
Traveling and carrying are two common violations in basketball. Traveling occurs when a player takes more than a predefined number of steps while holding the ball without dribbling. The allowed number of steps varies depending on the league, with the NBA and FIBA allowing two steps, while the NCAA and NFHS do not permit any steps without dribbling. Carrying, on the other hand, refers to the illegal act of carrying or dribbling a live ball. It occurs when a player allows the ball to come to rest in their hand during dribbling and then continues dribbling. Carrying gives the ball handler an unfair advantage by making it easier to change directions and be less predictable. Both traveling and carrying result in turnovers, with possession of the ball being awarded to the opposing team. While traveling focuses on the number of steps taken without dribbling, carrying pertains to what a player is allowed to do with the ball in their hands.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Definition of a travel | A violation of the rules of basketball in which a player takes more than a predefined number of steps while holding the ball. |
| Number of steps allowed | In the NBA and FIBA, a player can take two steps without dribbling. The NCAA and NFHS do not allow two steps. |
| Pivot foot | A travel can be called if a player's pivot foot changes or moves. |
| Definition of a carry | A ball-handling violation in which a player puts their hand under the ball and carries it from one point to another, or brings it to a pause and then continues to dribble. |
| Carry vs travel | A carry is similar to a travel as it involves the movement of the player's feet and the ball. |
| Impact on the game | A carry results in a turnover, with the ball being given to the opposing team. |
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What You'll Learn
- Carrying is a ball-handling violation
- Carrying results in a turnover and the other team gains possession
- Carrying is when a player puts their hand under the ball and carries it from one point to another
- Carrying can also occur when a player brings the ball to a pause and then continues to dribble
- Traveling refers to the number of steps taken without dribbling, while carrying focuses on what a player does with the ball in their hands

Carrying is a ball-handling violation
The National Basketball Association Rule No. 10 (Section II (d)) defines a carrying violation as:
> "A player who is dribbling may not put any part of his hand under the ball and (1) carry it from one point to another or (2) bring it to a pause and then continue to dribble again."
Carrying is similar to a double dribble, where a player allows the ball to come to rest in their hand before continuing to dribble. However, carrying focuses on what a player does with the ball in their hands, while traveling refers to the number of steps a player can take without dribbling.
Carrying violations are more commonly called in youth basketball, as younger players are still learning proper dribbling techniques. In professional leagues, carrying violations are less frequently called, as referees may choose to overlook them to encourage high-scoring, entertaining games.
To avoid carrying violations, players should focus on dribbling with their hand on top or to the side of the basketball. While the hand can go under the ball momentarily, players should avoid carrying or pausing with the ball in this position. Coaches play an important role in correcting players who frequently carry the ball, as poor dribbling habits can be difficult to break.
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Carrying results in a turnover and the other team gains possession
Carrying is a ball-handling violation in basketball. It occurs when a player dribbles with their hand underneath the basketball, or when they allow the ball to come to rest in one hand before continuing to dribble. Carrying is also known as palming, and it gives the offensive player an unfair advantage by making them less predictable.
When a player is called for carrying, it results in a turnover, and possession of the ball is awarded to the opposing team. This is because carrying is considered a dead-ball turnover, similar to a double dribble or travel. The penalty for carrying is the same in high school, college, and professional basketball, although carrying is called more often in youth basketball than in high school, college, or the NBA.
The act of carrying the basketball may be considered legal within the laws of the game, depending on where and how the ball is handled. For example, if a player carries the ball into the opposing team's territory, this is considered a foul, and foul shots are awarded to both teams. However, a player cannot be called for carrying in four consecutive minutes while the game is in progress.
The dribble must be continuous, with no stopping, hesitation, or pausing in between. Players are also required to have their palms facing downwards at all times when carrying the ball and must have two hands on the ball at all times unless shooting. Traveling, on the other hand, refers to how many steps a player can take without dribbling, and it can also result in a turnover if the player takes more steps than are allowed.
