Under what condition is a double dribble called?

A double dribble is called when a player stops dribbling the basketball and then attempts to begin dribbling again. This rule is in place to maintain the flow of the game and ensure fair play, as allowing players to restart their dribble after stopping would create an unfair advantage. When a player halts the dribble and resumes it, it can confuse both defenders and officials, and it can lead to unintentional violations during gameplay.

This specific infraction is part of the overall rules that govern how dribbling should be performed in basketball, helping to prevent players from gaining leverage through repeated actions that aren't allowed. Understanding this concept is essential for players and officials, as it ensures that everyone is on the same page regarding legal movements with the basketball.