
In basketball, carrying, also known as palming, is a ball-handling violation that occurs when a player dribbles with their hand under the ball. This rule has been a part of basketball since its inception, but its enforcement has varied over time. While carrying is a violation, the pocket dribble move used by many NBA players blurs the lines between legal dribbling and carrying, as the ball only momentarily rests in the player's hand. In recent years, the NBA has rarely called carrying violations, opting for high-scoring games with more entertaining plays. This has led to debates about whether star players are given preferential treatment and whether carrying should be called more consistently.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Definition | A carrying violation is when a player is dribbling and their hand goes under the basketball. |
| Penalty | The penalty is that possession of the ball is given to the opposing team. Statistically, this counts as a turnover of the ball. |
| Rule Book Reference | National Basketball Association Rule No. 10 (Section II (d)) |
| Rule Book Description | "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." |
| Reasons for Calling | To maintain fairness and prevent the ball handler from gaining an unfair advantage. |
| Reasons for Not Calling | The fast pace of the game makes it hard to call every violation. The NBA wants high-scoring games full of entertaining plays, so the league is less strict about calling violations. |
| Techniques to Avoid Carrying | Dribbling with fingertips instead of palms, practicing dribbling at different speeds, and using drills that focus on keeping the hand on top of the ball for legal ball control. |
| Similar Violations | Traveling, double dribbling |
| Common in | Youth basketball, college basketball |
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What You'll Learn
- Carrying, or palming, is when a player's hand goes under the basketball during a dribble
- The pocket dribble is a legal move that can be confused with carrying
- Carrying is called more in youth basketball than in professional games
- Carrying gives an advantage to the offensive player, making them less predictable
- Carrying violations are called less often in the NBA than in the past

Carrying, or palming, is when a player's hand goes under the basketball during a dribble
Carrying, or palming, is a ball-handling violation in basketball. It occurs when a player dribbling the ball puts their hand underneath it, almost as if they are carrying or holding it instead of dribbling. This is considered an illegal action as it gives the ball-handler an unfair advantage, making it easier for them to change directions and be less predictable to defenders.
The National Basketball Association Rule No. 10 (Section II (d)) specifically prohibits this action:
> 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.
The rule is designed to ensure fair play and maintain the fluidity of the game. It also encourages players to master fundamental ball-handling techniques and showcase good sportsmanship.
While carrying is a violation, it can be tricky for referees, players, and fans to spot, especially in fast-paced games. The "pocket dribble," a technique where the player's hand is behind the ball but not underneath it, can often blur the lines between legal dribbling and carrying. This move can cause confusion, as it may appear like a carry to the untrained eye, but as long as the ball doesn't completely stop moving, it is not a violation.
In recent years, there has been a decrease in the number of carrying calls made by NBA referees, with some arguing that star players get away with carries. However, the NBA has stated that they want high-scoring games filled with entertaining plays, and thus, they are less strict about calling certain violations, including carrying.
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The pocket dribble is a legal move that can be confused with carrying
Carrying is a ball-handling violation in basketball. When a player is dribbling, if their hand goes under the basketball, it is called carrying. This violation results in possession of the ball being transferred to the opposing team. Carrying is also known as palming and is different from a double dribble.
The pocket dribble is a legal move in basketball that can be easily confused with carrying. In this move, the player brings their hand close to their hip, almost behind the ball. This looks like a carry to an untrained eye because the ball seems to momentarily rest. However, the ball never completely stops moving or goes underneath the player's hand. The pause is also not long enough to warrant a violation call.
The pocket dribble is often used by NBA players like Kyrie Irving. While it may look like a carry, it is not one if executed correctly. NBA referees are trained to spot the slight bob of the ball and differentiate between a legal pocket dribble and an illegal carry.
Some people refer to the pocket dribble as a hesitation move. It is important for coaches to correct players who frequently carry the basketball and teach them proper dribbling techniques. Small-sided games and drills can help players improve their dribbling skills and avoid carrying.
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Carrying is called more in youth basketball than in professional games
Carrying is a ball-handling violation in basketball. When a player is dribbling, if their hand goes under the basketball, it is called carrying. This rule is in place because basketball is meant to have continuous motion, with the ball bouncing. Calling carrying helps enforce this rule.
Carrying is called more in youth basketball than in high school, college, or professional games. Youth players are still learning the fundamentals of the game, including proper dribbling techniques. Carrying is often called during youth basketball games when a player is dribbling too high, causing their hand to be placed underneath the ball. It is also called when a player hesitates while dribbling, causing their hand to slide under the ball.
