If a player dribbles or bounces the ball incorrectly, what call might the umpire make?

In netball, when a player dribbles or bounces the ball incorrectly, the appropriate call by the umpire is typically a free pass. This call is made to signal that there has been a breach of the rules due to the incorrect handling of the ball. The player who is granted the free pass will then have an opportunity to restart the game from the spot where the violation occurred, allowing for a fair chance to continue play.

The reason for this is that netball has specific rules governing how the ball can be handled, and any infractions require a penalty that allows for the game to continue smoothly. A free pass serves to maintain the flow of the game while correcting any errors made by the player. This is crucial in ensuring that the game remains fair and competitive.

By contrast, other options such as a dribble violation or a turnover indicate different types of faults that may not appropriately reflect the situation of incorrect dribbling. Offside pertains to a player's position relative to the court and the play rather than how the ball is being handled, making it irrelevant in this specific context. Therefore, recognizing the correct call helps reinforce the rules of proper ball handling in netball.