Amanda Knapp
Carrying, or palming, is a ball-handling violation in basketball. It occurs when a player dribbling the ball lets their hand slide underneath it, briefly pausing the dribble before resuming. This gives the offense an advantage, as they can move in unnatural directions, making it difficult for the defense to contain the ball. Carrying results in a turnover, with possession of the ball awarded to the opposing team. While carrying is still a violation in basketball, some sources suggest that it is rarely called by referees, particularly in the NBA, as the league prioritizes high-scoring, entertaining games.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Definition | A carry in basketball is a violation where a player puts their hand under the ball and carries it from one point to another, or pauses and then continues to dribble. |
| Other names | Carrying is also known as palming. |
| Penalty | When a player carries the ball, the referee will stop the game and give possession of the ball to the opposing team. This is called a turnover. |
| Difficulty in detection | Carrying can be difficult to detect in real-time, especially in fast-paced games. |
| Rules | The rules regarding carrying have evolved over time. While carrying is still a violation, referees may be less likely to call it, especially at the NBA level, as the league prioritizes high-scoring games with entertaining plays. |
| Prevention | Coaches should help players avoid carrying by correcting their technique and teaching proper dribbling skills. |
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What You'll Learn
The difficulty of detecting a carry
Carrying, or palming, is one of the most common violations in basketball. It occurs when a player dribbling the ball lets their hand slide underneath it, briefly pausing the dribble before resuming. This gives the player an unfair advantage by momentarily interrupting the dribble while maintaining possession.
Secondly, the subjective nature of interpreting a carry adds to the difficulty in calling it consistently. Referees must consider factors such as the angle of their view, the duration and extent of the pause in dribbling, and the movement of the player's hand and arm. These variables can lead to inconsistencies in calling carries, even for seasoned fans and officials.
Additionally, the ""pocket dribble," a technique frequently used by NBA players, further blurs the lines between legal dribbling and carrying. In this move, the player brings their hand close to their hip, almost behind the ball, creating the appearance of a brief pause. While the ball may seem to momentarily rest, it never completely stops moving, making it challenging for referees to determine whether a violation has occurred.
Furthermore, the NBA's emphasis on promoting high-scoring games with entertaining plays has led to a more relaxed attitude towards calling certain violations, including carrying. Refs may occasionally turn a blind eye to carrying, especially when executed by skilled players, which can contribute to the perception of inconsistent officiating.
To address the difficulty in detecting carries, the NBA made a concerted effort in 2022 to crack down on carrying violations, resulting in a significant increase in the number of calls made. However, this heightened scrutiny was short-lived, and the frequency of calling carries has since decreased.
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Carrying rules and how they've evolved
Carrying in basketball is a ball-handling violation. The penalty for carrying is that possession of the ball is given to the opposing team, and this counts as a turnover. Basketball players can advance the ball by passing it to a teammate, but the ball handler cannot move except while dribbling (bouncing) the ball.
The National Basketball Association Rule No. 10 (Section II (d)) states:
> "A player who is dribbling may not put any part of his hand under the ball and (1) carry it from one point to another or (2) bring it to a pause and then continue to dribble again."
Carrying is also known as palming. This rule can be misunderstood by spectators, who may see examples of carries that are not called. For example, redirecting the basketball during a dribble is not carrying, provided the ball does not come to a pause.
The rules about carrying have evolved over time. The earliest basketball rules, by Dr. James Naismith, included five core principles, one of which was that “A player cannot run with the ball”. This game was very similar to the modern game of “netball”, with players not moving when they had the ball. Players soon found a loophole by "passing to themselves". Over time, this method of passing evolved into smaller and smaller passes, until it became closer to the dribbling we see today.
In 1927, the National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC) was formed in part to oppose a push to drop dribbling from the sport. In the 1980s and 1990s, players started to see a more relaxed attitude towards dribbling. In 2022, the rules did not change, but the level to which the referees enforced them increased, speeding up the game and increasing the likelihood of steals.
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How carrying differs from double dribbling
Carrying and double dribbling are two different violations in basketball. Carrying occurs when a player dribbles with their hand underneath the ball, causing them to briefly pause without dribbling or bringing the ball below their waist. This can be difficult for referees to catch in real-time, as it often happens very quickly. Carrying gives the offense an advantage, allowing them to move in unnatural directions and making it difficult for the defense to contain the ball.
