
Traveling in basketball is a violation of the rules that occurs when a player takes more than a predefined number of steps without dribbling. The number of steps allowed varies depending on the league and organization. For example, the NBA and FIBA allow two steps, while the NCAA and NFHS have stricter rules, only permitting one step. Traveling can also occur when a player incorrectly uses their pivot foot, such as by lifting and returning it to the floor or dragging it along the floor. This rule can be difficult to enforce due to the fast-paced nature of the game.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of steps allowed | 2 |
| Pivot foot | Once established, it cannot be lifted and returned to the floor. |
| Dribbling | A player gets one dribble per personal possession of the ball. |
| Gathering | A player who gathers the ball while dribbling may take two steps in coming to a stop, passing, or shooting the ball. |
| Jumping | If a player leaves their feet with the basketball, they must pass or shoot it before either foot touches the ground again. |
| Falling | NCAA and NFHS rule: Falling to the floor while holding the ball, even if it was caught while airborne, is considered traveling. |
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What You'll Learn

Taking more than two steps without dribbling
Traveling is a violation of the rules of basketball, where a player takes more than a predefined number of steps while holding the ball. Taking more than two steps without dribbling will result in a turnover and possession of the ball for the opposing team.
The NBA and FIBA define traveling as taking more than two steps without dribbling. However, the NCAA and NFHS have stricter interpretations, not permitting the two-step motion without a dribble. This means that in the NBA and FIBA, a player who has taken more than two steps without dribbling will be called for a traveling violation.
It is important to note that pivoting does not count as a step. A pivot is a legal movement in which a player holding the ball steps once or more than once in any direction with the same foot, while the other foot, called the pivot foot, remains in contact with the floor. A player who catches the ball with both feet on the court may pivot using either foot. However, if a pivot foot is established, it cannot be lifted and returned to the floor without resulting in a traveling violation.
The interpretation and enforcement of traveling rules have evolved over time, and different leagues may have slightly different interpretations. For example, the FIBA incorporated a "gather step" into its traveling rules in 2018, bringing its interpretation closer to that of the NBA.
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Incorrect use of the pivot foot
Traveling in basketball occurs when a player takes more than a predefined number of steps while holding the ball without dribbling. The pivot foot is a key concept in understanding traveling violations. It is the foot that remains in contact with the floor while a player controls the ball while stopped. The player may spin or change position as long as their pivot foot does not move from its initial position or lose contact with the floor. Once a pivot foot is established, if the player raises it off the ground, the moment it touches the floor again while they still have possession of the ball, it is a traveling violation.
- Lifting and Replacing the Pivot Foot: If a player lifts their pivot foot and puts it back down before passing or shooting the ball, they have committed a traveling violation. This is because the pivot foot must remain in contact with the floor once established.
- Changing the Pivot Foot: If a player shifts or moves their established pivot foot to the other foot, it is deemed a traveling violation. The pivot foot must remain constant and cannot be changed.
- Dragging the Pivot Foot: If a player drags their pivot foot along the floor instead of keeping it planted, it is considered a traveling violation. The pivot foot must maintain its initial point of contact with the floor.
- Starting a Dribble: If a player lifts their pivot foot before releasing the ball to start a dribble, it is a violation. The pivot foot must remain on the floor until the ball is released for a dribble.
It is important to note that the interpretation and enforcement of traveling rules have evolved over time, and different leagues may have specific variations. Additionally, the mere act of lifting the pivot foot is not always a violation; it is the subsequent actions that determine whether a traveling violation has occurred.
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Rolling or standing up with the ball
The rules for rolling or standing up with the ball in basketball vary depending on the league and organization. For example, in the NBA, a player who dives and catches a loose ball on the floor may stand up without it being considered a travel. However, once they stand up, they must follow the regular travelling rules. This means that they must either pass or shoot before their pivot foot returns to the floor.
In NCAA and NFHS, the rules are different. If a player rolls or attempts to stand up while holding the ball, it is considered a travel. The ball becomes dead, and a throw-in is awarded to the opposing team out of bounds, nearest to the point where the violation occurred.
It is important to note that the interpretation and enforcement of travelling rules have evolved over time, with different leagues adopting their rules. The NCAA and NFHS have stricter interpretations of travelling rules, not permitting a two-step motion without a dribble.
To avoid a travelling violation, players should be aware of the specific rules of the league they are playing in. Additionally, they should pay attention to the positioning of their pivot foot and the number of steps taken while holding the ball.
In conclusion, the action of rolling or standing up with the ball in basketball can result in a travelling violation depending on the league and the specific circumstances of the play. Players should familiarize themselves with the relevant rules to ensure they do not commit a violation during a game.
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Returning to the ground without shooting or passing
Traveling in basketball is a violation of the rules that occurs when a player takes more than a predefined number of steps without dribbling. The exact number of permitted steps varies depending on the league and its governing body. For example, the NBA and FIBA define traveling as taking more than two steps without dribbling, while the NCAA and NFHS have stricter interpretations, not permitting any steps without dribbling.
The pivot foot is an important concept in understanding traveling violations. A pivot foot is established when a player catches the ball or brings it to a stop. Once a pivot foot is established, the player can pivot or rotate on that foot, but they cannot lift it off the ground and put it back down. If they do, it is considered traveling.
It is important to note that the interpretation and enforcement of traveling rules have evolved over time, and there may be slight variations depending on the league and its specific rules. Additionally, the introduction of the "gather step" in FIBA's 2018 rules has blurred the definition of traveling and ball control at the professional level, allowing for additional steps to gain control of the ball or progress toward a shot, dribble, or pass.
While the specific rules regarding traveling may vary, the underlying principle is to prevent players from gaining an unfair advantage through excessive or illegal movement while in possession of the ball. Coaches should pay attention to the type of traveling violations that occur frequently and provide proper guidance during practice to help players improve their footwork and avoid traveling.
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Gathering step/gathering the ball
Traveling is a violation of the rules in basketball, where a player takes more than a predefined number of steps while holding the ball. Taking more steps without dribbling than the limit will result in a turnover and possession of the ball for the other team. In the NBA and FIBA, a traveling violation is called when a player has taken more than two steps without dribbling. The NCAA and NFHS have stricter rules, not permitting any steps without a dribble.
A "gather" or "gather step" is an extra third step that a player can make after picking up their dribble. In the NBA, the count begins with the first step taken after a player has stopped dribbling. This first step is often referred to as the "zero" step, with two additional steps being allowed afterward. This means the pivot foot can hit the ground before the ball is shot or passed without a travel being called.
The gather step was introduced by FIBA in 2018 to bring more clarity and consistency to the rules, and to align with the NBA's interpretation. This rule allows for an extra step that can be used to regain balance, but it can be confusing for younger players as it is considered a travel at the high school and college levels.
The pivot foot is an important concept in traveling rules. A pivot is a legal movement where a player holding the ball steps once or more than once in any direction with the same foot, while the other foot, the pivot foot, remains in contact with the floor. The moment one foot is lifted, the other becomes the pivot foot. To start a dribble, the pivot foot may not be lifted before the ball is released. To pass or shoot, the player may jump off the pivot foot, but neither foot may touch the floor again before the ball is released.
A gather can also refer to the point where a player puts two hands on the ball or otherwise gains control of it. This can include putting a hand under the ball and bringing it to a pause, or cradling it against the body.
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