Andrew Pace
In basketball, traveling is a violation of the rules that occurs when a player takes more than a predefined number of steps while holding a live ball. The number of steps considered a travel varies depending on the league and the specific rules being followed. In the NBA and FIBA, a player is allowed to take two steps after gathering the ball before they must either pass, shoot, or dribble. The NCAA and NFHS have stricter rules, not permitting any steps without dribbling. The interpretation of what constitutes a step can vary, with some leagues considering the gather step as the first step, while others do not. Ultimately, the traveling rule in basketball helps maintain order and fairness in the game, encouraging players to develop good footwork and ball-handling skills.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of steps allowed | 2 |
| Definition of traveling | Taking more than two steps without dribbling |
| Pivot foot | The foot that a player is allowed to pivot on, provided it is kept at its point of contact with the floor |
| Gather step | The first step after gaining control of the ball, which doesn't count as one of the two allowed steps |
| Starting to dribble | A traveling violation occurs if a player starts dribbling without establishing a pivot foot |
| Changing pivot foot | A traveling violation occurs if a player changes their pivot foot |
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What You'll Learn
The gather step
However, in the NBA and FIBA, the first step after dribbling is considered the "zero step", and players are allowed two additional steps. This rule change has been utilised by players like Giannis Antetokounmpo and James Harden to create separation and quickly cover ground, making it difficult for defenders to keep up.
Overall, the gather step has had a significant impact on the game, particularly at the professional level, and it continues to be a topic of debate among players, fans, and coaches.
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Pivot foot rules
The pivot foot is an important concept in basketball, and understanding the rules around it is crucial for players to avoid committing travelling violations. Here is a detailed explanation of the pivot foot rules in basketball:
Selecting the Pivot Foot
When a player receives the ball while standing still, they can choose either foot as their pivot foot. However, if a player is progressing or dribbling when they gain control of the ball, the rules for selecting the pivot foot differ. In these cases, the first foot to touch the floor after getting the ball becomes the pivot foot. It is important to note that if a player jumps with both feet while progressing, they must release the ball before either foot touches the floor again.
Pivoting and Moving
Once the pivot foot is established, the player can move their non-pivot foot as many times as they want. However, they cannot lift their pivot foot off the floor until they have started their dribble or passed/released the ball. If a player accidentally or intentionally lifts their pivot foot before releasing the ball, they must pass or shoot before their pivot foot returns to the floor. Additionally, sliding the pivot foot before releasing the ball is considered travelling.
Jumping and Landing
If a player jumps off one foot, they can land with both feet simultaneously for the next step. In this case, they cannot pivot and must release the ball before either foot touches the floor again. On the other hand, if a player lands with one foot first, they can only pivot using that foot.
Dribbling and Passing
When starting a dribble or passing the ball, the ball must be out of the player's hand before they lift their pivot foot off the floor. If a player drops the ball while in the air, they cannot be the first to touch it after the drop. Additionally, a player who falls to the floor while holding the ball or coming to a stop must not slide to gain an advantage.
These pivot foot rules are essential for players to understand and master, as they directly impact their movement and ball-handling skills on the court. By adhering to these rules, players can avoid committing travelling violations and improve their overall gameplay.
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Dribbling rules
The dribbling rules in basketball are an essential part of the game and are often subject to interpretation by referees. Here are some of the key rules regarding dribbling:
Two-Step Rule
The two-step rule is a fundamental concept in basketball. A player who gathers the ball while dribbling is allowed to take two steps to come to a stop, pass, or shoot the ball. The first step is taken when a foot, or both feet, touch the floor after gaining control of the ball. The second step occurs when the other foot touches the floor or both feet touch the floor simultaneously. This rule is interpreted differently across various basketball leagues. The NBA and FIBA allow a two-step motion without dribbling, while the NCAA and NFHS have stricter interpretations, not permitting any steps without a dribble.
Pivot Foot
The pivot foot is an important concept in dribbling rules. When a player is holding a live ball on the court, they can legally pivot by stepping once or more than once in any direction with the same foot while keeping the other foot, the pivot foot, in contact with the floor. If a player shifts or moves their established pivot foot, it is deemed a traveling violation. When starting a dribble, the pivot foot must not be lifted before the ball is released from the hands.
Double Dribble
A double dribble occurs when a player dribbles a second time after voluntarily ending their first dribble. This is a violation, and the penalty is a loss of the ball, which is awarded to the opposing team. However, a player may dribble a second time if they lost control of the ball due to specific reasons, such as a field goal attempt or a pass that touches the backboard or basket ring.
Carrying Violation
A carrying violation occurs when a player's hand is under the ball during a dribble or when they carry the ball from one position to another with their hand on the side or bottom of the ball. This rule is related to the concept of "palming" or "scooping" the ball, which is illegal.
Out-of-Bounds
When dribbling, if a player steps on or outside a boundary line, they are not allowed to return inbounds and continue their dribble. They may not be the first player to touch the ball after re-establishing an inbound position.
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NCAA and NFHS rules
The rules and interpretation of travelling in basketball have been a source of much discussion and even controversy over the years, with the NCAA and NFHS (National Federation of State High School Associations) having their own specific rules and interpretations. The fundamental rule of travelling in basketball is that a player with the ball may not take more than one step to stop, or two steps to start or continue, a dribble. However, the interpretation of what constitutes a "step" has been a point of contention and has
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Enforcement in the NBA
In the NBA, traveling is defined as taking more than two steps without dribbling the basketball. A player who gathers the ball while progressing may take two steps before stopping, passing, or shooting the ball. Alternatively, if they have not yet dribbled, they may take one step before releasing the ball to start their dribble. A player who gathers the ball while dribbling may take two steps before stopping, passing, or shooting the ball.
The NBA's traveling rules also include stipulations about the pivot foot. The pivot foot is the foot that remains in contact with the floor while the other foot, holding the ball, steps once or more than once in any direction. If a player lifts their pivot foot and returns it to the floor, drags it along the floor, or shuffles their feet before starting a dribble, it is considered a traveling violation. Additionally, a player who attempts a field goal may not be the first to touch the ball if it fails to touch the backboard, basket ring, or another player.
While these are the official rules, some observers note that enforcement of the traveling rule in the NBA is not rigorous, and violations are often overlooked. This may be due to the difficulty of officiating at the fast pace of an NBA game, or the benefit of the doubt given to star players.
In recent years, the NBA has attempted to clarify its traveling rules. In 2019, the NBA rule book was revised to include a formal definition of the "gather," which is the point at which a player gains enough control of the ball to hold it, change hands, pass, shoot, or cradle it against their body. This revision aimed to eliminate the gap between the rule as written and how it is applied in NBA games, providing additional clarity on the number of steps allowed after the gather.
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Frequently asked questions
Taking more than two steps without dribbling the ball is considered travelling in basketball.
The "gather step" is the first step after a player has gained control of the ball. This step does not count as one of the two allowed steps in the NBA.
A pivot foot is the foot that remains in contact with the floor while the other foot, without the ball, steps once or more than once in any direction.
Yes, a travel can also be called if a player carries the ball or fails to establish a pivot foot.
A travelling violation is called, resulting in a turnover, with the ball awarded to the opposing team.
