Andrew Pace
In basketball, carrying is a ball-handling violation. It occurs when a player puts their hand under the ball and either carries it from one point to another or pauses and then continues to dribble. Carrying is also known as palming and is considered a turnover, with possession of the ball given to the opposing team. While carrying is illegal, dribbling is a fundamental skill in basketball, allowing players to move around the court and maintain possession.
What's a Carry in Basketball?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Definition | A carry, or palming, is when a player holds the ball for longer than the allowed time and moves their arm/wrist in a way that the ball is pushed or carried rather than dribbled. |
| Rules | A carry violation occurs when a player, during a dribble, touches the ball with their hand/wrist before the ball reaches the level of their hip. The ball must also be considered 'controlled' by the player for it to be called a carry. |
| Referees' Judgement | Referees look for two things: the location of the ball in relation to the player's body and the player's hand/wrist angle. If the ball is significantly behind the hip or the wrist is angled such that the ball is pushed, it's a carry. |
| Common Misconceptions | Many believe that a carry only occurs when a player takes extra steps with the ball. However, the key factor is the location of the ball and the player's wrist/hand angle. |
| Enforcement | Carries are often difficult to call due to the quick and varied dribble moves in today's game. Referees are instructed to call obvious carries that impact the game, with a focus on consistency. |
| Penalties | If a player is called for a carry, the ball is turned over to the other team. |
| Prevention | Players are taught to keep their dribble high and in front of their body, with a focus on using finger pads for control rather than the palm or wrist. |
| Recent Rule Changes | There have been no significant rule changes regarding carries in recent years. However, there is an ongoing debate about the interpretation of the rule and its enforcement. |
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What You'll Learn
Carrying is a ball-handling violation
> "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."
In other words, a player must dribble with their hand on top of the basketball. If their hand goes underneath the ball and they continue to dribble, or if they pause and then resume dribbling, it is a carrying violation. Carrying is also known as palming and is considered a turnover, with possession of the ball given to the opposing team.
Carrying is often difficult to detect in real-time, even for referees, as it can happen very quickly. The "pocket dribble" move, where the player's hand is behind the ball but not underneath it, can sometimes look like a carry to spectators but is not considered a violation as the ball never completely stops moving. Carrying is a common violation in youth basketball, as players are still learning proper dribbling techniques. Coaches should correct players who frequently carry the ball to prevent poor habits from forming.
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It occurs when a player puts their hand under the ball and carries it or pauses then dribbles again
In basketball, a carry occurs when a player puts their hand under the ball and carries it or pauses then dribbles again. This is a ball-handling violation, and the penalty is that possession of the ball is given to the opposing team. 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 bring it to a pause and then continue to dribble again." Carrying is considered a violation because it gives the offensive player an advantage by manipulating the ball's movement, making it harder for the defense to react.
It is important to note that carrying is different from a pocket dribble, where the player's hand is behind the ball but not underneath it. While this may look like a carry to some, it is not a violation as the ball never completely stops moving.
Carrying can be difficult to detect in real-time, especially in fast-paced games like the NBA. Referees are trained to spot carrying violations, but they can still be missed or misinterpreted.
To avoid carrying, players should keep their hands on top of the ball while dribbling. Coaches play a crucial role in correcting players who frequently carry the ball, as poor habits can be hard to break without proper dribbling techniques.
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It is also known as palming
In basketball, a carry, or palming, is an illegal action that occurs when a player excessively uses their dribble to control the ball, gaining an unfair advantage over their opponents. Palming refers to the action of holding or carrying the ball in the palm of the hand during dribbling, which is not allowed. The rule against carrying or palming exists to ensure fair play and maintain the integrity of the game.
When a player dribbles, they must use their fingers to direct and control the ball, with quick and abrupt movements. Palming or carrying implies that the player is using their palm to control the ball, often by holding or cradling it for an extended period, which provides extra stability and control. This action is considered a violation because it gives the dribbler an advantage over defenders, allowing them to change directions or speeds abruptly and unpredictably while maintaining better control of the ball.
The distinction between legal dribbling and carrying/palming can sometimes be subtle. A legal dribble involves using your fingers to impart force and direction to the ball with each bounce. As long as the player doesn't hold or cradle the ball for an extended period in their palm, it is considered a legal dribble. Carrying, on the other hand, occurs when the player uses their palm to control the ball, often by making a cupping or holding motion with their hand. This action provides an extra point of contact and control, allowing the player to manipulate the ball in ways that aren't possible with finger dribbling alone.
To avoid committing a carrying/palming violation, players should focus on using their finger pads to make quick and abrupt contact with the ball during dribbling. The key is to ensure that the ball doesn't rest in the palm for an extended period and that each dribble involves a distinct and quick transfer of force from the fingers to the ball. Referees are usually vigilant in looking for carrying violations, especially in competitive games, as it is a common way for players to gain an unfair advantage.
