To move a ball forward by repeatedly bouncing, kicking, or tapping it while maintaining control and possession.
Originally meant 'to fall in drops' from Middle English 'driblen.' The sports meaning evolved in the 1800s, comparing the ball's movement to water droplets falling intermittently.
Basketball's dribbling rule was actually added later - early games allowed players to just run with the ball! The dribble transformed basketball from rugby-like scrambles into the fluid, artistic sport we know today.
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