On the other hand, double dribbling is a violation that occurs when a player dribbles, picks up the ball completely, and then starts dribbling again. This is considered a clear violation of the rule that states that a player must dribble with "continual motion." Double dribbling also results in a turnover, with possession of the ball being given to the opposing team.
The main difference between carrying and double dribbling is the placement of the hand on the ball. In carrying, the player's hand is underneath the ball, while in double dribbling, the player picks up the ball completely before starting to dribble again. Additionally, carrying often involves a brief pause in the dribble, while double dribbling involves a more distinct stop and start again motion.
Both carrying and double dribbling are considered violations in basketball and can result in turnovers, with possession of the ball being given to the opposing team. However, they differ in the specific actions that constitute the violation and the placement of the player's hand on the ball. Understanding these differences is crucial for players to avoid making violations during a game.
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The impact of carrying on a player's reputation
Carrying in basketball is a ball-handling violation, and it occurs when a player dribbles with their hand underneath the ball, or pauses their dribble and then continues to dribble again. Carrying is also known as palming and is considered one of the most common violations in basketball, although it is usually unintentional. The violation results in a turnover, with possession of the ball given to the opposing team.
The impact of committing multiple carrying violations can negatively affect a player's reputation, as their teammates may begin to see them as a liability and no longer trust them to follow the rules. This can create a sense of internal stigma, with the player potentially gaining a reputation for being a rule-breaker. This could lead to a loss of respect from their teammates and coaches, and potentially even disciplinary action from the team.
To avoid this, it is important for coaches to correct players who frequently carry the basketball and teach them proper dribbling techniques. Small-sided games and drills can help players improve their dribbling skills in game-like situations and avoid carrying violations. Additionally, referees are specially trained to spot the difference between a legal dribble and a carry, so players must be aware of the rules and avoid making these mistakes.
While carrying violations can reflect poorly on a player's reputation, it is important to note that they are common and often unintentional. Players who work on their dribbling skills and maintain a good understanding of the rules can improve their reputation and avoid committing carries.
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The 'pocket dribble' and its legality
Carrying, palming, or double dribbling is a ball-handling violation in basketball. It occurs when a player dribbling the ball puts their hand under it, carries it from one point to another, or brings it to a pause and then continues to dribble again. This gives the offense an advantage, as they can move in unnatural directions, making it difficult for the defense to contain them.
The pocket dribble is a technique that some players want to add to their game. However, it is unclear whether or not it is a carry. Some believe that it is impossible to execute the pocket dribble without having at least a finger or two, or part of the hand, under the ball, which would constitute a carrying violation. On the other hand, others argue that it is possible to execute the pocket dribble without carrying the ball, and therefore, it is a legal move.
The legality of the pocket dribble is a matter of interpretation and may depend on the specific implementation. The rules of basketball allow for some ambiguity, and it is up to the referees to make a judgment call based on their interpretation of the rules.
To avoid committing a carrying violation, players should focus on keeping their hand on top of the ball while dribbling and ensuring that their dribble is continuous, without any stopping, hesitation, or pausing. Coaches play a crucial role in correcting players who frequently carry the basketball and instilling proper dribbling techniques.
While carrying is a common violation, it can be challenging to detect in real time during a live game. Players, fans, and officials often miss it because it happens so quickly. This highlights the importance of understanding the rules and developing proper dribbling skills to avoid unintentional violations that can impact the outcome of a game.
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Frequently asked questions
A carry, also known as palming, is a violation in basketball where a player moves their hand underneath the ball while dribbling, causing a brief pause in the dribble before resuming.
Carrying gives the offensive player an unfair advantage by allowing them to momentarily pause their dribble while maintaining possession. It also disrupts the flow of the game, as dribbling is meant to keep the game flowing and allow players to move around the court.
If a player is called for carrying, it results in a turnover, and possession of the ball is awarded to the opposing team. While this can hinder the offensive team's scoring opportunities, it typically does not result in any long-lasting harm.
Double dribbling occurs when a player dribbles, picks up the ball completely, and then starts dribbling again. Traveling refers to the number of steps a player takes without dribbling, while carrying focuses on the player's hand placement on the ball.
While carrying is considered a violation in the NBA, referees may sometimes look the other way or fail to catch it due to the fast pace of the game. The NBA wants high-scoring, entertaining games, so they are generally less strict about calling certain violations, including carrying. However, there have been periods where the NBA has increased its focus on calling carrying violations.
