The play described below is provided for your review and discussion. The rulings given are based on NFHS rules. NCAA rulings may be different.
A-5 ends her dribble and jumps to attempt a try. The ball slips out of her hands. A-5 lands and then catches the ball before it is touched by any other player and before it hits the floor.
Handle the situation.
By definition, the ball slipping out of the grasp of A-5 is considered a fumble. By rule, anyone can recover a fumble. So, the catching of the ball by A-5 is legal since player control ended when the ball slipped from A-5’s hands. To have a traveling violation that some people believe would be the case, one must be holding the ball throughout the play.
Of course, since no one has touched the ball, A-5 cannot dribble since this would constitute an illegal second dribble. A-5 can pass or shoot.
(References: 4-21, 4-44)
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Paul that’s a great question. That’s why we must see the play from start to finish.
Very Interesting Play. Correct. This Play could easily get miss called and would be hard to explain to
the Coach, why you allow the play to continue. Thanks!
What is A5 able to do with the ball?
I hear the coaches for the opposing team screaming at the officials already for a travelling call. This is one that I would just have to shake my head “no” and continue the play.
Trying to explain the details would take more than a simple explanation to the coach!
Hopefully the coach is educated on the ruing of a travel.
David Ridgeway