Kristian Ferrell
Traveling in basketball is a violation that occurs when a player moves their feet illegally after gaining possession of the ball. This can mean taking more than two steps without dribbling, which gives the offensive player an unfair advantage. It can also include shuffling the feet, lifting the pivot foot before releasing the ball, or switching the pivot foot. As it is one of the most common violations, it is important for young players to understand the correct footwork to avoid traveling. This can be taught through drills that focus on dribbling, jump stops, and pivoting. While it may take time and patience for kids to master these skills, it will help them improve their game and avoid violations.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Footwork | Teach kids to pivot on their left and right foot without traveling, jump stops, and to square to the basket as soon as they catch the ball in a triple threat position. |
| Shooting form | Use smaller balls and lower baskets for younger kids. Allow them to dip their elbows to gain more strength. |
| Running with the ball | Players cannot run with the basketball without dribbling. |
| Pivot foot | Teach kids to keep their pivot foot on the floor when they have possession of the ball. |
| Shuffling | Teach kids not to shuffle their feet to create space to pass to a teammate. |
| Dribbling | Teach kids to dribble the ball before lifting their pivot foot off the floor. |
| Passing | Teach kids not to end their dribble and then jump and pass to a teammate. |
| Visual aids | Show kids videos or demonstrations of traveling violations. |
| Drills | Incorporate footwork drills into every practice. |
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What You'll Learn
Explain the two-step rule
Traveling in basketball is a violation of the rules that occurs when a player takes more than a predefined number of steps while holding the ball. The number of steps allowed varies depending on the governing body and league. For example, the NBA and FIBA define traveling as taking more than two steps without dribbling, while the NCAA and NFHS have stricter interpretations, not permitting any steps without a dribble.
The two-step rule, as defined by the NBA and FIBA, allows a player who receives the ball while moving or after completing a dribble to take two steps before stopping, passing, or shooting the ball. This rule provides players with more options and flexibility when in possession of the ball. It allows them to create space, improve their balance, and make more dynamic plays.
It is important to note that pivoting does not count as a step. Players are allowed to pivot using either foot, as long as the pivot foot remains at its point of contact with the floor. This means that a player can effectively take 2.5 steps, such as landing on the right foot, putting down the left, and then lifting the right foot again.
The two-step rule can be challenging for young players to grasp, as they need to understand the correct footwork to avoid traveling. Coaches should focus on teaching players the fundamentals of footwork, such as pivoting, jump stops, and dribbling, to help them develop the skills needed to avoid traveling violations.
While teaching the two-step rule, it is important to emphasize that the player's first step must occur 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. Additionally, players should be taught to immediately sit and get low when catching the ball, as this makes it easier to control their movement and avoid traveling violations.
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Show visual examples of travelling
When teaching kids about travelling in basketball, visual examples are a great way to help them understand the rules. Here are some visual examples that can be used to illustrate travelling violations:
Running without dribbling the ball
Show a video or image of a player running on the court without dribbling the ball. Explain that in basketball, players must dribble the ball when they move around the court. If they simply run without dribbling, it is considered travelling.
Pivot foot movement
Demonstrate the concept of a pivot foot by showing a player holding the ball and lifting one foot off the ground. Explain that the foot that remains on the ground is the pivot foot. Now, show a video or image of a player moving their pivot foot while in possession of the ball. This can include shuffling their feet, dragging their pivot foot, or even accidentally switching their pivot foot. Emphasize that any movement of the pivot foot while in possession is a travelling violation.
Taking more than two steps
Show a slow-motion video of a player taking more than two steps without dribbling the ball. Explain that players are allowed to take two steps after they gather the ball, but taking more than two steps is a travelling violation. You can also demonstrate this in person by having the kids try to take the maximum number of steps allowed and observing how many steps they can take before it becomes a violation.
Returning to the ground without passing or shooting
For this example, show a video or image of a player jumping with the ball and returning to the ground without passing or shooting the ball. Explain that if a player jumps with the ball, they must pass or shoot it before their feet touch the ground again. Failing to do so is considered travelling.
Rolling or standing up with the ball
Show a visual example of a player diving for a loose ball, gaining possession on the floor, and then attempting to roll or stand up without passing or calling a timeout. Explain that this is a common travelling violation, especially in lower-level leagues. The player must first pass the ball to a teammate or call a timeout before trying to get up.
Remember to pause and explain each visual example, ensuring that the kids understand the rules and can apply them in their own gameplay.
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Practice footwork
To teach kids not to travel in basketball, it is essential to focus on footwork drills and exercises. Footwork is a fundamental skill in basketball, and players with good footwork can avoid travelling violations, improve their balance, agility, and shooting accuracy. Here are some tips and exercises to improve footwork:
First, it is important to establish the concept of a "pivot foot". A pivot foot is a foundation that enables players to make offensive moves without travelling. When a player has possession of the ball, they must keep their pivot foot on the ground until they pass, shoot, or dribble. This can be done by landing on one foot or both feet simultaneously, avoiding dragging or lifting the pivot foot before dribbling or passing. Players can practice landing on both feet simultaneously and choosing either foot as their pivot foot. This technique is called a jump stop and is an excellent way to maintain control while staying within the rules.
