What constitutes the start of a dribble in basketball?

The start of a dribble in basketball is defined as the action of pushing the ball to the floor. This is paramount in the game, as a dribble is a fundamental movement that involves a player bouncing the ball while running or walking. The specific action of "pushing the ball to the floor" initiates a legal dribble and distinguishes it from other actions such as simply lifting the ball or holding it.

In contrast, lifting the pivot foot only does not constitute a dribble start, as the player must first push the ball to the ground while having at least one foot on the floor to initiate a legal dribble. Grabbing the ball with both hands indicates the player has either caught or secured the ball, but does not signify the commencement of dribbling. Lastly, throwing the ball to a teammate is a form of passing and does not involve a dribble at all, which strictly pertains to the individual movement of bouncing the ball while in motion. Thus, the act of pushing the ball to the floor is recognized as the correct initiation of a dribbleunder NFHS rules.