NBA players are masters of their craft and work tirelessly to perfect their game. They often use a "pocket dribble," where their hand is behind the ball, but not underneath it. To the naked eye, this may look like a carry, but it is not. Referees, especially in the NBA, are trained to spot the differences and only call a carry when it actually occurs.
While carrying is called more in youth basketball, there has recently been a greater focus on enforcing the carrying rule in professional games. The NBA has been stricter about its rules than before, causing some controversy. Players who were used to leniency now need to adjust to what is considered a carrying violation.
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Carrying gives an advantage to the offensive player, making them less predictable
Carrying is a ball-handling violation in basketball. When a player is dribbling and their hand goes under the basketball, it is called carrying. This rule has been around since basketball was invented, but it has evolved over time. The rule states that a player who is dribbling may not put any part of their hand under the ball and carry it from one point to another or bring it to a pause and then continue to dribble again. This rule is in place to ensure fairness and maintain the fluidity of the game.
While carrying is a violation, it can give the offensive player an advantage by making them less predictable. This is because carrying allows the player to change directions more easily, making it harder for defenders to guard them. However, it is important to note that carrying results in a turnover, with possession of the ball being given to the opposing team. Therefore, players who frequently carry the ball may find themselves at a disadvantage as they lose possession and give the other team an opportunity to score.
The carrying rule is often misunderstood and can be tricky to spot, especially in fast-paced games. NBA referees are trained to identify carrying violations, but the fast pace of the game can make it challenging to call every violation. Additionally, some critics argue that star players get away with carries, while others suggest that the game's speed makes it difficult to catch every instance of carrying.
To avoid carrying violations, players should focus on keeping their hands on top of the ball during dribbling. Coaches can help players develop good dribbling habits by encouraging them to use their fingertips instead of their palms and practicing dribbling at different speeds. By improving their dribbling skills, players can avoid carrying violations and maintain possession of the ball, giving them more opportunities to score.
In recent years, the NBA has shown a greater emphasis on calling carrying violations, even among star players. This increased focus on enforcing the carrying rule aims to create a more level playing field for all players and emphasize fundamental basketball skills. However, it is worth noting that the NBA also wants high-scoring games filled with entertaining plays, so they may be less strict about calling certain violations, including carrying.
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Carrying violations are called less often in the NBA than in the past
Carrying is a ball-handling violation in basketball. When a player is dribbling and their hand goes under the basketball, it is called carrying. This violation is also known as palming. Carrying is not to be confused with a double dribble, where a player dribbles, picks up the ball, and then dribbles again.
In the NBA, the way carries are enforced is debated. Some people think that star players get away with carrying, while others believe the fast pace of the game makes it challenging to call every carrying violation. NBA players are highly skilled and spend numerous hours perfecting their craft. They often use a "pocket dribble," a move where their hand is behind the ball, but not underneath it. While this may appear to be a carry to spectators, it is not one if executed correctly, as the ball never fully stops moving or goes underneath the player's hand.
Referees in the NBA are specifically trained to differentiate between a legal pocket dribble and an illegal carry. They are instructed to look for slight bobs of the ball, which indicate that it has not completely stopped moving. Carrying violations are generally called more often in youth basketball than in professional games.
Historically, carrying calls in the NBA were stricter. However, as the game has evolved and become faster, referees have allowed more carrying, particularly in professional leagues. The NBA's emphasis on creating high-scoring games with exciting plays has also contributed to a more relaxed attitude towards carrying violations. In recent years, NBA referees have rarely called carrying, focusing only on the most blatant violations.
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Frequently asked questions
Carrying, also known as palming, is a ball-handling violation in basketball. It occurs when a player dribbling the ball puts their hand underneath it, briefly pausing the dribble before resuming.
Carrying gives the ball handler an unfair advantage by making it easier for them to change directions and be less predictable, which makes it harder for defenders to guard them.
There are several reasons why carrying may not be called frequently in the NBA. Firstly, the game has become faster, making it challenging for referees to spot every carry violation. Secondly, the NBA wants high-scoring games filled with exciting plays, so they are less strict about calling certain violations. Finally, NBA players are highly skilled and can execute moves that blur the line between legal dribbling and carrying, such as the "pocket dribble."
Players can avoid carrying by focusing on proper dribbling techniques. They should keep their hands on top of the ball, using their fingertips instead of their palms, and practice dribbling at different speeds.
Carrying violations can affect fantasy basketball leagues, especially if a player is frequently called for carrying (palming). Since carrying results in a turnover, it can lead to negative points or impact specific categories in a league.











































