Amanda Knapp
Traveling in basketball is a violation that occurs when a player moves their pivot foot or takes more than the allowed number of steps while holding the ball. Traveling results in a turnover, with possession of the ball going to the other team. Traveling is one of the most common violations in basketball, and it is often a subject of debate, with critics arguing that traveling violations are not called out enough. However, the rules regarding traveling vary slightly between different basketball leagues, such as the NBA, NCAA, and NFHS. Understanding the traveling rule is crucial for players, coaches, and fans to ensure fair gameplay.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Definition | A violation that involves illegally moving one or both feet while in possession. |
| Rules | Players cannot take more than two steps with the basketball in their hands without dribbling. |
| Pivot Foot | Once a player establishes a pivot foot, they cannot lift that foot and return it to the floor before they release the ball to dribble or shoot. |
| Violation | If a player is in possession of the basketball on the floor and they roll over with it, this will be deemed a traveling violation. |
| Dead-ball turnover | The offense loses possession of the ball and the defense will receive the ball and throw it in from the sideline or baseline. |
| Common violations | Taking more than two steps, incorrect use of the pivot foot, double dribble, carrying, out of bounds, etc. |
| Other turnovers | Live ball turnover, dead ball turnover, ten-second violation, backcourt violation, shot clock violation, charging foul, etc. |
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What You'll Learn
Traveling: Taking more than two steps without dribbling
Traveling is a violation in basketball, where a player takes more than a predefined number of steps without dribbling. In the NBA and FIBA, a traveling violation is called when a player takes more than two steps without dribbling. The NCAA and NFHS have stricter rules, not permitting any steps without a dribble.
The concept of a "gather step" or "zero step" has been introduced to smooth out officiating traveling violations, as players are now moving faster and more fluidly than can be accurately perceived in real-time. Pivoting does not count as a step, and players are allowed to balance on the other foot if the landing foot is lifted. However, if a player has established a pivot foot, they cannot return it to the floor without committing a traveling violation.
A player who gathers the ball while progressing may take two steps before stopping, passing, or shooting the ball, or one step before releasing the ball if they have not yet dribbled. If a player is in possession of the ball and falls to the floor without a foul being called, they will be called for traveling as their pivot foot would have left the floor. Traveling results in a dead-ball turnover, with possession of the ball going to the other team.
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Pivot foot violations
In the NBA, FIBA, and college-level basketball, a player is allowed two steps without dribbling. However, the NCAA and NFHS (high school) have stricter interpretations, not permitting any steps without a dribble. This means that in these leagues, if a player takes even one step without dribbling, it is considered travelling and a violation.
To avoid a pivot foot violation, players must ensure that their pivot foot remains in the same spot on the floor. They cannot slide or drag their pivot foot, as this will result in a travelling violation. If a player falls to the floor while holding the ball, it is also considered a travelling violation, as their pivot foot would have left the floor.
In summary, pivot foot violations are a common type of travelling violation in basketball. Players must be careful to establish their pivot foot when catching the ball and coming to a stop, and ensure that their pivot foot remains stationary to avoid a turnover.
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Rolling or standing up with the ball
Traveling in basketball is a violation that occurs when a player illegally moves one or both feet while in possession of the ball. This can happen by taking more than two steps without dribbling, moving the pivot foot, or rolling or standing up with the ball.
If a player falls to the floor while holding the ball, they cannot get back up with the ball unless they are dribbling. Once a player has the ball and is no longer sliding, they may not roll over. If a player is flat on their back, they may sit up without violating any rules. However, any attempt to get to their feet is considered traveling unless they are dribbling.
If a player attempts to stand up while holding the ball, a traveling violation occurs. However, if they start a dribble and then rise, no violation has occurred. If a player touches the floor with something other than their hand or foot while holding the ball, it is considered traveling.
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Double dribbling
Traveling and double dribbling are both violations in basketball that can result in turnovers. However, traveling violations can be harder to detect than double dribbling.
At lower levels of basketball, such as high school and college, a double dribble results in the ball being thrown in on the sideline or baseline near the violation. In the NBA, the defense is given more of an advantage, with the ball being inbounded between the free throw line and the baseline.
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Out of bounds
In basketball, an out-of-bounds violation occurs when a player or the ball goes outside the playing area. A player is considered out-of-bounds when they touch the floor or any object outside the boundary. For a player in the air, their position is determined by the last point of contact with the floor before they jumped.
The ball is considered out-of-bounds when it touches a player who is out-of-bounds, or any other person, the floor, or any object outside the boundary, including the supports or back of the backboard. If the ball rebounds or passes directly behind the backboard, or enters the cylinder from below, it is also considered out-of-bounds. The player who last touched the ball before it went out-of-bounds is responsible for causing it to go out.
If a player goes out-of-bounds to gain an advantage, such as running under the basket to get to a ball, it is a violation. However, in US high school basketball, if a player's momentum takes them out-of-bounds, they can re-establish with one foot back in bounds and be the first to touch the ball. This is not allowed in NCAA or NBA basketball.
During a throw-in, which occurs when the ball goes out-of-bounds, no player should have any part of their body over the boundary line. The player taking the throw-in must release the ball within 5 seconds of receiving it. After a score, field goal, or free throw, the ball is put back into play by the non-scoring team from any point out-of-bounds at the endline of the court where the points were scored.
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Frequently asked questions
A turnover occurs when a player commits a violation or makes a mistake, causing their team to lose possession of the ball and giving the opposing team an opportunity to score.
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. The number of allowed steps varies depending on the league and its rules.
In the NBA, a player is allowed to take two steps without dribbling the ball.
When a player travels, it results in a turnover. The opposing team then gains possession of the ball and can attempt to score.
Other common violations that result in turnovers include double dribble, carrying, out of bounds, backcourt violation, and shot clock violation.
