Dribbling

/ˈdrɪblɪŋ/ verb

Definition

Present participle of dribble; letting liquid fall in small drops, or in sports, moving a ball forward with small touches while maintaining control.

Etymology

From Middle English driblen, a frequentative form of 'drip'. The sports sense developed in the late 19th century, first in football (soccer), then basketball.

Kelly Says

The basketball dribble was actually illegal when the game was first invented in 1891 - players could only pass! The rule changed because players naturally started bouncing the ball to move around the court.

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