basketball player struggling with double dribble violations? Learn the rules of double dribble basketball, understand why it's a penalty, and discover effective ways to help your child avoid making this common mistake.

You've seen your child dribbling down the court, eyes full of excitement as they play basketball. But then comes the whistle – a double dribble basketball violation. This common error can be confusing for young players just learning the arcade game. So, let’s break down what exactly a double dribble is, why it’s a penalty, and how to help your budding basketball star avoid this frustrating foul.

You've seen your child dribbling down the court, eyes full of excitement as they play basketball. But then comes the whistle – a double dribble basketball violation. This common error can be confusing for young players just learning the arcade game. So, let’s break down what exactly a double dribble is, why it’s a penalty, and how to help your budding basketball star avoid this frustrating foul.