
Palming, also known as carrying, is a violation in basketball that occurs when a player dribbles the ball in an illegal manner, giving them an unfair advantage over the defence. While palming was a violation in the NBA in the 1980s and 1990s, it seems to be rarely called out today. This has led to some fans questioning whether palming is still considered a violation in the game.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| What is palming? | A violation in basketball that occurs when a player dribbles the ball in an illegal manner. |
| When does palming occur? | When a player's hand comes to rest underneath the ball and momentarily carries it instead of dribbling. |
| Effect on dribbling | Players in the past had to keep their palm above the ball while dribbling. |
| Effect on defenders | Makes it difficult for defenders to predict and react to the offensive player's movements. |
| When was palming allowed in the NBA? | About 1989. |
| Why was it allowed? | The NBA started to favor offense over defense because of low ratings. |
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What You'll Learn

The palming rule in basketball
Palming happens when a player dribbles the ball and turns their hand under the ball, momentarily carrying it instead of dribbling. This action can give the player an unfair advantage by halting the dribble and then continuing it, making it difficult for defenders to predict and react to the offensive player's movements. To avoid a palming violation, players should ensure that their palm always faces down when dribbling the basketball.
The palming rule is designed to challenge players to dribble the ball without gaining an unnatural advantage over the defence. It requires players to develop proper ball-handling techniques and enhances the appreciation of the discipline and talent required to excel in basketball.
While palming was more commonly called in the 2000s and early 2010s, it seems that the enforcement of this rule has become less strict over time. Some commenters have observed that certain players, such as John Wall and KD, frequently palm the ball as part of their hesitations without being called for a violation. This change in enforcement has led to a shift in playing style, with players now able to run with the basketball and put it in places it naturally shouldn't go.
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How palming affects the game
The ability to palm a basketball can significantly impact a player's offensive game. Palm allows for better control of the ball, making it harder for the opposing player to steal it. It also enables more convincing hesitation moves, which can confuse defenders and create opportunities for scoring. However, palming is considered a violation in basketball, known as "carrying," and can result in a turnover if caught by the referee.
Palming occurs when a player dribbles the ball and turns their hand under it, momentarily carrying it instead of dribbling. This action can give the player an unfair advantage by disrupting the natural flow of the dribble, making it challenging for defenders to predict and react to their movements. The palming rule is designed to maintain fairness and continuity in the game, ensuring that players do not gain an unnatural advantage over the defence.
While some players with small hands can still learn to palm a basketball by improving their grip strength, it is generally easier for those with larger hands to do so. Palming can be particularly advantageous for finishing at the rim and executing crossovers, as it allows for more control and deception in a player's movements.
However, the impact of palming on the game has evolved over time. While it was strictly enforced in the 1980s and 1990s, leading to slower dribbles, it is less frequently called out today. This change has resulted in faster and more dynamic gameplay, with players able to execute more intricate moves.
Overall, while palming can provide offensive advantages, it is considered a violation that disrupts the fairness and fluidity of the game. Understanding the palming rule is crucial for players to develop proper ball-handling techniques and for fans to appreciate the skill and discipline involved in the game.
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History of palming in the NBA
The palming rule in basketball is designed to maintain fairness and fluidity in the game. It requires players to dribble the ball without using techniques that would give them an unfair advantage over the defense.
In the NBA, the history of palming can be traced back to the 1970s with Pistol Pete, who had a fairly modern style of dribbling. However, it was in the late 1970s and early 1980s that the rules began to soften, with Dr. J palming the ball frequently. By the 1990s, the rules had further relaxed, and players like Michael Jordan were permitted to habitually palm, carry, or travel with the basketball. This evolution in the rules was likely due to the NBA's focus on increasing offense to boost ratings.
Some fans and players have expressed frustration over the apparent lack of enforcement of the palming rule, arguing that it has become challenging to guard players who can run with the basketball or palm it, gaining an unfair advantage. However, others have accepted the change, recognizing that the game has evolved and that palming has become a common part of the modern game.
While the rule itself has not changed, the interpretation and enforcement by referees have evolved over time, with the NBA seemingly prioritizing exciting offense and highlights over strict adherence to the palming rule. This evolution in enforcement has resulted in a shift in playing styles, with modern players utilizing more intricate crossovers and dribble moves that may have been considered violations under stricter interpretations of the palming rule.
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The difference between palming and carrying
Palming and carrying are essentially the same violations in basketball. These violations occur when a player dribbles the ball in an illegal manner, gaining an unfair advantage over the defence.
To dribble the ball correctly, a player's palm should always face down. A player commits a palming violation when they place their hand underneath the basketball during a dribbling motion, momentarily halting the dribble and carrying the ball instead. This action can be unpredictable for defenders, as it disrupts the fluidity of the game.
Palming and carrying violations are common when players attempt a crossover or slowly dribble the ball down the court. These violations are often left to the referee's discretion, who must judge whether the dribble was illegally interrupted.
Over time, the enforcement of palming and carrying rules has become less strict, with some players and fans noting that these violations are no longer called out as frequently as they were in the past.
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How to avoid a palming violation
Palming, also known as carrying, is a violation in basketball that disrupts the fairness and fluidity of the game. It occurs when a player dribbles the ball in an illegal manner by turning their hand under it and momentarily halting their dribble. This action can give the player an unfair advantage as it becomes difficult for defenders to predict and react to their movements. Hence, to avoid a palming violation, players should ensure that:
- Their palm always faces down when dribbling.
- They do not place their hand underneath the ball, momentarily carrying it instead of dribbling.
- They do not interrupt their dribble by letting the ball come to rest in their hand and then continuing to dribble without a clear pass or shot attempt.
Additionally, it is important to note that palming violations commonly occur when performing a crossover or slowly dribbling the ball down the court. Therefore, being aware of one's dribbling technique and understanding the rules of palming can help players develop proper ball-handling techniques and ensure a fair and continuous game.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, palming, also known as carrying, is still a violation in basketball.
The palming rule in basketball is designed to keep the game fair and the play continuous. It ensures that players dribble the ball correctly without gaining an unfair advantage over the defence.
A palming violation occurs when a player dribbles the ball and turns their hand under the ball, momentarily holding it. This action can give the player an unfair advantage by halting the dribble and then continuing it, making it difficult for defenders to predict their movements.
While palming is still a violation, some commentators have observed that it is not called as frequently as it used to be. This may be because the NBA started to favour offence over defence due to low ratings. Over time, people have become used to it, and it has become more common for players to get away with palming the ball.
To avoid a palming violation, players should ensure that their palm always faces down when dribbling the basketball. This helps to maintain a continuous dribbling motion without impeding the ball's movement.






