While palming or carrying the ball is illegal in basketball, there are certain situations where similar actions are allowed. For example, when catching a pass or grabbing a rebound, players are permitted to use their palms to secure the ball. Additionally, when performing certain advanced dribbling moves, like a crossover or behind-the-back dribble, the ball may momentarily rest in the palm as long as it is not being held or controlled solely by the palm.
Understanding the distinction between legal dribbling and carrying is crucial for players to avoid committing violations during a game. By adhering to the rules and focusing on finger control, players can maintain proper dribbling form and ensure fair play for all participants.
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It is often missed or misunderstood by spectators
In basketball, carrying is a ball-handling violation. The penalty for carrying is that possession of the ball is given to the opposing team, and this counts as a turnover. Carrying occurs when a player dribbles with their hand underneath the ball, or when they pause their dribble and then continue dribbling. Carrying is also known as palming.
The carry in basketball can be difficult to detect in real-time, and it often happens so fast that players, fans, and officials completely miss it. Referees are trained to spot the differences between a carry and a legal dribble, but it can still be challenging to catch every instance of carrying during a game. This is especially true in the fast-paced NBA, where players are masters of their craft and can execute moves that blur the lines between legal dribbling and carrying.
One such move is the "pocket dribble," where the player brings their hand close to their hip, almost behind the ball. This can look like a carry to spectators because the ball seems to momentarily rest, but it is not a violation if the ball never completely stops moving. NBA referees are trained to spot even the slightest bob of the ball, and a pocket dribble, if executed correctly, does not cross the line into a violation.
Another reason why carrying may be missed or misunderstood by spectators is that the rules of carrying can be complex and subjective. For example, a carry can occur if the player's hand goes underneath the ball during a dribble, but the hand is allowed to go on the top and sides of the ball. Additionally, the rule states that a player may not "carry it from one point to another," but it does not define what constitutes "one point to another." This subjectivity can lead to inconsistencies in calling carrying violations, even for seasoned fans and referees.
Overall, while carrying in basketball may seem straightforward, it can be challenging to detect and enforce consistently due to the speed of the game, the skill of the players, and the complexity and subjectivity of the rules.
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It is different from a pocket dribble
In basketball, a carry, or palming, is an illegal action that occurs when a player excessively uses their dribble hand to control the ball, typically by holding or carrying it with their palm or the inside of their hand. This violates the rule that a player must only use their dribbling hand to initiate contact with the ball, and any subsequent control should be through bouncing or rolling the ball. A carry can result in a turnover, giving possession of the ball to the other team. Now, it's important to differentiate this from a pocket dribble, as they are distinct and separate actions with clear rule differences.
A pocket dribble is a legal move in which a player dribbles the ball very low and close to their body, almost appearing to disappear into their 'pocket'. This move is often used by shorter players or those with a smaller reach as it protects the ball from defenders. The key difference between a carry and a pocket dribble is that in a pocket dribble, the player still maintains control of the ball using their fingertips, and the ball remains visible to the referees at all times. The hand may be under the ball, but the emphasis is on using the fingertips to control it, not the palm or inside of the hand.
Additionally, a pocket dribble is often used as a change of pace or direction, with the player bringing the ball close to their body and then quickly accelerating away, making it an effective tool for ball handlers to create space from their defenders. A carry, on the other hand, often results from a player trying to change direction or speed without properly controlling the ball, leading to illegal contact with the palm or inside of the hand. The pocket dribble, when executed correctly, showcases a player's skill in maintaining control and protecting the ball, whereas a carry is simply a violation of the rules.
The rules regarding carrying and pocket dribbling can be nuanced, and often the distinction between a legal and illegal move is subtle. Referees are trained to look for certain indicators, such as the use of fingertips versus the palm, and whether the ball is controlled or if it is loose and 'sloppy'. Carrying violations are called when it is clear that the player has gained an advantage through illegal contact with the ball, whereas pocket dribbles, when executed skillfully, are a testament to a player's ball-handling abilities and quick reflexes.
Players at all levels of basketball, from youth leagues to the professional game, are taught the difference between these two actions. While a pocket dribble is an advanced skill that requires practice and precision, it is a valuable tool for any ball handler to have in their arsenal. On the other hand, a carry is a common mistake made by players of all ages and skill levels, often due to a lack of awareness or understanding of the rules. Understanding and recognizing the difference between these two actions is an important part of a player's development and overall basketball knowledge.
In summary, a carry and a pocket dribble are two distinct actions in basketball with clear rule differences. A carry is an illegal action that gives the offending team a turnover, while a pocket dribble is a legal and skillful move that can provide advantages to the player in terms of ball protection and creating space from defenders. The nuances of these rules are important for players and referees to understand, ensuring fair and skillful play in the game of basketball.
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