
In basketball, traveling is a rules violation that occurs when a player takes more than a predefined number of steps while holding the ball. The number of permitted steps varies depending on the league and the player's movement when receiving the ball. In the NBA and FIBA, a player must dribble before their second step after receiving the ball while progressing. NCAA and NFHS rules do not allow for any steps after receiving the ball and before dribbling. Traveling can also be called for other reasons, such as carrying or an unestablished pivot foot.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of steps allowed before dribbling | 2 steps |
| Pivot foot | Can be either foot |
| Pivoting after jumping off one foot | Not allowed |
| Pivoting after jumping off both feet | Allowed, but must release the ball before either foot touches the floor |
| Pivoting after stopping on first step | Allowed, using either foot as the pivot foot |
| Pivoting after stopping on second step | Not allowed |
| Lifting the pivot foot | Allowed, but must release the ball before the pivot foot touches the floor again |
| Falling to the floor while holding the ball | NCAA and NFHS rules state that this is a travel |
| Dribbling after falling to the floor | Not allowed |
| Dribbling after gaining control of the ball | Allowed |
| Dribbling a second time after ending the first dribble | Not allowed |
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What You'll Learn
- When receiving the ball, you must dribble before your second step?
- You can pivot with either foot after receiving the ball
- You cannot dribble a second time after ending your first dribble
- You cannot dribble with your back or side to the basket for more than five seconds
- You cannot dribble outside a boundary line and then continue dribbling inbounds

When receiving the ball, you must dribble before your second step
Basketball has a set of rules that govern the movement of players with the ball. One of the most important rules is the "travelling" rule, which states that a player cannot take more than a predefined number of steps while holding the ball without dribbling. This limit varies depending on the league, with the NBA and FIBA allowing two steps, while the NCAA and NFHS only permit one.
When receiving the ball, a player must dribble before their second step to avoid committing a travelling violation. This is because the first step occurs when one foot or both feet touch the floor after gaining control of the ball. The second step then occurs when the other foot touches the floor or both feet touch the floor simultaneously. Therefore, if a player does not dribble before their second step, they will be considered to have taken more than the allowed number of steps and will be penalised.
It is important to note that the pivot foot, which is the foot that a player uses to pivot or turn, plays a crucial role in determining whether a travelling violation has occurred. Once a player has established their pivot foot, they are allowed to lift it from the ground as long as they release the ball to shoot or pass before the pivot foot returns to the ground. However, if a player is beginning a dribble, the ball must leave their hand before the pivot foot is lifted from the ground.
In addition to the travelling rule, there are other restrictions on player movement in basketball. For example, a player who gathers the ball while progressing may take two steps to come to a stop, pass, or shoot the ball. If the player has not yet dribbled, they may take only one step prior to releasing the ball. Additionally, a progressing player who jumps off one foot on their first step may land with both feet simultaneously for their second step, but they may not pivot with either foot, and they must release the ball before either foot returns to the floor.
Understanding and adhering to these rules are crucial for players to avoid committing violations and to ensure fair play during a basketball game.
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You can pivot with either foot after receiving the ball
In basketball, travelling is a rules violation that occurs when a player takes more than a predefined number of steps while holding the ball. In the NBA and FIBA, a player is allowed two steps without the ball being dribbled; in the NCAA and NFHS, players are not allowed to take two steps.
Pivoting is an important technique to avoid travelling. When a player receives the ball, they can pivot with either foot, as long as both feet are touching the floor. If the player jumps with both feet, they must release the ball before either foot touches the floor again. If a player lands with one foot, they may only pivot using that foot.
If a player is dribbling, they may not put their hand under the ball and carry it from one point to another. They also may not bring the ball to a pause and then continue to dribble again. A player may dribble a second time if they lost control of the ball due to a field goal attempt, provided the ball touches the backboard or basket ring.
Coaches vary on their advice about which foot to use as the pivot foot. Some coaches teach that the non-dominant foot should be the pivot foot, while others advise that the pivot foot should be the opposite of the direction the player is facing.
