
Carrying, also known as palming, is a common violation in basketball. It occurs when a player dribbling the ball puts their hand underneath it, momentarily pausing the dribble before resuming. This rule can be tricky to grasp and is often misunderstood by spectators, who may believe they see examples of carries that are not called. Carrying gives the offensive player an advantage by making it easier to change directions, which isn't possible with legal dribbling. While carrying is an illegal move, players are allowed to put their hand under the ball momentarily, as long as they don't carry it from one point to another or bring it to a pause.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Definition | Carrying is a ball-handling violation in basketball. |
| Penalty | Possession of the ball is given to the opposing team. |
| Other names | Palming, double dribble, travel |
| Rule | "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." |
| Reason for the rule | To prevent the ball-handler from gaining an unfair advantage and disrupting the fluidity of the game. |
| Enforcement | Carrying is difficult to detect in real time and is often missed by referees, especially in the NBA. |
| Prevention | Coaches should correct players who frequently carry the basketball and teach proper dribbling techniques. Players can practice keeping their hand on top of the ball and using quick, short dribbles. |
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What You'll Learn

Carrying is a ball-handling violation
Carrying, also known as palming, is a ball-handling violation in basketball. It occurs when a player dribbles the ball and lets their hand slide underneath it, causing a brief pause in the dribble before resuming. This action resembles "carrying" the basketball in their hand instead of dribbling it. 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."
The rule aims to maintain fairness in the game by ensuring that players do not gain an advantage by bending the rules of dribbling. It is challenging for referees, players, and fans to catch a carry in real-time due to the fast-paced nature of the game. Additionally, some spectators misunderstand the rule and observe instances of carrying that are not called, such as redirecting the basketball during a dribble without pausing it.
To avoid carrying violations, players should keep their hands on top of the basketball while dribbling. Small-sided games and dribbling drills can help players improve their dribbling skills and reduce carrying violations. Teams that minimize carrying violations gain more possessions and opportunities to score.
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Carrying is also known as palming
Carrying is a ball-handling violation in basketball. When a player carries the ball, they place their hand underneath it and move it from one point to another, or bring it to a pause and then continue dribbling. This is also known as palming, as the ball rests in the player's palm as they make their move.
Palming or carrying gives the offensive player an advantage by making it easier to change directions and making them less predictable. This is unfair on the defenders, who find it difficult to predict and react to the offensive player's movements. The rule is therefore designed to keep the game fair and fluid.
Carrying is a common violation in the NBA, but it can be difficult to detect in real-time. Referees may also choose to overlook or fail to spot carrying violations. This has led to some players picking up bad habits, such as carrying the ball when they should be dribbling.
To avoid carrying, players should keep their hand on top of the ball or on the side, and practice dribbling skills in game-like situations.
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Carrying gives the offensive player an advantage
Carrying the ball in basketball is a ball-handling violation. When a player carries the ball, they put it in the palm of their hand and direct it from one point to another. This is also known as palming. Carrying gives the offensive player an advantage by making it easier to change directions and making them less predictable, which is unfair for the defenders guarding them. It also introduces an unnatural pause, disrupting the intended back-and-forth flow of the game.
The National Basketball Association Rule No. 10 (Section II (d)) states:
> "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 called a "carry" because of the action the player does when they commit the violation. It looks like they are "carrying" the basketball with their hand instead of dribbling it. Players must dribble with their hand on top of the basketball. If their hand gets underneath and they continue their dribble, that is a carry. Players also cannot hold the ball and pause, then resume their dribble.
Carrying can be difficult to detect in real time, and it happens very quickly, so players, fans, and officials often miss it. It is typically called more in youth settings than in high school, college, or professional games. Teams that avoid carrying will have more possessions and more opportunities to score.
To avoid carrying violations, players should focus on keeping their dribbling hand on top of the ball, using their fingertips. They should also work on quick, short dribbles, which reduce the chance of their hand slipping and becoming a carry violation.
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Carrying is rarely called in the NBA
Carrying is a ball-handling violation in basketball. When a player carries the ball, they put it in the palm of their hand and direct it from one point to another. This is also known as palming. The National Basketball Association Rule No. 10 (Section II (d)) states:
> "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."
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Carrying is a dead-ball turnover
In basketball, carrying is a ball-handling violation. It occurs when a player puts their hand under the basketball while dribbling, interrupting the natural flow. This is also known as palming, as the ball rests in the palm of the player's hand. Carrying is distinct from a double dribble, which occurs when a player dribbles with two hands or dribbles again after stopping.
Carrying is specifically defined in the National Basketball Association Rule No. 10 (Section II (d)) 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.
This rule states that players must dribble with their hand on top of the basketball. Once their hand goes underneath and they continue their dribble, or if they pause and then resume dribbling, they have committed a carrying violation.
Carrying is considered a turnover because it gives an unfair advantage to the ball handler, making it easier for them to change directions and becoming less predictable for defenders. While carrying may be difficult to detect in real-time, it is an important rule for maintaining the balance and fluidity of the game.
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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 to carry or hold it instead of dribbling.
Carrying gives the offensive player an unfair advantage by making it easier to change directions and become less predictable, which is unfair to defenders. It also disrupts the fluidity and flow of the game.
Carrying, travelling, and double dribbling are all violations in basketball that can result in turnovers. Travelling is called when a player's hand is on the lower half of the ball while they are still moving. Double dribbling occurs when a player dribbles and then holds the ball before dribbling again. Carrying can sometimes be considered a type of double dribble or travel, depending on the context.











































