Kristian Ferrell
Basketball is a sport that requires players to have good footwork. The rules around steps can be tricky, and one of the most common violations in the game is travelling, which occurs when a player holding the ball moves their feet illegally. In the NBA, players are allowed to take two steps after they gather the ball before they must either pass, shoot, or dribble. However, the gather step is not counted as one of the two steps, which can make it seem like players are taking three steps. Players must also be careful not to lift their pivot foot before passing or shooting, as this will also result in a travelling violation. Understanding the rules around steps is crucial for playing basketball at any level and can help players refine their movements to avoid violations.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of steps allowed | Two steps |
| When does the count start? | When both hands touch the ball, or a hand goes under the ball, or the ball is pinned to the body |
| Pivot foot | Once a pivot foot is established, it cannot be lifted and returned to the floor before dribbling or shooting the ball. |
| Gathering the ball while progressing | Two steps are allowed in coming to a stop, passing or shooting the ball. If the player has not dribbled, one step is allowed before releasing the ball. |
| Gathering the ball while dribbling | Two steps are allowed in coming to a stop, passing, or shooting the ball. |
| Jump stop | A player may jump off one foot and land on both feet simultaneously, allowing them to pivot on either foot. |
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What You'll Learn
The basic rule: two steps without dribbling
The basic rule of basketball is that a player can take two steps with the ball in their hands without dribbling. This means that once a player has caught the ball or ended a dribble, they can take two steps before they must pass, shoot, or start dribbling again.
This two-step rule can be thought of as a rhythm: catch, step, step, pass/shoot/dribble. As long as players stick to this rhythm, they are adhering to the rules. A useful way to practice this rule is to think of basketball greats such as Michael Jordan, who was known for his graceful moves toward the basket, where he would often take two steps before laying the ball in with a smooth finger roll.
The two-step rule is important because if a player takes more than two steps without dribbling, they commit a violation called travelling. Travelling is when a player breaks the step rules, either by taking more than two steps without dribbling or by lifting their pivot foot before passing or shooting. Travelling is a fundamental rule in basketball that helps maintain the game's structure and fairness. It is one of the most commonly called violations in the game, and if spotted by the referee, results in an immediate turnover to the other team.
It is important to note that the gather step, when a player catches the ball, does not count as one of the two steps. This means that a player can take two steps after they have gathered the ball, which can seem like three steps to those watching.
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The pivot foot
In basketball, the pivot foot is a key concept that players must master early in their journey. It is a fundamental building block for learning more advanced dribbling and footwork skills. The pivot foot is the foot that remains in contact with the floor while a player controls the ball while stopped. The player may spin or change position, but only if their pivot foot does not move from its initial position or lose contact with the floor.
A player may establish a pivot foot either before dribbling or after picking up their dribble. Once a pivot foot is established, the player may move their other foot as many times as they choose, but they must pass or shoot before their pivot foot leaves the floor. If a player raises their pivot foot before passing or shooting, they will commit a violation called travelling. Travelling is a fundamental rule in basketball that maintains the game's structure and fairness. It occurs when a player holding the ball moves one or both feet illegally.
There are three legal ways to free the pivot foot without travelling: shooting, passing, and dribbling. When it comes to passing, players with an established pivot foot may jump before passing the ball under the condition that they release it before either of their feet touch the ground again. As for dribbling, the ball must be out of the player's hand before the pivot foot is raised off the floor. If a player dribbles with the ball in their possession, they must pass or shoot before their pivot foot returns to the floor.
It is important to note that a player cannot change their pivot foot. If they do, they will commit a travelling violation. Additionally, right-handed players will naturally gravitate towards using their left foot as the pivot foot, and vice versa for left-handed players. However, the optimal pivot foot depends on the situation, so players should practice pivoting on both feet from the beginning.
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Traveling: a violation
Traveling is a fundamental rule in basketball that ensures the game's structure and fairness are maintained. It is one of the most commonly called violations in the game, and occurs when a player holding the ball moves one or both of their feet illegally. This means taking more than two steps without dribbling, or lifting the pivot foot before passing or shooting.
