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-1 is near the sideline when A-2 passes the ball to him. The pass is offline and A-1 deflects to ball to keep it from going out of bounds. After the deflection A-1 loses his balance and steps off the court and then back on. A-1 does not touch the ball while momentarily off the court. A-1 recovers the ball before anyone can touch it and starts a dribble.
Handle the situation.
This is legal play. By rule, a player is considered to be in control of the ball while dribbling or holding the ball. Neither of those conditions are present here. Since there was no player control, A-1 may legally recover the ball after returning to the playing court. There is no penalty for leaving the court and returning since A-1’s actions were involuntary.
(References: Rules 4-12-1, 7-1-1)
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Very Interesting Play. Correct. Thanks!
Hey Paul, what if A1 catches the ball off balance, falling out of bounds. Drops the ball in bounds then goes OOB before coming back in to control ball with continued dribble or just holding the ball??
That would be an OOB violation if the official deemed A1 to be in control of the ball. The dropping of the ball starts A1’s dribble.