Amanda Knapp
Traveling is a basketball violation that occurs when a player takes more than the predefined number of steps without dribbling the ball. The number of allowed steps varies depending on the league, with the NBA and FIBA allowing two steps, while the NCAA and NFHS do not permit any steps without dribbling. Traveling can also occur through incorrect use of the pivot foot, such as lifting and returning it to the floor while holding the ball, or moving it in a horizontal direction. The interpretation and enforcement of traveling rules have evolved over time, reflecting the sport's evolution and the establishment of different league rules.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of steps allowed | Two steps |
| Dribbling | Players can dribble as much as they want and take any number of steps |
| Pivot foot | Once established, the pivot foot cannot be lifted and placed back down |
| Gathering | A "gather" is putting the ball in an arrested state, which can be done in multiple ways |
| NCAA rules | If a player jumps with possession of the ball, it must leave their hands before they return to the ground |
| Korfball | Either foot can be used as a pivot, no matter which foot touches the ground first |
| Air ball | A player who takes a shot may not be the first to touch the ball if it fails to touch the backboard, basket ring, or another player |
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What You'll Learn
Taking more than two steps without dribbling
In basketball, taking more than two steps without dribbling the ball is considered travelling and is a violation of the rules. This rule is in place across the NBA, WNBA, NCAA, G-League, EuroLeague, and FIBA. However, the NCAA and NFHS have stricter interpretations, not permitting any two-step motion without a dribble.
The rule states that once a pivot foot is established, if a player raises their pivot foot off the ground, and the moment it touches the floor again while they still have the basketball in their possession, it is a travelling violation. A pivot is the 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, is kept at its point of contact with the floor.
The moment one foot is lifted, the other foot becomes the pivot foot. To start a dribble, the pivot foot may not be lifted before the ball is released from the player's hands. To pass or shoot for a field goal, the player may jump off a pivot foot, but neither foot may be returned to the floor before the ball is released from the hand(s). A player who catches the ball while progressing or upon completion of a dribble may take two steps to come to a stop, pass or shoot the ball.
There are some nuances to the rule. For example, a player must have control of the ball for the travelling rule to be in effect. If a player bobbles a pass, they may take several steps legally, as the rule is not in effect until they have secured control of the ball. Similarly, a player who dives and catches a loose ball on the floor may legally slide as far as their momentum carries them. However, once they stop, they may not roll over or attempt to stand, as this would be considered travelling.
The interpretation and enforcement of this rule have evolved over the years, reflecting the changing nature of the game and the establishment of rules by different leagues.
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Incorrect use of the pivot foot
Traveling in basketball is a violation of the rules, and it is often called when a player takes more than two steps without dribbling. However, the incorrect use of the pivot foot is also a common way to be called for traveling.
The pivot foot is the foot that a player pivots with, allowing them to move their other foot in any direction. Once a player has established their pivot foot, they cannot lift it off the ground and put it back down without committing a traveling violation. This is because, when the pivot foot is lifted, the other foot becomes the pivot foot. Therefore, if a player puts their original pivot foot back down on the floor, they have now moved both feet, which is a travel.
There are some nuances to this rule. For example, a player can jump off their pivot foot to pass or shoot for a field goal, but neither foot may touch the floor again before the ball is released from their hands. Additionally, in some leagues, a player can lift their pivot foot without it being called a travel, but this is not the case in all leagues.
The interpretation and enforcement of traveling rules have evolved over time, and different leagues may have slightly different interpretations of the rules. As a result, what constitutes a travel can sometimes be confusing or controversial. However, recognizing the pivot foot and watching what it does is key to correctly calling travels as a referee.
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Rolling or standing up with the ball
A player who dives and catches a loose ball on the floor may legally slide as far as their momentum carries them. This is not a travel. However, once they stop, they may not roll over or attempt to stand. Lifting the pivot foot alone does not constitute a travel; a player may pass, shoot, or request a timeout in that position. It is a travel once the foot is returned to the floor, or if a dribble is started.
If a player falls to the floor while holding the ball, or while coming to a stop, they may not gain an advantage by sliding. A player who attempts a field goal may not be the first to touch the ball if it fails to touch the backboard, basket ring, or another player.
In the NBA, a player who catches the ball while progressing, or upon completion of a dribble, may take two steps in coming to a stop, passing, or shooting the ball. If a player receives the ball while standing still, they may pivot, using either foot as the pivot foot. A player who gathers the ball while progressing may take two steps in coming to a stop, passing, or shooting the ball, or, if they have not yet dribbled, one step prior to releasing the ball.
In college (NCAA) rules, there is no longer possession or team control once the ball is in flight for a shot attempt.
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Returning to the ground without shooting or passing
The rules of basketball prohibit players from taking more than a predefined number of steps while holding the ball. This is known as travelling. The number of steps varies depending on the league and organisation. For example, the NBA and FIBA allow two steps, while the NCAA and NFHS do not allow any steps without dribbling.
If a player leaves their feet with the basketball, they must pass or shoot it before either foot touches the ground again. This is because, once a pivot foot is established, if you raise it off the ground, the exact moment it touches the floor again while you still have the ball, it is a travelling violation. This is true for both the NBA and FIBA rules.
The moment one foot is lifted, the other foot becomes the pivot foot. A player can jump off their pivot foot to pass or shoot for a field goal, but neither foot may touch the floor again before the ball is released from their hands.
It is important to note that dribbling is not a requirement for a player to avoid a travelling violation. As long as the player does not take more than the allowed number of steps, they can hold the ball without dribbling.
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Lifting the pivot foot
The act of lifting the pivot foot alone does not constitute a travel in basketball. A player may pass, shoot, or request a timeout in this position without committing a violation. However, a travel is called once the pivot foot is returned to the floor while still holding the ball, or if a dribble is started before the foot is lifted. This means that the pivot foot must be kept on the ground until the ball is released from the hands.
Different leagues may have slight variations in their rules and interpretations. For example, the NBA allows a player to lift their pivot foot without being called for travelling, but the NCAA has stricter interpretations, not permitting any steps without a dribble.
It is important to note that the rules regarding travelling have evolved over time to reflect the changing nature of the game. As such, the interpretation and enforcement of travelling rules may vary depending on the level of play, with referees adjusting their strictness accordingly.
Mastering the pivot and understanding the nuances of travelling rules can give players an advantage in their gameplay, allowing them to navigate the court with greater fluidity and strategy.
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