
In basketball, there is no rule governing the number of steps per bounce when dribbling. However, there are rules regarding the number of steps taken while holding the ball, also known as travelling or traveling. According to the NBA, NCAA, NFHS, and FIBA rules, a player is allowed to take two steps without dribbling or carrying the ball, after which a travelling violation is called and possession of the ball is turned over to the opposing team.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of steps allowed while dribbling | There is no limit to the number of steps that can be taken while dribbling |
| Number of steps allowed without dribbling | Two steps are allowed without dribbling, per NBA, FIBA, and NBRA rules. NCAA and NFHS rules do not allow two steps without dribbling. |
| Pivot foot | If a player shifts or moves their established pivot foot, it's deemed a traveling violation. |
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What You'll Learn

There is no limit to the number of steps per bounce
The rules regarding traveling in basketball state that a player cannot take more than a predefined number of steps while holding the ball. This limit varies depending on the basketball association. For example, the NBA and FIBA consider traveling to be taking more than two steps without dribbling, while the NCAA and NFHS have stricter interpretations and do not permit any steps without a dribble.
Despite the differences in rules regarding traveling, there is no mention of a limit to the number of steps per bounce. This means that players are free to take as many steps as they need between bounces, as long as they are dribbling. This interpretation is supported by the fact that dribbling was introduced to the sport by the Yale University basketball team in 1897 and has since become a fundamental part of the game.
While there is no limit to the number of steps per bounce, players must still follow the rules regarding pivot feet. A pivot is a legal move in which a player holding the ball steps once or more than once in any direction with the same foot while keeping the other foot, called the pivot foot, in contact with the floor. If a player shifts or moves their established pivot foot, it is considered a traveling violation.
In conclusion, while there are rules in basketball regarding traveling and pivot feet, there is no limit to the number of steps per bounce. Players are free to take as many steps as they need between bounces, as long as they are dribbling and maintain their pivot foot. This allows for a variety of strategies and techniques to be employed during gameplay.
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You can dribble slowly and take many quick steps between bounces
There is no rule governing how many steps you can take per bounce when dribbling in basketball. You can dribble slowly and take many quick steps between bounces. The height of the dribble or the number of steps taken per dribble is irrelevant. However, the dribbler must always maintain control of the ball. If the ball is bobbled or fumbled, several steps can be taken legally as the travelling rule is not in effect until the player has secured control of the ball again.
Dribbling is the movement of a live ball caused by a player in control of that ball who bounces it on the floor and touches it again before it touches another player. The dribble starts when a player, having gained control of a live ball on the playing court, bounces it on the floor and touches it again before it touches another player. The ball must touch the floor.
To dribble as you walk, step so that one of your feet always hits the ground with the ball. Keep the ball 3 inches away from the side of your body and low to the ground while you move. Keep your knees bent, and your head up. Your dribble should be quick, yet steady and controlled. Each time the ball returns to your hand, make contact with your fingertips and push it back down with a controlled motion of the wrist and forearm.
Travelling is a violation of the rules of basketball in which a player takes more than a predefined number of steps while holding the ball. In the NBA and FIBA, when a player has taken more than two steps without the ball being dribbled, a travelling violation is called. The NCAA and NFHS have stricter interpretations, not permitting the two-step motion without a dribble.
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You can't travel while dribbling
In basketball, travelling is a violation of the rules in which a player takes more than a predefined number of steps while holding the ball. Both the NBA and FIBA define travelling as taking more than two steps without dribbling. However, there is no rule governing how many steps you can take per bounce when you are dribbling.
Dribbling was introduced by the Yale University basketball team in 1897 and has since become a fundamental part of the sport. While dribbling, a player's pivot foot may not be lifted before the ball is released from their hands. Once a player has stopped dribbling, they may lift their pivot foot and stand on their non-pivot foot for as long as they want. However, if they put their pivot foot down again, it becomes a travelling violation.
When a player is dribbling, they have control of the ball, and it is impossible to travel while dribbling. The height of the dribble or number of steps taken per dribble is irrelevant. A player who bobbles a pass may take several steps legally, as the travelling rule is not in effect until they have secured control of the ball. Similarly, a player who dives and catches a loose ball on the floor may legally slide as far as their momentum carries them. However, once they stop, they may not roll over or attempt to stand, as this would be considered travelling.
In conclusion, while there is a limit to the number of steps a player can take without dribbling, there is no such limit while dribbling. Therefore, you cannot travel while dribbling in basketball.
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The pivot foot cannot be lifted before the ball is released
In basketball, travelling is a violation of the rules in which a player takes more steps than allowed while holding the ball. The rules regarding travelling vary slightly depending on the league and organisation. For example, the NBA and FIBA define travelling as taking more than two steps without dribbling, while the NCAA and NFHS have stricter interpretations, not permitting the two-step motion without a dribble.
The pivot foot is a key component of the travelling rule. If a player shifts or moves their established pivot foot, it's deemed a travelling violation. When a player catches the ball with both feet on the playing court, they may pivot, using either foot. When one foot is lifted, the other is the pivot foot.
Lifting the pivot foot alone is not a violation, and a player may pass, shoot, or request a timeout in that position. However, the pivot foot cannot be lifted before the ball is released. If the pivot foot touches the ground again before the ball is passed or shot, then a travelling violation occurs. This is outlined in FIBA OBR 2017 Rule 25, which states: "To start a dribble, the pivot foot may not be lifted before the ball is released from the hands."
To summarise, the pivot foot must remain on the floor until the ball is released from the hands. If a player jumps off their pivot foot to pass or shoot for a field goal, neither foot may be returned to the floor before releasing the ball.
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The NCAA and NFHS have stricter rules on steps without dribbling
In basketball, travelling is a violation of the rules in which a player takes more than a predefined number of steps while holding the ball. Taking more steps without dribbling than the limit will result in a turnover and possession of the ball for the opposing team.
The NBA and FIBA define travelling as taking more than two steps without dribbling. However, the NCAA and NFHS have stricter rules, not permitting the two-step motion without a dribble. This means that a player cannot take two steps and shoot the ball after being passed the ball without dribbling. In college (NCAA) rules, there is no longer possession or team control once the ball is in flight for a shot attempt. It is up to the referee's discretion as to whether or not a legitimate field goal attempt was made. In high school (NFHS) rules, there is no specific ruling on being the first to touch the ball in such situations, leaving any ruling to the discretion of the judges.
The pivot foot is another dimension of the travelling rule. If a player shifts or moves their established pivot foot, it is deemed a travelling violation. A pivot is the legal movement in which a player who is holding a live ball on the playing court steps once or more than once in any direction with the same foot, while the other foot, called the pivot foot, is kept at its point of contact with the floor. The moment one foot is lifted, the other foot becomes the pivot foot. To start a dribble, the pivot foot may not be lifted before the ball is released from the hands.
There are no rules governing how many steps a player can take per bounce when dribbling. Dribbling is considered separate from travelling, and a player can take as many steps as they like between dribbles.
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Frequently asked questions
There is no limit to the number of steps a player can take while dribbling. However, the player must dribble continuously and not hold the ball.
According to the NBA and FIBA rules, players are allowed to take two steps without dribbling. The NCAA and NFHS have stricter rules, not permitting any steps without dribbling.
Traveling is a violation of the rules of basketball in which a player takes more than two steps without dribbling. Traveling can also be called if the player has an unestablished pivot foot.
A pivot foot is a foot that a player is allowed to rotate or move in a particular direction while holding a live ball. The other foot must be kept at its point of contact with the floor.











































