Ayrton Oneill
Basketball is a sport with a variety of rules that govern the movement of the ball and players. One of the most important rules is that a player cannot move their pivot foot before dribbling the ball. If a player is dribbling, they cannot carry the ball or bring it to a pause and then continue to dribble. Additionally, a player cannot touch the floor consecutively with the same foot after ending their dribble or gaining control of the ball. These rules are in place to ensure fair play and prevent players from gaining an unfair advantage. Understanding and adhering to these rules are crucial for players to legally move with the ball and avoid violations during a basketball game.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of steps allowed | In the NBA and FIBA, a player cannot take more than two steps without dribbling; in NCAA and NFHS, only one step is allowed. |
| Pivot foot | The pivot foot must stay in contact with the floor when holding a live ball. The pivot foot may not be lifted before the ball is released from the hand(s). |
| Dribbling | A player cannot dribble a second time after voluntarily ending their first dribble. The ball must be out of the player's hand before the pivot foot is raised off the floor. |
| Falling | A player who falls to the floor while holding the ball may not gain an advantage by sliding. Rolling or attempting to stand up while holding the ball is a violation. |
| Touching the ball | A player may not be the first to touch their own pass unless the ball touches the backboard, basket ring, or another player. |
| Touching the floor | A player may not touch the floor consecutively with the same foot after ending their dribble or gaining control of the ball. |
| Throwing the ball | Throwing the ball against the backboard to oneself is a violation of the double dribble rule and a travel. |
| Out-of-bounds | A player shall not be the last to touch the ball before it goes out-of-bounds. The ball is then awarded to the opposing team. |
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What You'll Learn
You can't move with the ball without dribbling
Basketball players cannot move with the ball without dribbling it. This is known as travelling, and it is a violation in basketball. Travelling occurs when a player holding the ball moves one or both feet in any direction beyond prescribed limits. The player must either dribble the ball or take a maximum of two steps without dribbling.
If a player is dribbling the ball, they cannot put their hand under the ball and carry it from one point to another. They also cannot bring the ball to a pause and then continue to dribble again. Additionally, a player may not touch the floor consecutively with the same foot after ending their dribble or gaining control of the ball. This is called a 'hop'.
If a player is receiving the ball while standing still or coming to a legal stop, the ball must be out of their hand before the pivot foot is raised off the floor. If the player's pivot foot is off the floor, they must pass or shoot before the pivot foot returns to the floor. If they drop the ball while in the air, they may not be the first to touch it.
A player who falls to the floor while holding the ball or while coming to a stop may not gain an advantage by sliding. They also may not be the first to touch their own pass unless the ball touches the backboard, basket ring, or another player.
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Don't touch the floor with the same foot consecutively
When it comes to the legal movement of the ball in basketball, there are several rules that players must abide by. One such rule is that a player must not touch the floor with the same foot consecutively. This is known as travelling or a travel, and is considered a violation of the rules.
Travelling occurs when a player holding the ball moves one foot or both feet in any direction beyond the prescribed limits, without dribbling. In the NBA and FIBA, a travel is called when a player has taken more than two steps without dribbling the ball. The NCAA and NFHS rules, however, do not allow for even two steps, and are stricter in this regard.
When a player has gained control of the ball, the first step occurs when one foot or both feet touch the floor. The second step occurs when the other foot touches the floor, or both feet touch the floor simultaneously. After the first step, a player may pivot using either foot as the pivot foot. However, if a player jumps with both feet, neither foot may touch the floor before the ball is released from the hands.
It is important to note that lifting the pivot foot alone does not constitute travelling. A player may pass, shoot, or request a timeout in that position. Travelling occurs once the pivot foot is returned to the floor, or if a dribble is started.
In the context of not touching the floor with the same foot consecutively, the NBA has introduced a new rule. According to this rule, a player cannot gather the ball on one foot, jump off that foot, and then land on the same foot. This rule aims to prevent the ball handler from gaining an advantage in terms of changing direction with the ball. While this rule is specific to the NBA, it is expected that other leagues will adopt it in the future.
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Don't use your legs to move or secure the ball
When you have possession of the ball, you must not use your legs to move or secure it. This is known as travelling or steps, and it is a violation of the rules of basketball. In the NBA and FIBA, a travelling violation is called when a player takes more than two steps without dribbling. NCAA and NFHS rules do not allow two steps, and a player can be penalised for taking one and a half steps.