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Carrying is when a player puts their hand under the ball and carries it from one point to another
Carrying is a ball-handling violation in basketball. It occurs when a player puts their hand under the ball and carries it from one point to another. This action gives the ball-handler an unfair advantage, making it difficult for defenders to contain the basketball and predict the offensive player's movements.
The National Basketball Association (NBA) Rule No. 10 (Section II (d)) defines a carrying violation as follows:
> "A player who is dribbling may not put any part of his hand under the ball and (1) carry it from one point to another or (2) bring it to a pause and then continue to dribble again."
In other words, players are allowed to put their hand under the ball momentarily, but they cannot carry it from one point to another or bring it to a pause before dribbling again. This rule promotes fair play by ensuring that dribblers do not gain an undue advantage over defenders.
Carrying is often confused with traveling, another violation in basketball. Traveling refers to taking more than a predefined number of steps while holding the ball without dribbling. The distinction between carrying and traveling lies in the specific actions of the player: carrying involves the placement of the hand under the ball, while traveling pertains to the number of steps taken without dribbling.
While carrying is a violation, it can be challenging for referees to detect in real time, especially during fast-paced gameplay. As a result, some carrying violations may go unnoticed or be subject to interpretation by referees.
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Carrying can also occur when a player brings the ball to a pause and then continues to dribble
Carrying in basketball is a ball-handling violation. It occurs when a player dribbles with their hand under the basketball, or when they pause their dribble and then continue dribbling. The rule states that players must dribble with their hand on top of the basketball. Once their hand goes underneath and they continue their dribble, that is a carry. Players also cannot hold the ball and pause, then resume their dribble.
Carrying is considered a turnover, and the other team is awarded possession of the basketball. It is a common violation in the NBA, and referees are trained to spot the differences and call a violation when it occurs. Carrying is difficult to detect in real-time, as it often happens very quickly. It is also sometimes mistaken for a double dribble, which is a different violation.
Carrying gives the ball-handler an unfair advantage, making it easier to change directions and making them less predictable. This makes it very difficult for defenders to play good defense. Carrying is usually called more often in youth basketball, as players are still learning the fundamentals of the game and proper dribbling techniques.
In the NBA and FIBA, traveling is defined as taking more than two steps without dribbling. However, the NCAA and NFHS have stricter rules, not permitting any steps without a dribble. Traveling can also occur when a player changes or moves their pivot foot.
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Traveling refers to the number of steps taken without dribbling, while carrying focuses on what a player does with the ball in their hands
Traveling and carrying are two different violations in basketball. Traveling refers to the number of steps a player takes without dribbling, while carrying focuses on what a player does with the ball in their hands.
Traveling
Traveling occurs when a player takes more steps than allowed without dribbling the ball. The number of steps varies depending on the league. The NBA and FIBA consider traveling as taking more than two steps without dribbling, while the NCAA and NFHS have stricter rules, not permitting any steps without a dribble. Traveling can also occur if a player moves their pivot foot or takes steps after stopping a dribble.
Carrying
Carrying, also known as palming, is a ball-handling violation where a player puts their hand under the basketball while dribbling or pauses their dribble and then continues dribbling. Carrying disrupts the fluidity of the game and gives the ball-handler an unfair advantage, making it difficult for defenders to contain the offense. It is considered a turnover, resulting in possession of the ball being awarded to the opposing team.
While traveling focuses on a player's footwork, carrying pertains specifically to the handling of the ball. Carrying can lead to a turnover and possession for the other team, similar to a double dribble or a travel.
Both traveling and carrying are violations in basketball, but they are distinct in their focus on either a player's footwork (traveling) or ball-handling (carrying).
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Frequently asked questions
A carry, also known as palming, is a violation in basketball where a player puts their hand under the ball while dribbling and carries it from one point to another, or brings it to a pause and then continues to dribble.
The penalty for a carry is that possession of the ball is given to the opposing team. This is known as a turnover.
A travel refers to the number of steps a player can take without dribbling, while a carry focuses on what a player is allowed to do with the ball in their hands.











































