
Carrying is a ball-handling violation in basketball. It occurs when a player dribbling the ball momentarily lets their hand slide underneath it, pausing the dribble before resuming. This rule has been around since the inception of basketball by Dr. James Naismith, who included dribbling rules in his original 13 rules. The violation results in a turnover, with possession of the ball awarded to the opposing team. Carrying is distinct from double dribbling, which involves completely stopping the dribble and then dribbling again. To avoid carrying, players must dribble with their hand on top of the basketball, maintaining possession and demonstrating skill and sportsmanship.
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What You'll Learn

Don't dribble, pick up the ball, then dribble again
When it comes to basketball, dribbling is a fundamental skill that players need to master. However, there are rules and violations associated with dribbling that players must be aware of to avoid penalties. One such violation is when a player dribbles, picks up the ball, and then starts dribbling again. This is commonly referred to as a "double dribble".
To avoid committing a double dribble, players should be mindful of their dribbling technique and the rules governing it. Here are some detailed instructions and guidelines to help with this:
- Understanding the Double Dribble Rule: A double dribble occurs when a player dribbles, completely picks up the ball, and then starts dribbling again. This is different from a carrying violation, where there is a brief pause in the dribble while the ball remains in one hand before resuming.
- Mastering the Pocket Dribble: NBA players often use a technique called the "pocket dribble," where their hand is behind the ball but not underneath it. While this may look like a carry, it is not a violation as long as the ball never goes underneath the player's hand and the pause is brief.
- Knowing the Exceptions: There are specific situations where a player is allowed to dribble for a second time. According to NBA rules, a player may dribble again if they lost control of the ball due to certain circumstances, such as a field goal attempt, a pass or fumble that touches the backboard, basket ring, or another player.
- Avoiding Common Mistakes: Some players might intentionally or unintentionally roll the ball and then pick it up, which can be considered a double dribble. It's important to refrain from doing this to avoid violations.
- Practicing Dribbling Techniques: To become more proficient, players should practice their dribbling skills regularly. This includes working on different moves while dribbling to improve ball control and reduce the likelihood of committing a double dribble.
- Understanding the Penalties: According to NBA rules, if a double dribble is called, the player loses possession of the ball, and it is awarded to the opposing team on the sideline nearest the spot of the violation but no closer to the baseline than the foul line extended.
By following these guidelines and instructions, players can improve their dribbling skills, avoid committing double dribbles, and minimize turnovers during games.
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Avoid carrying the ball onto the court
To avoid carrying the ball onto the court, players must abide by the dribbling rules of the game. Carrying the ball is a ball-handling violation in basketball, where a player illegally moves with the ball. This violation results in a turnover, with the ball being awarded to the opposing team.
To dribble correctly, a player must keep their hand on top of the ball, allowing them to bounce it off the floor. This is a fundamental skill in basketball, as it enables players to move with the ball and get past defenders. However, players are not allowed to pick the ball up and then resume dribbling, as this would be a double dribble.
Carrying the ball can occur in two ways. Firstly, a player may put their hand under the ball and carry it from one point to another. Secondly, a player may pause their dribble, with the ball remaining in one hand, and then resume dribbling. This is a violation even if the pause is very brief.
It's important to note that referees are trained to spot the difference between a carry and a legal pocket dribble, where the hand is behind the ball but not underneath it. This pocket dribble, or hesitation move, can look like a carry to spectators, but it is not a violation as long as the ball doesn't go underneath the player's hand.
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Don't put your hand under the ball
To avoid carrying in basketball, it is important to understand the rules and techniques of dribbling. Carrying the ball gives an unfair advantage to the offense, allowing them to move in unnatural directions and making it difficult for the defense to contain the player.
One crucial rule to remember is to keep your hand on top of the ball while dribbling and not underneath it. Putting your hand under the ball is specifically mentioned in the rules as an action that should not be done by a player in control of a dribble. This rule applies to both the initial dribble and any subsequent dribbles after a pause.
The reason for this rule is that placing your hand under the ball can allow you to carry or cradle it, which is not allowed in basketball. By keeping your hand on top of the ball, you maintain proper dribbling form and ensure that you are following the rules of the game.
It is important to note that there are different techniques and interpretations of the rules. For example, some players use a "pocket dribble" technique, where their hand is behind the ball but not underneath it. While this may look like a carry to some, it is not considered a violation as long as the ball does not go underneath the player's hand and the pause is not too long.
Referees are trained to spot the differences between a legal dribble and an illegal carry. However, carrying violations can still occur, especially at lower levels of play where players are still learning the fundamentals of the game. As a player, it is important to understand the rules and focus on keeping your hand on top of the ball to avoid carrying violations and maintain fair play during a basketball game.
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Don't pause your dribble
A carry violation is called when there is a pause in the dribble while the ball remains in one hand and then the player resumes dribbling. To avoid this violation, players should not put their hand under the ball and carry it from one point to another or bring it to a pause and then continue dribbling.
The pocket dribble, where the player's hand is behind the ball but not underneath it, is a legal move often used by NBA players. While it may look like a carry to some, it is not one as the ball never goes underneath the player's hand and the pause is usually too short to warrant a violation call.
Referees, especially in the NBA, are trained to spot the differences and only call a carry violation when a real carry occurs. Carrying violations are more commonly called during youth basketball games when players are still learning the fundamentals of the game, including proper dribbling techniques.
To avoid carrying violations, players should focus on keeping their hand on top of the ball while dribbling. This allows them to maintain control of the ball and avoid unnatural movements that could give them an unfair advantage over the defense. By following this technique, players can improve their dribbling skills and reduce the risk of turning over the ball to the opposing team due to a carrying violation.
In conclusion, players should avoid pausing their dribble by not placing their hand under the ball and carrying it or bringing it to a rest. Instead, they should maintain control of the ball with their hand on top and use legal moves like the pocket dribble to navigate the court and advance the ball without violating the rules.
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Don't kick or strike the ball
Basketball is a sport that is primarily played with the hands, so it is understandable that kicking or striking the ball with your leg is generally not allowed. The rules regarding kicking violations are largely consistent across major basketball leagues, with some minor differences.
A kicked ball violation occurs when a player intentionally strikes the basketball with their foot or leg. This includes deliberately kicking the ball to block a pass, extending the leg to redirect the ball on defense, or using the foot to deflect or control the ball. However, if the ball accidentally strikes a player's foot, leg, or fist, this is not a violation and play continues.
If the violation is committed by the defense, the offense retains possession of the ball, and the shot clock resets to 14 seconds in FIBA play or 20 seconds in the NBA. If an offensive player intentionally kicks the ball, it results in a turnover, and possession is awarded to the defense.
Players must be aware of their foot placement when passing or dribbling near defenders to avoid committing a kicking violation. Coaches should emphasize proper defensive technique to ensure players rely on footwork and positioning rather than kicking.
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