When a player has the ball, they must not lift their pivot foot off the floor before releasing the ball from their hands. If they do, they must pass or shoot before their pivot foot returns to the floor. A player who falls to the floor while holding the ball may not gain an advantage by sliding. They may not roll or attempt to stand up while holding the ball. This is a violation, and the ball will be awarded to the opposing team.
A player must also not touch the floor consecutively with the same foot or both feet after ending their dribble or gaining control of the ball. This is known as hopping and is also a violation. A player may not dribble a second time after they have voluntarily ended their first dribble.
In addition, a player must not use their legs to intentionally move or secure the ball. If a violation occurs by the offence, the ball is awarded to the opposing team on the sideline nearest the spot of the violation. If the violation occurs by the defence, the offensive team retains possession of the ball on the sideline nearest the spot of the violation.
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Don't throw the ball off the backboard to yourself
When it comes to the rules of basketball, there are some common misconceptions. One such misunderstanding is the idea that a player can throw the ball off the backboard to themselves without violating any rules. This is, in fact, not allowed under the rules of basketball.
Intentionally throwing the ball off the backboard to oneself is not permitted, and doing so would be a violation of the rules. This action does not fall under the definition of a legitimate pass or shot, as these terms are well-defined in the rules of the game. A pass is understood as attempting to throw the ball to a teammate, and a shot implies an intent to score. Throwing the ball off the backboard to oneself does not meet the criteria for either of these actions.
Such an action would be considered a double dribble violation. The rules clearly state that a player may not dribble a second time after voluntarily ending their first dribble. By throwing the ball off the backboard to oneself, the player is, in effect, starting a new dribble after the first one has ended, which is not allowed.
It is important to note that there are specific scenarios where a player is allowed to resume dribbling after an unintentional loss of possession or a legitimate pass/shot attempt where the ball touches the backboard. However, an intentional throw off the backboard to oneself is not one of those scenarios. If this action were legal, we would see it being used frequently in basketball games at all levels, but it is not, as it is a clear violation of the rules.
In conclusion, players should be aware that intentionally throwing the ball off the backboard to themselves is not a legal move in basketball. It violates the double dribble rule and could result in a turnover or a travel violation, depending on the specific circumstances. Understanding and adhering to the rules of the game are crucial for fair and enjoyable gameplay.
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You can pivot on one foot, but not drag it
Pivoting is a fundamental skill in basketball, allowing players to change direction and create space for passes or shots. While pivoting, you can rotate on one foot, keeping it in contact with the floor, but you cannot drag it across the floor. This distinction between pivoting and dragging the pivot foot is crucial and often misunderstood.
When you pivot, you must keep your pivot foot (the foot you use as a pivot) in a relatively fixed position. You can rotate on it, but you cannot lift it off the floor and then put it back down before releasing the ball. This is specified in the NBA rules, which state that if a player raises their pivot foot off the floor, they must pass or shoot before that foot returns to the floor. FIBA rules consider this action a violation, deeming it a travelling violation if the pivot foot is lifted and then returned to the floor.
The act of dragging the pivot foot is often referred to as "travelling," which is a violation in basketball. Travelling occurs when a player moves one or both feet illegally, such as sliding their pivot foot across the floor instead of pivoting on it. Referees are responsible for calling travelling violations, and their positioning and attentiveness are crucial for making accurate calls.
Mastering the pivot is essential for players to legally manoeuvre with the ball, create space, and execute effective passes and shots. It's a skill that requires practice and a deep understanding of the rules to ensure players stay within the boundaries of legal movement.
In summary, you can pivot on one foot by rotating on it while keeping it relatively fixed in one spot, but you cannot drag that foot across the floor. Doing so would be a violation, resulting in penalties for the offending team.
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Frequently asked questions
A player can take a maximum of two steps with the ball without dribbling it. Taking more steps is a violation called travelling. To dribble, the ball must be out of the player's hand before the pivot foot is raised off the floor.
The pivot foot is the foot that stays in contact with the floor while the other foot, without the ball, moves in any direction.
Yes, it is legal to slide on the floor with the ball. However, if the player then rolls or attempts to stand up while holding the ball, it is a violation.
No, this is a violation of the double dribble rule and a travel. In every league but the NBA, a player can catch their own airball if the referees deem it an actual shot attempt.
