double dribble
C2/SpecializedTechnical (Sports)
Definition
Meaning
A violation in basketball where a player stops dribbling, then starts dribbling again, or dribbles with two hands simultaneously.
This term remains highly specific to its core meaning, with rare figurative use in sports-related metaphors for repeating an action against the rules or acting indecisively.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
A technical term from the rules of basketball. It is most commonly used as a countable noun ('The referee called a double dribble'). As a verb phrase, it is usually used intransitively ('He double-dribbled at the key').
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Conceptually identical, but the term is far more common in the US due to basketball's popularity. British speakers are more likely to encounter and use it in an international sports context.
Connotations
In both varieties, it is a technical violation. No notable connotative difference.
Frequency
Much higher frequency in American English.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[Referee/Player] + VERB (call/commit) + a double dribble[Player] + VERB (double-dribble)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Unused outside of metaphorical or anecdotal references to sports.
Academic
Only in sports science, kinesiology, or rule analysis of basketball.
Everyday
Almost exclusively in conversations about playing or watching basketball.
Technical
The primary domain. Used in rulebooks, coaching, officiating, and sports commentary.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The point guard was furious with himself for double-dribbling in the final minute.
- You'll be penalised if you double-dribble.
American English
- The rookie double-dribbled right in front of the ref, costing his team possession.
- He double-dribbled, so the other team got the ball.
adjective
British English
- The double-dribble call was controversial but correct.
- It was a clear double-dribble violation.
American English
- That was a blatant double-dribble foul.
- The coach argued it wasn't a double-dribble situation.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The referee blew his whistle and signalled a double dribble.
- A double dribble results in a turnover to the opposing team.
- The point guard's hesitation led him to double-dribble under pressure, a critical error in the closing seconds.
- Analysing the replay, the commentator confirmed it was indeed a double dribble, not a carrying violation.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a player dribbling a ball, then stopping to think, then starting again – that's DOUBLE the dribbling action from one possession, hence a violation.
Conceptual Metaphor
A SECOND START: The metaphor implies an unfair advantage from restarting a process that should be continuous. Can be applied to indecision ('Don't double-dribble on this decision, just pick one').
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid a direct word-for-word translation like 'двойное ведение'. While technically understandable in context, the standard Russian basketball term is 'двойное ведение мяча' or more commonly just the violation is described as 'второе ведение'.
Common Mistakes
- Using it as a general term for any mistake in basketball. Confusing it with 'traveling' (walking without dribbling) or 'carrying' (hand under the ball).
Practice
Quiz
In which sport is the term 'double dribble' a specific rule violation?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It results in a turnover; the ball is awarded to the opposing team, usually out of bounds near where the violation occurred.
No. Once a player ends their dribble by catching or holding the ball with both hands, they cannot start a new dribble. Doing so is the classic example of a double dribble.
Yes, the verb form is 'to double-dribble' (often hyphenated). Example: 'He double-dribbled at the top of the key.'
A double dribble is about starting, stopping, and restarting the dribble. Carrying (or palming) is about an illegal *method* of dribbling, where the player's hand slides to the underside of the ball, momentarily holding it.