The basic rule is that a player can take two steps with the ball in their hands without dribbling. This means that from the moment the player catches the ball or ends a dribble, they have the right to take two steps before they must pass, shoot, or start dribbling again. The first step occurs when a foot, or both feet, touch the floor after gaining control of the ball. The second step occurs after the first step when the other foot touches the floor, or both feet touch the floor simultaneously.
A player who receives the ball while standing still may pivot, using either foot as the pivot foot. If a player is progressing and jumps off one foot on the first step, they may land with both feet simultaneously for the second step. In this situation, the player may not pivot with either foot and if one or both feet leave the floor, the ball must be released before either returns to the floor. A player who lands with one foot first may only pivot using that foot.
A traveling violation is also called if a player starts their dribble with a step but without having established a pivot foot. This means that in starting a dribble after receiving the ball while standing still or coming to a legal stop, the ball must be out of the player’s hand before the pivot foot is raised off the floor. If a player, with the ball in their possession, raises their pivot foot off the floor, they must pass or shoot before their pivot foot returns to the floor.
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The gather step
The confusion surrounding the gather step arises from the difference in rules between leagues. In high school and college basketball, the count of steps occurs as soon as dribbling is stopped, and any movement is considered a step. This stricter interpretation of the travelling rule means that the gather step is considered a violation.
The implementation of the gather step rule in the NBA has led to increased offensive efficiency and a more entertaining style of play. Players like Giannis Antetokounmpo and James Harden have effectively utilised the gather step to create separation and cover ground quickly, making it challenging for defenders.
While the gather step has added a new dimension to the game, it has also sparked debate among players, coaches, and fans. Critics argue that leniency on travelling takes away from the fundamentals of the game and makes it challenging to determine what constitutes a travel. Understanding the differences in gather step rules across leagues is crucial, especially for young players transitioning between levels.
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Starting to dribble
Dribbling is one of the fundamental skills in basketball, and it can be intimidating for beginners to learn. However, with practice and the right techniques, anyone can improve their dribbling skills.
When starting to dribble, it is important to maintain a low stance to keep the ball close to the ground, as this makes it easier to control. Players should also relax their fingers and spread them out evenly across the basketball. This increases the surface area of contact, giving the player more control over the ball. Stiff hands and fingers can lead to "slapping" at the ball, so it is crucial to stay relaxed.
Additionally, players should keep their heads up and avoid looking at the ball while dribbling. During a game, players need to be aware of their teammates, defenders, and the basket's location. Practicing this skill will eventually make dribbling feel like second nature, allowing players to trust their instincts and focus on the game.
To improve dribbling skills, players can try various drills. One such drill involves dribbling the ball while holding a balloon. The player throws the balloon in the air and taps it upwards while maintaining their dribble. This drill improves ball control and forces players to focus on the balloon instead of the basketball. Another drill involves setting a timer for 15-30 seconds and performing one-ball and two-ball ball-handling drills to enhance a player's feel for the basketball.
It is also essential to understand the rules associated with dribbling to avoid violations. For example, a player cannot dribble a second time after ending their first dribble unless they lose control of the ball due to specific reasons, such as a shot for a field goal or a pass. Additionally, players must avoid traveling, which is moving with the ball without dribbling, and double dribbling, which involves dribbling with both hands simultaneously or dribbling, stopping, and then dribbling again.
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Frequently asked questions
A basketball player can take two steps with the ball in their hands without dribbling. This means that from the moment the player catches the ball or ends a dribble, they have the right to take two steps before they must pass, shoot, or start dribbling again.
Taking more than two steps without dribbling the basketball is considered a "walk" or "travelling" in basketball. Travelling is a rule that is fundamental to maintaining the game's structure and fairness.
To avoid committing a "walk" violation, the player must establish a pivot foot. The first foot that hits the ground after gathering the basketball is considered the pivot foot. Once a pivot foot is established, the player cannot lift that foot and return it to the floor before dribbling or shooting the ball.
