The dribbling hand must always be on top of the ball. In reality, each time the ball is dribbled with a hand on the side or beneath the ball, it is a violation (carrying or palming the ball) and an instant turnover. To shield the ball from the defender, the off hand is kept in an elbow high posture. This is why coaches instruct their players to "keep their hands up" when playing defense. In fact, the only time when one can be sure that the player has the ball is when his or her hand is completely over it. Even then, though, it is best to say that the player has the ball until it is confirmed by a review of the video tape of the game. There are times when it is necessary for the player to go into battle with an injured hand, but that is true of every player on the court. A wounded hand means that you have been hit, so keep your head up and watch where you are throwing your arm! If you are looking at your fingers instead of the ball, you have missed a shot. It does not matter how good your jumper is if you do not have the ball. The more important thing is that you not get scored upon for missing shots. As a general rule, if there is a hand visible when the ball is thrown in, it should be held above shoulder height.