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What Is a Double Dribble in Basketball?

Once you stop dribbling, the rules become much stricter.

A double dribble occurs when a player starts dribbling again after already ending a dribble.

A double dribble violation happens when a player dribbles the ball, stops, gains control of it, and then begins dribbling again. It can also occur if a player dribbles with both hands at the same time. The rule prevents players from gaining an unfair advantage by repeatedly restarting their dribble. The penalty is loss of possession.