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You cannot dribble a second time after ending your first dribble
In basketball, dribbling is a fundamental skill that allows players to advance the ball across the court and create scoring opportunities. However, there are specific rules that govern dribbling actions to ensure fair play. One important rule to remember is that you cannot dribble a second time after ending your first dribble voluntarily. This rule, commonly known as the "double dribble" violation, is outlined in the official NBA rules under Rule No. 10: Violations and Penalties.
The double dribble violation is a crucial aspect of basketball that players must understand to avoid penalties during a game. It occurs when a player ends their first dribble by catching or causing the ball to come to rest in one or both hands and then attempts to dribble again. This action is considered illegal because it gives the dribbler an unfair advantage by allowing them to control the ball's movement while also advancing their position on the court.
To clarify, ending the first dribble means that the player has voluntarily brought the ball to a pause or allowed it to come to rest in their hand(s). At this point, they cannot start dribbling again. However, it's important to note that accidental loss of control or fumbling of the ball is not considered a dribble, and players can regain control without committing a violation. Additionally, if a player loses control of the ball due to specific actions, such as a field goal attempt or a pass that touches the backboard or basket ring, they are permitted to dribble a second time.
Understanding the nuances of the double dribble rule is essential for players to avoid penalties. When a double dribble violation occurs, the referee will call it, and the opposing team will be awarded possession of the ball. The specific location where the opposing team receives the ball depends on the governing body's rules. For example, in the NBA, the ball is given to the other team at the nearest spot, but not closer to the end line than the free throw line extended.
In conclusion, the rule "you cannot dribble a second time after ending your first dribble" is an essential aspect of basketball that players must abide by. By understanding this rule, players can improve their dribbling skills, make better decisions on the court, and avoid committing violations that result in turnovers and possession changes.
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You cannot dribble with your back or side to the basket for more than five seconds
In basketball, a player must dribble the ball by bouncing it with one hand at a time and must only do so after they have gained control of the ball. A player who bobbles a pass may take several steps legally—the travelling rule is not in effect until they have secured control of the ball.
The five-second rule, or five-second violation, is a rule that promotes continuous play. In the NBA, an offensive player in the frontcourt below the free-throw line extended is not permitted to dribble with their back or side to the basket for more than five seconds. This rule is commonly seen in the NBA only and was introduced in 1999. It is often also known as the "Charles Barkley" rule. The count ends when:
- The player picks up the ball.
- The player dribbles above the free-throw line extended.
- A defensive player deflects the ball away.
If a player fails to make a move while dribbling the ball after the five-second count, it will result in a turnover.
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You cannot dribble outside a boundary line and then continue dribbling inbounds
In basketball, a player must dribble the ball before taking their second step. The first step occurs when one or both feet touch the floor after gaining control of the ball. The second step occurs when the other foot touches the floor or both feet touch the floor simultaneously.
If a player receives the ball while standing still, they may pivot using either foot as the pivot foot. If a player is progressing with the ball, they may take two steps to come to a stop, pass or shoot the ball. Alternatively, if they have not yet dribbled, they may take one step before releasing the ball.
When a player has taken more than two steps without dribbling the ball, it is considered a travelling violation. Travelling occurs when a player holding the ball moves one or both feet in any direction beyond the prescribed limit.
Additionally, a player who steps on or outside a boundary line, even without touching the ball while out of bounds, cannot re-enter the court and continue dribbling. They also may not be the first player to touch the ball after re-establishing an inbounds position.
Therefore, it is crucial for players to be mindful of their footing and dribbling when approaching or crossing boundary lines to avoid violations.
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Frequently asked questions
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.
In the NBA and FIBA, a player can take two steps without the ball being dribbled. The NCAA and NFHS only allow one step.
If a player travels, possession of the ball is turned over to the other team.
The pivot foot is the foot that remains on the floor after a player has stopped. Once a pivot foot is established, the other foot may do anything.
No, a player who receives the ball while moving may take two steps before dribbling. If a player receives the ball while standing still, they may pivot using either foot as the pivot foot.










