Next, players should practice pivoting on their left and right feet without travelling. They can also practice the "gather step", which is the moment when a player catches the ball or ends their dribble. During this split second, they are allowed to take one additional step before shooting or passing. This technique can help players avoid travelling violations.
Additionally, players should work on improving their overall footwork skills by incorporating drills into their practice routine. They can practice quick, decisive movements and maintaining control while changing directions. This includes navigating through tight spaces and avoiding collisions with defenders. Players can also practice getting low and extending their pivot foot further than they are used to.
By focusing on these footwork drills and exercises, kids can improve their understanding of travelling rules and reduce the number of travelling violations they commit during games.
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Teach them to pivot
Teaching kids to pivot is an important aspect of coaching youth basketball. Pivoting is a fundamental skill in basketball that allows players to change direction while maintaining their dribble, protect the ball from defenders, and create space to shoot or pass. Here are some tips for teaching kids to pivot:
Start with Footwork
Teaching kids the correct footwork is crucial to helping them understand pivoting. Explain that one foot stays firmly planted on the ground while the other foot can move in any direction, preferably 180 degrees. A helpful tip is to tell them to pretend there's a nail in the big toe of their pivot foot. This way, they can lift their heel, but the big toe must stay on the ground. Both the left and right feet can be used as pivot feet, so make sure they practice using both.
Use Visual Aids
To help kids grasp the concept of pivoting, use visual aids such as cones or markers to demonstrate the footwork and movement involved. Set up two marks on the floor, with one mark representing the pivot foot and the other mark representing the forward or backward movement of the other foot. This visual representation will make it easier for kids to understand the mechanics of pivoting.
Practice Pivots in a Line
Line up all the players horizontally, facing you across the width of the gym. Start with a basic athletic stance and then announce the type of pivot you want them to perform. Demonstrate the desired pivot yourself, and then have them follow your lead. Command "break," and they should quickly move to the FT line extended and jump-stop. Then, pretend to pass the ball and command "catch," followed by "pivot." Remember to pause for a couple of counts between commands to eliminate rushing.
"Pivot Out of Trouble" Drill
This drill teaches players how to pivot away from defenders to create space and buy time. Have a ball handler dribble towards a defender and then purposely pick up their dribble. The defender harasses the ball handler, who pivots away (not into) the defender and continues to pivot as the defender tries to get the ball. Emphasize that the pivot should be low, and the ball should be kept away from the defender. Count out loud to five seconds to give the offensive player an idea of how much time they have to make a decision.
Triple Threat Positioning
Teach kids about the triple threat position, which involves pivoting on their left and right foot without travelling, jump stops, and squaring to the basket. This will help them develop solid footwork and improve their overall game.
Remember, teaching kids to pivot takes time and practice. Be patient, provide positive reinforcement, and create a fun learning environment to keep them engaged and improve their skills.
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Explain the pivot foot rule
When teaching kids how to play basketball, it's important to focus on the fundamentals, including proper footwork, to avoid travelling violations. Travelling in basketball is a common violation where players move their feet illegally while in possession of the ball. This often happens when players take more than two steps without dribbling the ball or accidentally shuffle their feet.
The pivot foot rule is an important aspect of avoiding travelling. In simple terms, the pivot foot is the foot that remains in contact with the floor while a player controls the ball in a stationary position. The player can spin or change position as long as their pivot foot does not move from its initial spot or lose contact with the floor. This rule allows players to establish a stable base and make controlled movements without violating the travelling rule.
To establish a pivot foot, a player must first be in a stationary position while holding the ball. Either foot can be used as the pivot foot, and it can be established before dribbling or after picking up the dribble. Once the pivot foot is established, players have three legal options to free the pivot foot without travelling: shooting, passing, or dribbling.
When shooting, players can jump but must release the ball before either foot touches the ground again. For passing, players can jump and pass the ball, but their pivot foot must remain in contact with the floor. If the pivot foot is lifted, it must be returned to the same spot before the other foot is placed back on the ground. When dribbling, players must ensure that the basketball touches the floor before their pivot foot returns to the floor. This sequence of movements is crucial to avoid a travelling violation.
It's important to note that right-handed players often use their left foot as the pivot foot, and left-handed players tend to use their right foot. However, the optimal pivot foot can vary depending on the situation, so players should practice pivoting on both feet. Coaches can introduce drills and exercises to help young players master pivoting and improve their overall footwork, which will reduce travelling violations and enhance their performance on the court.
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Frequently asked questions
Travelling is a violation in basketball that occurs when a player holding the ball moves one or both of their feet illegally. This means taking more steps than the rules allow without dribbling the ball, giving the offensive player an unfair advantage.
Kids often travel because they are still learning the correct footwork. They may accidentally shuffle their feet, switch their pivot foot, or take extra steps without dribbling.
Teaching kids not to travel requires a focus on footwork. Show them videos or demonstrations of travelling violations so they can see it in action. Incorporate footwork drills into every practice, such as jump stops, pivoting, and the tricky "up-and-down" scenario. Encourage them to get low and extend their pivot foot. Emphasize that they should sit and get low after catching the ball.
